These crispy baked zucchini chips are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! They’re thinly sliced, seasoned, and baked until golden and crunchy—perfect for snacking!
I love how easy they are to make and how they satisfy that crispy craving without the guilt! Pair them with your favorite dip, and you’ll be munching happily in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star of this recipe. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use yellow squash instead. It has a similar texture and flavor.
Olive oil: This oil helps achieve that crispy texture. You can swap it for avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point or grapeseed oil for a milder flavor.
Seasonings: Sea salt and black pepper are classic choices, but you can customize! Use paprika for a smoky flavor or Italian seasoning for an herby twist. If you’re avoiding garlic, feel free to leave it out.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary is delightful, but you can sprinkle on thyme or oregano for a nice change. Dried herbs work too; just reduce the amount slightly.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Chips Are Crispy?
The secret to crispy zucchini chips is in the slicing and baking. Thin slices promote better crispness. Use a mandoline for uniform thickness if you can. It’s key to spreading the slices out in a single layer on the baking sheet without crowding; this ensures even cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C), which is lower than regular baking temperatures, allowing for drying rather than quick cooking.
- Bake the chips for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
- If they’re not crispy enough after cooling, give them a quick blast at a higher temperature for the last few minutes.
Enjoy your crispy baked zucchini chips; they’re a satisfying healthy snack that feels indulgent but is full of good-for-you ingredients!
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – Healthy Snack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes of prep time and about 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. After baking, you’ll want to allow a few minutes for the chips to cool and crisp up. So, total time is around 2 hours and 10 minutes, with most of that time being hands-off while they bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Zucchini:
First, preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). This low temperature helps to dry the zucchini out rather than roast it. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Slicing the Zucchini:
Wash and dry your zucchinis. Make sure they’re clean! Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the zucchinis as thinly as you can—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they will get!
3. Coating the Slices:
Place the zucchini slices into a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then toss gently to coat all the slices evenly. This oil helps them crisp up nicely when they bake.
4. Arranging the Chips:
Spread the zucchini slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Avoid overlapping the slices; this will help them bake evenly and avoid sogginess.
5. Seasoning:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) evenly over the slices.
6. Baking to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Around the halfway point, flip the chips to ensure they crisp on both sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end—oven times can vary!
7. Cooling and Garnishing:
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They will become even crunchier as they cool. Garnish with fresh or dried rosemary if you like!
8. Serving and Storing:
Serve these tasty chips immediately as a healthy, crunchy snack. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy for another day.
Enjoy your delicious and guilt-free crispy baked zucchini chips, perfect for a satisfying, healthy snack!
FAQ – Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Can I Use Different Types of Zucchini?
Yes! While traditional green zucchini is commonly used, yellow squash works well too. Both will yield crispy chips with slightly different flavors.
What If I Don’t Have a Mandoline Slicer?
No worries! You can use a sharp knife instead. Just be sure to slice the zucchinis as thinly and uniformly as possible for even crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may lose some crispiness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Can I Add Other Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Consider adding paprika, chili powder, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Just remember to adjust to your taste!
