Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a crispy and delicious way to enjoy delicious summer squash! With only a handful of ingredients, you can have these air-fried little bites ready in no time cooked in your air fryer instead of in oil.
I remember the first time I tried fried zucchini. It was with my dad and I couldn't understand why he was excited to eat vegetables.
And then I tried one. It was dipped in ranch, of course, and after that, I couldn't stop. I'm pretty sure I ate the entire plate and asked for more. And from that day on, I have loved and craved fried zucchini.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Air Fryer Fried Zucchini recipe because they taste as close to the fried version as possible, are better for you, and are pretty easy to make just like my Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms. Air frying the breaded zucchini makes them crispy and crunchy without all the oil just like my Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers.
I also love this recipe because it's a great way to use up that summer zucchini growing in your garden or that your neighbor gave you. This recipe makes a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks.
If you are looking for more zucchini recipes, check out my Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites and my Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites!
Key Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Zucchini - has a mild and slightly sweet flavor making it versatile in a variety of dishes, including air-fried zucchini. Zucchini is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
- Panko bread crumbs - are light, airy, and have a crisp texture. They provide a crunchy coating to the zucchini, adding a satisfying bite to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese - adds a savory and nutty flavor to the zucchini and enhances the overall taste and complements the other ingredients.
- Egg - serves as a binding agent for the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese coating.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Slice the zucchini into ¼" rounds. Combine the panko, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. Add the egg to another bowl and beat with a fork or a whisk.
Step 2: Dip a zucchini slice into the egg mixture ensuring both sides are covered completely. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
Step 3: Dip the egg-coated zucchini slice into the panko mixture and coat both sides. Gently press the coating onto the zucchini and tap off any excess breading.
Step 4: Place the zucchini on a wire rack while assembling the rest of the slices. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray, place as many zucchini slices as you can in the basket and spray the top of the zucchini as well.
Step 6: Cook for 8 minutes. Flip each slice over with tongs, spray again, and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Remove the slices from the basket and continue cooking the remaining zucchini slices.
What to Serve With Air Fried Zucchini
Fried Zucchini Chips are awesome because you can dip them in so many things! I most recently dipped mine in Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, but I also like to dip them in regular ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
What Type of Air Fryer I Use
I have the COSORI Air Fryer and I love it. It does take up some counter space so make sure you have room for it. If you want a smaller option, check out the COSORI Small Air Fryer or an attachment for the Instant Pot.
There are so many different types of air fryers out there now, and each one is slightly different. There are countertop air fryers, air fryer ovens, and air fryer attachments to name a few. Whatever air fryer you use, remember every air fryer will cook a little differently.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- When breading the zucchini, make sure you press on both sides with your hands to get as much of the panko mix to stick.
- Non-stick spray is a must-have when air frying so don’t skip it. Not only does it help the food from sticking to the basket, but it also aids in the crisping of whatever food you are air frying. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or whatever oil spray you like.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustments.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make zucchini chips in the oven! Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Follow the instructions for coating the zucchini slices and place each one on parchment paper.
Spray the zucchini with non-stick spray or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to help with the crisping. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown.
Preheating your air fryer is not a necessity (unless otherwise noted by your manufacturer). However, it definitely helps speed up the cooking time and helps cook the food evenly.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are best when eaten right away while they are still hot. They become less crispy the longer they sit.
If you get a chance to make this Air Fryer Fried Zucchini Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Equipment
- foil (optional)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced in ¼" slices
- 1 large egg, beaten
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice your zucchini in ¼" rounds. Combine the panko, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. Crack the egg into another bowl and beat with a fork or a whisk.
- Dip a zucchini slice into the egg and then into the panko mixture, pressing down each side to get as much coating as possible to stick. Set each slice aside on a baking rack or plate until all of the slices have been coated.
- Preheat the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. Spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray and place as many zucchini slices as you can in the basket. Spray the top of the zucchini with a light coat of non-stick spray and cook for 8 minutes. Flip each slice over with tongs, spray again, and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Remove the slices from the basket and continue cooking the rest of the zucchini. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy right away.
Notes
- When breading the zucchini, make sure you press on both sides with your hands to get as much of the panko mix to stick.
- Preheating your air fryer is not a necessity (unless otherwise noted by your manufacturer). However, it definitely helps speed up the cooking time and helps cook the food evenly.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are best when eaten right away while still hot. They become less crispy the longer they sit
- Non-stick spray is a must-have when air frying so don’t skip it. Not only does it help the food from sticking to the basket, but it also aids in the crisping of whatever food you are air frying. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or whatever oil spray you like.
- Aluminum foil is also a handy tool when air frying for easier clean-up. You will get some residual oil spray at the bottom of your air fryer as well as some food that may fall off. Use a small piece of foil to catch as much as you can.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustments.
- Always read the instruction manual that came with your Air Fryer and follow all safety guidelines.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Connie says
These chips are amazing. New favorite
Emily says
Thanks, Connie, I'm so glad you liked them.
Brianna says
Such a great appetizer and love that they're healthy!
Emily says
Thanks for giving them a try!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Loving these air fryer zucchini chips! They are the perfect easy snack!
Emily says
Thanks, Kayla!
Shadi Hasanzade says
This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family
Emily says
Thanks for trying them, Shandi. I'm so glad you liked them.
Gina says
I make zucchini chips in the AF all the time! Usually I skip the breading for ease but these are delicious too!
Emily says
Oh, nice! Either way, zucchini in the air fryer is yummy!
Tavo says
I found the recipe so easy to make and delicious! thank you!
Emily says
Air fryers make everything easy 😁
Andrea says
Love that they are made in the air fryer and how easy they are to make. A perfect snack, appetizer or side dish.
Emily says
Thank you!
Andrea says
Wow I'm loving this recipe! I'm so happy I found this. Always looking for more recipes to use up my zucchini in the summer.
Emily says
Thanks, Andrea! Air fryers definitely come in handy in the summer!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I am trying this recipe tonight, baked in the oven - I just love it! ANd great web story! I need to look into how to make them:))
Emily says
I hope you enjoy these, they are awesome in the oven as well as the air fryer. I pop them like potato chips...but they are so much better for you!
Janis Huegel says
Fantastic - reheat leftovers in air fryer to re- crisp
Addie says
So crispy and delicious!!