These crunchy baked zucchini chips are the perfect healthy snack! With just a sprinkle of salt and a dash of olive oil, they’re simple to make and oh-so-tasty.
You’ll love how they satisfy that craving for something crispy without the guilt. I enjoy them while binge-watching my favorite shows—who doesn’t love a snack that’s good for you? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture. You can also use yellow squash if you want a slightly sweeter flavor. If zucchinis aren’t available, eggplant can be a fun alternative!
Olive Oil: This adds delicious richness. If you’re avoiding oil, use a light spray of cooking oil or try nutritional yeast for flavor without fat.
Salt: Adjust the salt to your taste. You can also use a salt substitute if you’re watching your sodium intake. Experimenting with flavored salts can make your chips even more exciting!
Herbs & Spices: If rosemary isn’t your thing, try oregano, thyme, or even chili powder for a bit of heat. Personalizing your seasoning can really elevate your chips!
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Crisp Zucchini Chips?
The key to crispy zucchini chips is in the slicing and baking. Start by slicing the zucchinis very thin—1/8 inch or less. Thin slices cook faster and get crispier!
- Ensure slices are arranged in a single layer with no overlapping. Overlapping slices trap moisture and can lead to sogginess.
- Flipping halfway through baking promotes even crispness. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.
- Let the chips cool on the sheet; they will crisp up even more as they cool down.
Easy Baked Zucchini Chips – Healthy Snack Recipe
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 dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Optional: garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. So, you’ll need roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes total, including cooling time. But don’t worry; most of that is just waiting for your delicious snack to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). While it’s warming up, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will keep your chips from sticking!
2. Slice the Zucchinis:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and dry them. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the zucchinis very thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch or thinner. You can cut them into rounds or half-moons depending on your preference.
3. Coat with Oil:
In a large bowl, add the zucchini slices. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss gently to make sure every slice is coated evenly without breaking them.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure none of the slices overlap; this helps them crisp up nicely!
5. Season Your Slices:
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and rosemary (if using) evenly over the zucchini slices. If you want to add garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick, now’s your chance!
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure to flip the chips halfway through that time so they cook evenly. You want them to turn golden brown and crispy!
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they are done baking, take the chips out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They’ll crisp up further as they cool down. Yum!
8. Serve or Store:
Dig into these healthy snacks right away or store them in an airtight container after they’ve completely cooled to keep them crunchy.
Enjoy your crunchy baked zucchini chips as a guilt-free snack! They’re perfect for munching anytime!
Can I Use Other Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While zucchinis are delicious, you can also try using thinly sliced carrots, sweet potatoes, or even beets. Just adjust the baking time as root vegetables may take longer to crisp up.
How Can I Make These Chips Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider sprinkling cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a spicy seasoning blend over the zucchini slices before baking. Start with a small amount to test your spice tolerance!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Once completely cooled, store your zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crunchy for about 3-5 days. If they start to lose their crispness, a quick re-bake at a low temperature can help revive them!
Can I Air Fry Zucchini Chips Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
