These air fryer zucchini chips are light, crispy, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. Ready in about 20 minutes, they deliver the perfect crunchy texture without the need for breading or deep frying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a quick appetizer, or a low-carb side dish, these zucchini chips are a delicious way to enjoy your veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and crunchy
These zucchini chips come out perfectly crisp and golden without feeling greasy or heavy. The air fryer gives them that satisfying crunch everyone loves.

Made with just a few ingredients
You only need zucchini, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the base recipe. It’s simple, wholesome, and naturally gluten-free.

Quick and convenient
From slicing to serving, the whole process takes around 20 minutes. No need to preheat the oven or heat up your kitchen.

No breading required
There’s no flour, eggs, or breadcrumbs involved, making this recipe easier, lighter, and lower in carbs.

Perfect for snacking or serving
Enjoy them on their own, pair them with dips, or serve them as a crispy side dish alongside your favorite meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Slice the zucchini
   Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the zucchini into thin rounds about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. Try to keep the slices even for consistent cooking.
2. Remove excess moisture
   Lay the slices on a paper towel and gently pat them dry. Removing excess moisture helps the chips crisp up properly.
3. Preheat the air fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (162°C) for a few minutes.
4. Season the zucchini
   In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure the slices are evenly coated and separated from one another.
5. Arrange in the basket
   Place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Air fry
   Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Start checking around the 8-minute mark and remove any slices that are already golden brown and crisp. Continue cooking the remaining slices until done.
7. Cool to crisp
   Let the zucchini chips cool for several minutes after cooking. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8–12 minutes per batch
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes

Variations

Italian
Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder before air frying for a savory herb flavor.

Spicy
Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or a light pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Ranch
Toss the zucchini slices with 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning before air frying, or sprinkle it on immediately after cooking.

Parmesan
Add 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a cheesy, crispy finish.

Smoked paprika
Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage
Once fully cooled and crispy, store the zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Make sure there is minimal moisture left in the chips before storing.

Reheating
If the chips soften, place them back in the air fryer at the lowest temperature setting for about 1 to 2 minutes to crisp them up again.

Meal prep
You can slice the zucchini ahead of time and store the slices in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For the best texture, air fry them the day you plan to serve them.

FAQs

Why are my zucchini chips not crispy?

They may be sliced too thick, overcrowded in the basket, or not dried properly before cooking. Make sure to slice them thin (1/8 inch) and pat them dry.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Yes, yellow squash works well and can be prepared the same way with similar cooking times.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, the peel helps the slices hold their shape and adds extra texture.

How thin should I slice the zucchini?

About 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. Thinner slices crisp better and cook more evenly.

Can I make these without oil?

You can reduce the oil slightly, but a small amount helps with browning and crisping. Completely omitting it may result in drier chips.

Why do the chips shrink so much?

Zucchini contains a lot of water. As it cooks and loses moisture, the slices naturally shrink.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer will cause the chips to steam instead of crisp.

What temperature is best for air fryer zucchini chips?

325°F (162°C) works well to dry them out slowly and evenly without burning.

Can I add cheese to the chips?

Yes, grated parmesan added during the last couple of minutes of cooking works especially well.

Are these zucchini chips low carb?

Yes, zucchini is naturally low in carbohydrates, making these chips a great option for low-carb and gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

Air fryer zucchini chips are a simple, wholesome way to transform fresh zucchini into a crispy, satisfying snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy golden, crunchy chips that are lighter than traditional fried snacks. Whether you stick to the classic salt and pepper version or experiment with different seasonings, this recipe is an easy and delicious addition to your kitchen routine.

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