Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are a tasty and healthier snack option. They are light and crunchy, perfect for munching while watching your favorite show without the guilt!
I love how easy they are to make! Just slice zucchini, season it, and bake until crispy. Plus, you can enjoy them with your favorite dip. Who knew veggies could be this fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchinis are best for this recipe. If zucchinis are not available, you can easily substitute with eggplant or yellow squash.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend panko for a light and crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even ground oats if gluten-free is needed.
Parmesan Cheese: For a great salty flavor, grated Parmesan works well. However, if you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Spices: The garlic and onion powder add great flavor. You can replace them with fresh minced garlic or onion, but remember to adjust the quantities since they’re more potent fresh.
How Do You Ensure Zucchini Chips Turn Out Crispy?
The secret to crispy baked zucchini chips lies in proper preparation and baking. First, slice your zucchini evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thinly slicing them (about 1/4 inch) allows for even crispness.
- Make sure to pat the zucchini slices dry after washing. Removing moisture helps them get crispy in the oven.
- Coat them lightly; too much egg or breadcrumb mixture can make them soggy.
- Flip halfway through baking to promote even browning on both sides.
- Let them cool slightly after baking—they will continue to harden as they cool down.
How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Chips:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need approximately 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious and crispy baked zucchini chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help prevent the zucchini chips from sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Next, slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to make them as even as possible so they cook at the same rate. Set these slices aside for now.
3. Mix the Breadcrumb Coating:
In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix so all the flavors combine nicely.
4. Make the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the large egg and then stir in the olive oil. Mix these two until they are well combined. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
5. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to let any extra drip off. After that, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick. Repeat this step for all the slices.
6. Arrange and Bake:
Place the coated zucchini chips in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
7. Enjoy Your Chips:
Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the zucchini chips from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy baked zucchini chips as a tasty snack or a delightful side dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or even use shredded mozzarella for a gooey texture. Just remember that the flavor and crispiness may vary based on the cheese you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free zucchini chips, simply replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Just ensure all other ingredients you use (like the seasoning) are also certified gluten-free.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, simply pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Can I Season the Chips Differently?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the seasoning. You can add paprika, cayenne pepper for heat, or even experiment with ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile. Just adjust to your taste preference!
