If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chips, Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are the perfect solution. These golden, crunchy bites are an easy-to-make, guilt-free snack or side dish that’s sure to please everyone. With their delicious combination of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, they’re packed with flavor and crispiness, making them totally addictive.

Whether you’re preparing a snack for game day, a healthy appetizer, or a light side dish, these zucchini chips are versatile and customizable. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a low-calorie and nutritious option for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips

Healthy and Delicious: Zucchini chips are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich alternative to potato chips and other fried snacks.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of common ingredients like zucchini, olive oil, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or keto diets by swapping breadcrumbs with gluten-free options or extra Parmesan.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, these chips are perfect for busy schedules.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: They’re crispy, cheesy, and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces, making them an instant hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips

To make this irresistible snack, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Zucchini (2 medium): Thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds. These serve as the base for your chips.
Olive Oil (1.5 tablespoons): Helps the breadcrumbs adhere and adds a touch of richness.
Panko Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Creates a light, crispy coating.
Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Adds a savory, cheesy flavor.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the zucchini and coating.
Greek Yogurt Ranch (optional): Perfect for dipping and adding a creamy element to the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make these chips, you’ll need the following:

Rimmed Baking Sheets: To catch any crumbs and ensure even baking.
Oven-Proof Wire Rack: Allows air circulation around the zucchini, ensuring maximum crispiness.
Mandoline Slicer or Knife: For slicing the zucchini into thin, uniform rounds.

How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place an oven-proof wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures the zucchini rounds crisp up evenly.

2. Slice the Zucchini

Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Thin slices are crucial for achieving that perfect crisp texture.

3. Toss with Olive Oil

Place the zucchini rounds in a medium bowl and toss them with olive oil until evenly coated.

4. Prepare the Coating

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

5. Coat the Zucchini

Dip each zucchini slice into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated zucchini rounds on the prepared wire rack in a single layer.

6. Bake

Bake the zucchini chips for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.

7. Serve

Serve the zucchini chips immediately, paired with Greek yogurt ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crunch and cheesy flavor in every bite!

Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips

Slice Thinly and Evenly: Uniform 1/8-inch slices ensure the zucchini chips cook evenly and crisp up properly.
Remove Excess Moisture: For extra crispy chips, salt the zucchini slices and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the zucchini rounds on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate underneath, preventing soggy bottoms.
Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the zucchini slices are in a single layer and not touching. Crowding can cause them to steam instead of crisp.
Serve Immediately: Zucchini chips are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re hot and crispy.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free: Swap out panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed rice cereal for an extra crunch.
Keto-Friendly: Use only Parmesan cheese for the coating to reduce carbs.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick of heat.
Herbed: Mix dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or smoked paprika into the coating for added flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips contains approximately:

Calories: 163
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 460mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Dipping Sauces for Zucchini Chips

While these zucchini chips are delicious on their own, pairing them with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas:

Greek Yogurt Ranch: Creamy and tangy, a classic pairing.
Marinara Sauce: A warm, tomato-based dip adds a delicious Italian twist.
Spicy Aioli: A blend of mayonnaise, garlic, and sriracha for a bold flavor.
Cucumber Tzatziki: A refreshing and cool option for a Mediterranean vibe.

Why You’ll Love Making Zucchini Chips at Home

Making zucchini chips at home allows you to enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. These baked chips are low in fat, free of preservatives, and packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. Plus, they’re easy to make, and you can customize them to suit your taste preferences.

Print Recipe

Author: therecipemingle

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
3 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup brown sugar (add more to taste)
5.5 oz caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup pecans (toasted)
Apples or other fruits for dipping

Instructions

1️⃣ In a bowl, beat cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a serving plate or shallow bowl (a little depth is great for dipping).
3️⃣ Pour the caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it out.
4️⃣ Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top for a delicious crunch.
5️⃣ Serve immediately with fresh apple slices or refrigerate until ready to serve. If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften before enjoying.

Notes

🍴 Pro Tip: Pair it with pretzels for a sweet-and-salty twist or graham crackers for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are a delicious, healthy, and versatile snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a side dish, these golden-brown bites are sure to be a hit. The combination of crunchy Parmesan and panko coating with tender zucchini is irresistible.

Give this recipe a try today, and let the crispy, cheesy goodness speak for itself. Don’t forget to share your favorite dipping sauce pairings in the comments below!

Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips: A Healthy, Addictive Snack