These baked zucchini chips are crispy, crunchy, and a fantastic snack! Just slice up some zucchini, sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, and bake them until golden.
What’s great is you can eat these guilt-free while binge-watching your favorite show. I love to dip them in hummus or guacamole—so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of the show! Choose firm, fresh zucchinis. If you can’t find zucchini, try using yellow squash as a nice alternative—it has a similar texture and taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for its flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cooking spray instead. Other oils like avocado oil work great too!
Seasonings: I love garlic powder and paprika for added flavor. You can personalize them! Try Italian herbs, chili powder, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Fresh Rosemary: This garnish adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you could sprinkle some dried herbs or simply skip it. The chips will still taste great!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Crisp Zucchini Chips?
The key to getting your zucchini chips crispy lies in two main steps: slicing and baking. First, slice them really thin, around 1/8 inch or less. Thin slices help them crisp up nicely during baking.
- When you season the zucchini, ensure they’re well-coated in oil to help achieve that crunch.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet without overlapping to allow air to circulate around them. This helps them brown evenly.
- Patience is essential! Bake at a low temperature for an extended period. Flipping them halfway gives both sides even cooking.
Monitor them closely during the last half hour of baking to avoid burning. You want golden, not charred! Letting them cool down also helps them crisp up more. Enjoy your snack!
Easy Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 1.5 to 2 hours to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 10 minutes from start to enjoying your crunchy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent the chips from sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. Using a mandoline for super thin slices or a sharp knife, slice the zucchinis to about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be!
3. Season the Zucchini:
In a large mixing bowl, add your zucchini slices. Drizzle the olive oil on top and toss them gently so they’re evenly coated. Next, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if you’re using it), and paprika. Toss again to ensure each slice is seasoned well.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Now, lay the seasoned zucchini slices out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure none of the slices overlap—they need space to crisp up!
5. Bake the Chips:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake those bad boys for about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s a good idea to flip the slices halfway through so they bake evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once they’re golden and crisp, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. You can sprinkle a little extra salt if you’d like. Garnish with fresh rosemary if you want to impress your guests (or yourself!).
7. Let Cool:
Allow them to cool for a few minutes to get even crisper. Then, dig in and enjoy your homemade, healthy crispy snacks!
Enjoy your guilt-free easy baked zucchini chips!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables for Chips?
Absolutely! You can try making chips from other vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets. Just adjust the baking time, as root vegetables may take longer to crisp up than zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you find they’ve lost some crispiness, pop them back in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh them!
Can I Make These Chips Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the zucchini chips in advance, bake them, and store them in an airtight container. They’re perfect for snacking throughout the week!
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you prefer to use a different oil, avocado oil or coconut oil work well too. You can even use cooking spray for a lighter coating, though it may slightly alter the texture.
