These crispy baked zucchini chips are a fun and healthy snack! Just slice fresh zucchini, toss it with a bit of oil and seasoning, then bake until golden and crunchy. Yum!
They’re perfect for munching while binge-watching your favorite show. I love serving them with a dip—so good! Plus, they’re way better than potato chips, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here. Look for firm zucchinis with shiny skin. If you can’t find zucchini, try using summer squash or even eggplant for a different flavor.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste or want a lighter option, try avocado oil or coconut oil. Both would work nicely!
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are a must for flavor. You can play around with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne for heat, or Italian seasoning. Experiment and find your favorite blend!
Why Is Thin Slicing Important for Crispiness?
Thin slices help the zucchini chips cook evenly and become crispy. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness for the best results. If your slices are too thick, they may become chewy instead of crunchy.
- Using a mandoline slicer makes it easier to get uniform thickness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each slice some space to allow air to circulate.
How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to bake, depending on your oven and how crispy you like your chips. In total, you should set aside around 2 to 2.5 hours to fully enjoy these delicious zucchini chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). This low temperature helps to dehydrate the zucchini slices, making them nice and crispy. Don’t forget to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonders here for consistent thickness. The thinner the slices, the crispier they’ll become!
3. Season the Chips:
Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat each slice evenly. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you like that extra flavor), and toss again so all the slices are seasoned.
4. Bake the Chips:
Now, arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Make sure not to overlap them; this ensures that they bake evenly. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through the baking time to promote even crispiness.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once they are golden and crispy, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will become even crispier as they cool!
6. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to enjoy your healthy, crispy baked zucchini chips! They make a fantastic snack on their own or served with your favorite dip.
Your homemade zucchini chips are ready to munch on while watching a movie or serving at a gathering. Crunch away!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can try this recipe with other vegetables like eggplant, sweet potatoes, or beets. Just keep in mind that cook times may vary depending on the thickness and water content of the vegetable.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 2-3 days. If they start to lose their crunch, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What If My Chips Are Not Crispy Enough?
If your chips aren’t crispy after baking, they may need more time in the oven. Just return them to the oven and check every 10 minutes until they reach your desired crispiness. Remember, they will continue to get crispier as they cool!
Can I Season the Chips Differently?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the seasoning. Experiment with your favorite spices such as paprika, cumin, or even parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Just remember to keep the salt in mind when adding extra seasonings!
