Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are perfectly golden on the outside with a satisfying crunch, thanks to a three-step dredging process of flour, egg, and seasoned panko-Parmesan breadcrumbs. The air fryer creates that irresistible fried texture with a fraction of the oil, making them a quick and healthier snack that's genuinely hard to stop eating.
Equipment
- Air fryer - Basket or oven-style, 5.5-quart capacity recommended
- Mandoline slicer - For even 1/4-inch slices; highly recommended
- Sharp chef's knife - Alternative to mandoline slicer
- 3 shallow bowls - For the dredging station
- Paper towels
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Wire cooling rack - Optional but helpful
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini - about 500g or 1.1 lbs total, sliced into 1/4-inch (6mm) rounds
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour - 40g
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs - 75g, preferably Kikkoman brand for best texture
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 50g
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray - or avocado oil spray for coating
- Marinara sauce - for serving
- Ranch dressing - for serving
Instructions
- Wash and dry zucchini, then trim ends. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Place slices in a single layer on paper towels, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat each slice firmly dry with fresh paper towels.
- Set up three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 with flour and remaining salt, Bowl 2 with beaten eggs and milk, Bowl 3 with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and pepper. Mix each until well combined.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Working one slice at a time, dredge each zucchini round in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into panko-Parmesan mixture, coating both sides completely. Place breaded slices on a wire rack or plate.
- Arrange breaded slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Lightly spray tops with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping carefully at halfway point and spraying with oil again. Cook until deep golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer cooked chips to a wire rack for 1-2 minutes to allow steam to escape. Taste and sprinkle with salt if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Salt and dry thoroughly: Don't skip the 10-minute salting and drying step. Removing excess moisture from the zucchini is the single most important factor for achieving crispy chips instead of soggy ones.
- Use panko for best results: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a much crispier coating in the air fryer. Kikkoman brand is highly recommended.
- Keep slices even: Uniform 1/4-inch thickness is crucial for even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer is the easiest way to achieve consistent slices.
- Avoid overcrowding: Always arrange chips in a single layer with no overlapping. Crowding prevents hot air circulation and results in steamed, soggy chips. Cook in batches if needed.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spraying the breaded chips with oil before air frying helps the Parmesan melt and the panko brown beautifully. Don't skip this step.
- Serve fresh: These chips are best eaten immediately after cooking. They will begin to soften as they cool and sit.
- Substitute yellow squash: Yellow squash works wonderfully as a direct substitute for zucchini with a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for a spicy version that pairs perfectly with ranch dressing.
- Dairy-free option: Replace Parmesan with an equal amount of nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Reheating instructions: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore some crunch. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soft and rubbery.