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You can make zucchini chips in the air fryer by slicing zucchini thin, seasoning them, and air frying until crisp.
It’s one of the easiest snacks you’ll ever make, and once you nail the method, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bagged chips.
The air fryer turns humble zucchini into crunchy, golden chips with way less oil than deep frying.
Whether you call them zucchini chips, courgette chips, or simply your new favorite snack, the process is quick and forgiving.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make zucchini chips in the air fryer, plus tips to keep them crispy every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How to Make Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer
Making zucchini chips in the air fryer comes down to a few key steps, and getting them right means the difference between soggy slices and shatter-crisp chips.
Here’s how to make zucchini chips in the air fryer from start to finish.
1. Slice the Zucchini Thin and Even
The first step in how to make zucchini chips in the air fryer is slicing them thin.
Aim for about ⅛ inch thick, which is roughly the thickness of a coin.
A mandoline slicer makes this so much easier and gives you even slices, which matters because uneven zucchini chips cook unevenly.
Thin slices turn into crispy zucchini chips, while thick ones stay soft in the middle.
So if you want that satisfying crunch, keep your slices consistently thin.
2. Pat the Slices Dry
Moisture is the enemy of crispy zucchini chips.
After slicing, lay the zucchini on paper towels and pat both sides dry.
You can even sprinkle a little salt on them and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
Then blot again before seasoning.
This one step is why so many people end up with soggy chips when they try to make zucchini chips in the air fryer.
Dry slices equal crunchy chips.
3. Season Lightly
Once your zucchini slices are dry, toss them in a bowl with a small drizzle of olive oil.
You only need about a teaspoon for a whole batch, since the air fryer does most of the work.
Then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or even a little parmesan for extra flavor.
Keep it simple so the natural taste of your zucchini chips still shines through.
If you’re watching sodium, go easy on the salt and add herbs instead.
4. Arrange in a Single Layer
This is the step people skip, and it’s the reason their zucchini chips turn out chewy.
Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping.
If you overcrowd the basket, the air can’t circulate, and your zucchini chips will steam instead of crisp.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two or three batches.
Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
5. Air Fry at the Right Temperature
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so the zucchini chips cook evenly.
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes because thin slices can go from golden to burnt quickly.
When they’re lightly browned and crisp, they’re done.
That’s really all there is to how to make zucchini chips in the air fryer.
Tips for Crispy Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer
Even with the basics down, a few extra tips will help you make zucchini chips in the air fryer that stay crispy.
1. Don’t Skip the Drying Step
As mentioned, water is the biggest culprit behind soggy chips.
The drier your zucchini slices are before they hit the basket, the crispier your zucchini chips will be.
Pat them dry, salt them, and pat again.
It sounds fussy, but it takes two minutes and changes everything.
2. Use a Light Hand with Oil
Too much oil makes zucchini chips greasy and prevents them from crisping properly.
A light coating is all you need.
You can even use a spray bottle to get an even mist over your slices.
This keeps your zucchini chips light while still helping the seasoning stick.
3. Work in Small Batches
Overcrowding is the second biggest mistake when you make zucchini chips in the air fryer.
Give each slice its own space so hot air can move around it.
Small batches mean crispier zucchini chips every time, even if it takes a little longer.
4. Serve Immediately
Zucchini chips are at their best right out of the air fryer.
They tend to soften as they sit, especially in a humid kitchen.
So serve them right away with your favorite dip, like ranch, tzatziki, or a simple garlic aioli.
If you must store them, keep them in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for a minute or two to bring back the crunch.
So, How Do You Make Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer?
You make zucchini chips in the air fryer by slicing zucchini thin, drying the slices well, seasoning lightly, arranging them in a single layer, and air frying at 375°F until golden and crisp.
It’s a simple process that rewards you with a crunchy, healthier snack you can feel good about eating.
Once you learn how to make zucchini chips in the air fryer, you’ll be making them on repeat for movie nights, lunchboxes, and parties.
So grab a zucchini, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy your crispy homemade chips.