Make amazing Air Fryer Zucchini Chips for your family with this simple recipe! A crunchy coating of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese makes these healthier fried zucchini chips poppable and irresistible.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
These breaded zucchini chips in the air fryer are so good, packed with flavor, and are a simple and delicious snack you’re going to love.
If you’re looking for a non-breaded zucchini recipe, check out this Air Fryer Zucchini. It’s perfectly roasted zucchini in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Zucchini Ingredients
This recipe has:
- Zucchini
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, and baking powder
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
*I’ll walk you through it here with some photos and tips, and you’ll also find a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post with exact measurements, etc. You can also click “jump to recipe” to skip down.
Start by slicing the ends off of the zucchini, and then cut them into rounds. Place the slices on a plate lined with a clean towel and sprinkle them with salt.
Lay another towel on top and then a heavy pot or pan on top (I use my cast iron Dutch oven). Allow the slices to sit for 10-15 minutes to draw extra moisture out.
Mix the panko, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
Set up a little assembly line – bowl with egg, then panko mix, and plate. Throw a few rounds in the egg bowl with your left hand. Remove with your left hand and drop in the panko mix. Toss to coat with your right hand and place on a clean plate.
Spray the zucchini liberally with olive oil (I used my Misto), and allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer at 350˚F for 3 minutes. Brush the basket of the air fryer basket with olive oil or use air fryer parchment.
Place zucchini chips in a single layer in the basket. Bake at 350˚F for 6 minutes.
Equipment Needed
For fried zucchini in the air fryer, you’ll need:
- An air fryer – I have this one, but any basket or oven-style model should work
- Cutting board & knife (or a mandoline)
- A few medium-sized mixing bowls
- Olive oil spray bottle – I used my Misto
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT
Storing Leftovers: Allow the fried zucchini to fully cool, and store leftovers covered in an air-tight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating Leftovers: Cook completely and then let sit at room temperature for up to a few hours. Simply pop the zucchini chips back in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350˚F to crisp them back up.
Freezing Leftovers: I do not recommend freezing leftover fried zucchini from the air fryer.
What to Serve With Air Fried Zucchini Chips
You’ll love these poppable bites with a side of Homemade Pizza Sauce, Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce, Pesto Mayo, or Yogurt Ranch Dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The prep work in making these air fried zucchini chips is what keeps them super crispy.
By pressing the extra moisture out of the slices before breading them, you’ll keep them from getting soggy.
Liberally spraying the coating with olive oil (I use my Misto) and allowing the chips to sit for 2-3 minutes before air frying allows the oil to soak into the panko. Well-sprayed panko helps mimic the texture of deep-fried breading.
Preheating the air fryer also allows them to start cooking immediately which helps give you the crunchiest breading.
Select zucchini that are smaller (max of ~2 inches wide) for these zucchini chips.
Large zucchini often lack flavor and a desirable texture and are best saved for zucchini bread or Chocolate Zucchini Muffins.
Yes! Replace the egg with your favorite plant-based mayo or yogurt, and sub in nutritional yeast for the Parmesan, or use shredded vegan cheese.
Absolutely! There are brands of gluten-free panko, or you can use crushed up potato chips, pork rinds, or traditional gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes:
- Thinner slices of zucchini work best for overall consistent frying.
- You can dredge the chips in a bit of all-purpose flour before the egg mixture if you want a thicker breading.
- The extra step of pressing the moisture out of the zucchini chips between two towels really improves the “stickability” of the panko. It’s not necessary but if you have the time, it improves the overall texture.
- Look for grated Parmesan and not shredded or shaved. You want the cheese to have a breadcrumb-like texture.
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving has 2 WW Freestyle SmartPoints.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Make amazing air fryer zucchini chips for your family with this simple recipe! A crunchy coating of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese makes these healthier fried zucchini chips poppable and irresistible.
-
Slice the ends off of the zucchini, and then cut into rounds. Place on a plate lined with a clean towel and sprinkle with salt.
2 small zucchini, 1/2 tsp sea salt
-
Lay another towel on top and then a heavy pot or pan on top. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes to draw extra moisture out.
-
Mix panko, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
1 cup panko, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, black pepper to taste, 1 egg
-
Set up a little assembly line – bowl with egg, then panko mix, and plate. Throw a few rounds in the egg bowl with your left hand. Remove with your left hand and drop in the panko mix. Toss to coat with your right hand and place on a clean plate.
-
Spray the zucchini liberally with olive oil, and allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes.
olive oil spray
-
Preheat the air fryer at 350˚F for 3 minutes.
-
Brush the basket of the air fryer basket with olive oil or use air fryer parchment.
-
Place zucchini chips in a single layer in the basket.
-
Bake at 350˚F for 6 minutes.
- Thinner slices of zucchini work best for overall consistent frying.
- You can dredge the chips in a bit of all-purpose flour before the egg mixture if you want a thicker breading.
- The extra step of pressing the moisture out of the zucchini chips between two towels really improves the “stickability” of the panko. It’s not necessary but if you have the time, it improves the overall texture.
Oven Baking Instructions: place a baking rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and spray heavily with olive oil. Lay chips on top, spray with olive oil, and bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes (flipping halfway through).
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Amount Per Serving (10 chips)
Calories 95
Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 37mg12%
Sodium 183mg8%
Potassium 290mg8%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 250IU5%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 117mg12%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Shop this Post:
(may include affiliate links)
