Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Retire your potato chips for game day and serve these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips instead. I promise they’ll become your new obsession. Made with just 2 simple ingredients, they’re cheesy, crunchy, and ready in under 20 minutes. And they’re naturally keto, low carb, and gluten-free!

What Makes These Zucchini Chips Different

• I enjoy simple, healthy recipes that are tasty, and these contain no breadcrumbs, flour, or complicated coating—just zucchini and Parmesan.
• If you’re looking to reduce carbs, these are perfect for low-carb snacking without sacrificing crunch, and you gotta love that they’re naturally keto and gluten-free!
• Did I mention simple? From slicing to serving, these crispy wonders are ready in only 17 minutes, and the air fryer creates golden, cheesy chips with very little effort.

Cheryl’s Tested Notes Tips

• I always try to slice the zucchini evenly. About ¼-inch thick is the sweet spot, and I use a mandolin or a very sharp knife. Too thin and they’ll burn before they crisp; too thick and they’ll stay soft (which is yuck for texture).
• Seems obvious, but pat the zucchini as much as you can. If your zucchini is especially watery, blot the slices with paper towels before adding the cheese.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket! It’s tempting to line your air fryer to the hilt, but arranging the zucchini in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each chip. And to prevent over-browning, check them around the 6-minute mark.

Ingredient Notes

• The zucchini is the star here! When choosing them at the store, medium zucchini have fewer seeds, less moisture, and crisp up better than oversized ones.
• Parmesan is the rhythm section. The cheese creates a crispy, golden crust while adding salty, nutty flavor. Freshly grated melts and browns the best, so don’t even entertain that pre-shredded stuff.

How To Make Them

Slice the zucchini: Cut the zucchini into rounds about a quarter inch thick.

Place them: Arrange the chips in the air fryer basket or rack in a single layer.

Sprinkle the Parmesan: Take the cheese and sprinkle a thin layer of cheese over the chips, making sure to cover them.

Cook the zucchini chips: Set your air fryer at 370º F and cook for 12 minutes or until the cheese is dark brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Creamy ranch dip or aioli. This is how I’ve always eaten zucchini chips! I often use my homemade buffalo ranch dressing for an extra kick or whipped cottage cheese as a dipping sauce.
• Marinara sauce. Is my second favorite, and adds that zesty tomato flavor that really makes these feel like fries.
• Alongside burgers or sandwiches. A total given, these make a yummy side with turkey burgers and meat or vegetarian sandwiches. Some faves I love are a chicken pesto sandwich, or this sourdough grilled cheese.
• Healthy game day snack board. These integrate nicely on a board for hungry football fans. Add them to a platter with baked chicken wings or legs, sliders, sweet potato wedges, and air fryer mozzarella sticks.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes until crisp again. Avoid the microwave at all costs—they’ll turn soft.
• Freezer: Very much not recommended. Zucchini releases too much moisture after thawing, and the chips lose their crisp texture completely.
• Make-Ahead: They seem perfect to make ahead before a party, but these are best enjoyed fresh. You could slice the zucchini several hours before and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

Recipe FAQs

1. Why aren’t my zucchini chips crispy? Too much moisture is usually the problem. Pat the zucchini dry before adding the parmesan, keep the slices in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
2. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini? For sure, yellow squash tastes just as delicious and takes the same amount of time.
3. Can I add seasonings? I encourage you to! I recommend garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. They’re all delicious!
4. Can I make these in the oven? Sure, if you really want to forgo the air fryer; bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F until the parmesan is golden and crisp, about 18–22 minutes.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

• Air Fryer Popcorn
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer (with Creamy Herb Sauce)
• Air Fryer Dino Nuggets
• Air Fryer Quesadilla