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You can make courgette chips by slicing zucchini thinly, tossing them with oil and seasonings, and baking or air-frying them until crisp.
These homemade courgette chips are a brilliant way to use up a glut of summer zucchini, and they deliver a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
If you’ve been wondering how to make courgette chips that actually turn out crispy instead of soggy, the trick is all in the prep.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make courgette chips step by step, covering the best slicing method, how to draw out excess moisture, and the cooking options that give you the crunchiest results.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make courgette chips that your whole family will happily snack on.
How to Make Courgette Chips That Turn Out Crispy
Making courgette chips that crisp up beautifully comes down to a few simple techniques.
Courgettes are packed with water, so if you skip the moisture-removal step, your chips will steam instead of crisp.
Follow these key pointers, and you’ll nail how to make courgette chips every single time.
1. Slice Them Thin and Even
The first rule of how to make courgette chips is consistency.
Aim for slices about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
Too thick and the centers stay soft; too thin and they burn before they crisp.
A mandoline slicer makes this job quick and even, though a sharp knife works fine if you take your time.
2. Salt and Dry the Slices
This step is what separates crispy courgette chips from sad, limp ones.
Lay your courgette slices on paper towels, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
The salt pulls out excess moisture.
After that, press another paper towel over the top to blot them dry.
The drier your slices are before cooking, the crispier your courgette chips will be.
3. Coat Lightly with Oil
A little oil helps the chips brown and crisp, but too much makes them greasy.
Put your dried slices in a bowl, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and toss gently until every slice has a thin, even coating.
4. Season with Your Favorites
This is where you can get creative with your courgette chips.
Sea salt and cracked black pepper are classic, but you can also try garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a savory twist that tastes amazing.
Baking Courgette Chips in the Oven
Oven-baked courgette chips are the easiest method for most home cooks, and they come out wonderfully crisp when done right.
Here’s how to make courgette chips in the oven:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Heat your oven to 225°F (110°C) for a low-and-slow bake that dries the chips out without burning them.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the slices don’t stick.
2. Arrange in a Single Layer
Spread the slices out in a single layer with a little space between each one.
Overlapping slices trap steam and turn soggy, so use two trays if you need to.
3. Bake Until Crisp
Bake for 1 to 2 hours, flipping the chips halfway through.
They’re ready when they feel dry and firm to the touch and have shrunk slightly.
Keep an eye on them near the end because thinner slices crisp faster.
Making Courgette Chips in the Air Fryer
If you want courgette chips in a fraction of the time, the air fryer is your best friend.
Here’s how to make courgette chips in an air fryer:
1. Work in Small Batches
Air fryers need space for air to circulate, so cook your courgette chips in small batches.
Crowding the basket leads to uneven cooking and soggy chips.
2. Set the Right Temperature
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes.
This helps the courgette chips crisp evenly on all sides.
3. Watch Them Closely
Air fryer courgette chips can go from golden to burnt quickly, so stay nearby during the last few minutes.
Once they’re crisp, tip them onto a plate and season with a little extra salt.
Tips for Perfect Courgette Chips Every Time
A few extra pointers will help you master how to make courgette chips like a pro.
1. Serve Them Right Away
Courgette chips are at their crispiest straight from the oven or air fryer.
If you need to hold them, keep them in a warm oven on low heat rather than covering them.
2. Skip the Fridge for Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
Refrigeration makes them soft because of the moisture.
3. Try Different Dips
Courgette chips pair beautifully with tzatziki, marinara, hummus, or a simple garlic aioli.
They’re a healthy alternative to potato chips and a great way to get kids eating more veggies.
4. Use Smaller Courgettes
Smaller courgettes have less water and fewer seeds, which means better texture for chips.
If you’re growing your own, pick them young for the best results.
So, How Do You Make Courgette Chips?
You make courgette chips by slicing zucchini thinly, salting and drying the slices, coating them lightly in oil, and baking or air-frying them until crisp.
The process is simple, but the moisture-removal step is what makes all the difference.
Whether you bake them low and slow or whip them up in the air fryer, homemade courgette chips are a crunchy, flavorful snack you’ll want to make again and again.
Now that you know how to make courgette chips, grab a few zucchini and give this recipe a try.