1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash and Slice: Rinse the zucchinis under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. For uniform slices, a mandoline slicer is ideal.
- Dry: Lay the sliced zucchini on a paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step helps the chips become crispier.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
- Flour Bowl: Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- Egg Mixture: In another bowl, beat the egg until well combined.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. For extra heat, add the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Bread the Zucchini Slices
- Coat in Flour: Dip each zucchini slice into the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured zucchini into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the zucchini slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
4. Air Frying
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the zucchini chips cook evenly and become crispy.
- Arrange Zucchini: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook: Air fry the zucchini chips for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the zucchini chips to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them maintain their crispiness.
- Serve: Enjoy the chips on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Chips
- Even Slices: Ensure the zucchini slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: To achieve a crispy texture, avoid placing too many zucchini slices in the air fryer at once.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix according to your taste preferences. Adding herbs like dried oregano or basil can give a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are the perfect snack for anyone looking to indulge in something crispy and satisfying without the extra calories. With their golden-brown exterior and tender interior, they’re sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious snack ready in no time.
So, get your air fryer ready, and enjoy these delightful zucchini chips—crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-good! Happy snacking!