My air fryer zucchini chips are a great way to use in-season zucchini so it’s crispy and flavorful. This is my go-to recipe in the summer and it has me eating it all-year round too!Â
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My Favorite Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
I created these air fryer zucchini chips when I was up to my ears in zucchini from my backyard garden. I needed something with a little bit more flavor and crispiness and so these were invented!
Now, it’s my favorite way to make zucchini. The breading adds to the flavor and texture of the zucchini to turn it into a crispy little bite!
Even my kids have started eating them with a side of ranch dressing and they never used to eat zucchini. I sort of think they don’t realize it’s a vegetable with the breading, but I will take it!
And, if you love a good air fryer vegetable recipe, try my air fryer squash, air fryer zucchini fries, hash browns in the air fryer, air fryer french fries, air fryer roasted squash and zucchini, and air fryer asparagus.
why this is an everyday recipe you’ll love
I created this recipe to be as easy as possible when it comes to breading food. It’s also oil-free while still getting that crispy texture and it cooks much faster than cooking in the oven. Plus, the air fryer doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen like the oven does in the summer!
Ingredients for Air Fry Zucchini
- Zucchini — I find medium-sized zucchinis work the best
- Panko breadcrumbs — I’ve used italian breadcrumbs as well
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Egg
- All-purpose flour
How to Make Zucchini Chips in the air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Rinse off the zucchini and pat it dry before slicing. Cut the courgettes into ¼“ slices using a sharp knife.
STEP THREE: Add the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder to a bowl. Combine with a whisk.
STEP FOUR: In a second bowl, whisk one egg until it’s light and fluffy. In a third bowl, add the flour.
STEP FIVE: Dip and dredge each zucchini slice in the following order: flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs.
STEP SIX: Lay each piece of breaded zucchini into the air fryer in one single layer. Air fry them for roughly 8 minutes at 380 degrees, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown on each side.
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Cut the zucchini into even slices. My husband made these without cutting even slices and some ended up soggy while some were too firm.
- Coat the zucchini slices fully with breadcrumbs. I find that if a part of the slice is missing breadcrumbs, it will stay floury and not get crispy.
- Leave space between each chip in the air fryer. Air fryers work best when there is space for the hot air to circulate to get food nice and crispy.
- If the chips are looking a little dry, spritz them with a little oil using an oil sprayer.
Variations For Air Fried Zucchini
- Add grated parmesan cheese and italian seasoning to the panko mixture to give the zucchini rounds a cheesy flavor in the breading. I am a cheese lover and do this from time to time.
- Add a little cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs to give it a little more kick. I love to add this to the last few zucchini chips so I have a combination of spicy and non-spicy ones!
- Swap out the panko breadcrumbs for pork rinds and all-purpose flour for almond flour to make this recipe more keto-friendly and gluten-free.
- Swap out the egg for butter or milk. I like to use milk when I have some that’s expiring and have no other use for. Buttermilk also works great.
- Use any summer squash in place of the zucchini. I’ve use yellow summer squash and it’s delicious!
What to Serve with Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer
I love making these chips as a side dish for dinner. For a normal summer night, I love to pair them with air fryer hot dogs, air fryer burgers, or chicken tenders in the air fryer with a caprese salad on the side.
Sometimes I will also pair it with air fryer pork chops, air fryer pork loin, or chicken spaghetti with Rotel.
What Are The Best Dips and Sauces for Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer?
While I’ve eaten these on their own as a snack, I find they really shine with a dipping sauce. My kids love to dip them in ranch dressing while I love to dip them honey sriracha sauce, marinara sauce, and tzatziki sauce.
I’ve even dipped them in sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, and Big Mac sauce.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips FAQs
How to Store Air Fry Zucchini
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I’ve also put them in the freezer to freeze them to cook for a later time for up to 3 months.
How Do You Reheat Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer? Â
I like to cook a little extra than I need so I can reheat them the next day. I just pop them in the air fryer preheated to 350 degrees for about 3-4 minutes until they’re warmed up and crispy again.
Why is My Air Fryer Zucchini Soggy?
I find my zucchini chips can get soggy if they’re overcooked or the breadcrumbs are not fully coated on the squash. They may also not crisp up if the air fryer is too crowded. Air fryers need room between the food to breathe and circulate the air.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer bacon
- Air fryer chicken
- Air fryer hard boiled eggs
- Air fryer shrimp
- Air fryer tater tots
- Air fryer fried chicken
- Chicken thighs in the air fryer
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Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized zucchini
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Cut zucchini into thin slices, approximately 1/4 inches.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Whisk one egg into a separate bowl and put the flour in a third bowl.
- Dip zucchini into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded zucchini in an air fryer in a single layer and cook at 380 degrees for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Could you also do the same thing with yellow squash?
Hi Jen, I’ve never tried this with yellow squash before, but I am sure it can be done since yellow squash and zucchini tend to cook the same!
I made it with yellow squash and it came out perfect. To me it is just as good as zucchini.
Made these tonight with half an extra large zucchini but did thin slices. These are amazing. Final batch I added some Cheyenne Pepper to them and they have just the right kick.
The extra spice sounds like a great addition, Mike! So glad you loved the recipe.