Description
Crispy Zucchini Chips are a healthy and delicious snack made by thinly slicing zucchinis, seasoning them with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then baking them slowly until perfectly crisp. This easy-to-make recipe offers a flavorful alternative to traditional chips, ideal for a light snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 2 medium zucchinis
Oils & Seasonings
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil for a healthier option)
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure a low and slow baking process, which helps the zucchini slices crisp up evenly without burning.
- Slice Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt, then cut them into thin, even rounds to allow for uniform crisping during baking.
- Sweat the Zucchini: Lay the zucchini slices on a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step draws out moisture, which is key to achieving crispy chips.
- Pat Dry: Use another paper towel to pat the slices dry, removing excess moisture released during the resting period to promote better crispness.
- Season: Toss the zucchini slices in a bowl with olive oil and the seasonings – sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper – so each slice is evenly coated with flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the zucchini slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overlapping slices to help them bake crisp rather than steam.
- Bake: Bake the slices in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping on both sides.
- Check Crispiness: Around the 90-minute mark, start checking the chips for crispiness. Continue baking if needed until they reach your desired crunch.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini slices are very thin for optimal crispiness.
- Using avocado oil is a healthier alternative that can withstand baking temperatures well.
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated parmesan on the chips before baking.
- Store leftover chips in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
- If you do not have parchment paper, a silicone baking mat can be used to prevent sticking.
