There’s something oddly comforting about the sound of zucchini slices sizzling in the air fryer — that soft hiss that tells you you’re only minutes away from a warm, crispy little treat. These air fryer zucchini chips with no breading were born on a day when I wanted something crunchy but not… well… potato-chippy. You know those afternoons when you want a snack but don’t want to feel weighed down after? That was me.
What surprised me that first time was how light the kitchen smelled — gently savory, a little peppery, and somehow cozy. It reminded me of summers when my mom would slice zucchini straight from the garden and let me “season them like a chef.” I definitely over-salted, but hey, that enthusiasm still lives somewhere in my cooking.
I kept revisiting this recipe because it’s unbelievably simple. Just zucchini, a touch of oil, a sprinkle of spices, and suddenly you have this crispy zucchini chip that feels indulgent without trying. And truly — they taste even better than I expect every time.
One funny moment? My husband wandered into the kitchen during a test batch, saying: “Are you making real chips or vegetable chips?” After he tried one, he shrugged and said, “I don’t care — they’re good.” That’s basically his version of poetry.
What I adore most about this recipe is the flexibility. Want them soft and tender? Reduce the time. Want them crunchy like a snack? Cook them longer. Want them spicy? You’re one pinch away. It’s the kind of recipe that adjusts to mood.
And yes, these healthy zucchini snacks in the air fryer even work for late-night cravings — trust me, I’ve tested this thoroughly.
Recipe Resume — Quick Selling Points (Todd Wilbur Style)
Crispy edges without breadcrumbs.
Light, snackable, and guilt-free.
Five ingredients — seriously.
Ready in under 10 minutes.
Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Perfect for dipping, topping, or munching straight off the tray.
Zero breading = zero mess.
A wildly easy zucchini side dish in the air fryer.
Why This Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Ever Need
A few months ago, my sister came over during her “healthy snack phase.” I handed her a plate of these hot from the air fryer, and she stopped mid-sentence. “Wait… these aren’t breaded?” Nope. She ended up eating half the batch while telling me she “wasn’t even hungry.” That’s when I knew this recipe was staying.
Cuisine Type: American
What You Really Need to Make This Amazing Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe (Simplified)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika or chili powder (optional)
How to Master the Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (My Secret Method)
Start by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds — not paper-thin, just enough that they’ll crisp without burning. I like tossing them in a bowl with a drizzle of oil, using my hands to make sure every slice gets a tiny bit of shine. That step matters for even browning.
Sprinkle in your seasonings. I usually do a couple shakes of garlic powder, a touch of paprika, and enough salt to make the flavors pop. Lay the slices flat in your air fryer basket — giving them space is key. They cook quickly, so check around the 6-minute mark. When the edges look golden and a little curled, they’re perfect.
Chef’s Notes and Tips For A Flawless Air Fryer Zucchini Chip
Don’t overcrowd — air circulation is everything. If you stack them, they steam and get floppy instead of crispy. Cook in batches if needed. Also, keep in mind that every air fryer heats differently. A minute or two can make a big difference, so hover nearby the first time.
If you want them really crispy, let them cool on a wire rack. It keeps the bottoms from softening as they sit. And yes, they taste even better after a few minutes of cooling — I learned this by accident.
Get Creative! Easy Substitutions and Fun Variations
Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a slightly richer flavor. Add parmesan, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or curry powder. Try slicing the zucchini lengthwise for chip “strips.” Or coat lightly with nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan twist.
Lighten It Up! Simple Swaps for a Healthier Version
They’re already incredibly healthy, but you can make them oil-free by using a light spritz of cooking spray or skipping oil altogether if your air fryer does well with that. For low sodium, use herbs like oregano or basil instead of salt.
Closing
And there you have it! Quick, crisp, breezy zucchini chips you’ll end up making more often than you think. Don’t forget to tell us how your batch turns out — and grab a peek at our other easy air fryer recipes!
Are You Curious About Anything Else? Take a Look at the Most Frequently Asked Questions We Get About This Recipe
1. Why are my air fryer zucchini chips not getting crispy?
Crispiness can be tricky with air fryer zucchini chips with no breading because zucchini naturally holds a lot of moisture. If the slices are too thick or the basket is crowded, the chips steam instead of crisp. Try slicing thinner, spacing them out, and cooking a little longer. Air fryers also vary — some run hotter, which crisps faster, while others need an extra minute or two.
Letting the chips cool on a wire rack helps prevent sogginess because air circulates under them, keeping the bottoms crisp.
2. Can I make air fryer zucchini chips without oil?
Absolutely. If you’re aiming for a low carb air fryer vegetable chip that’s ultra-light, skip the oil or use a tiny spritz of spray. Just know that oil helps browning. Without it, the chips might be a bit drier and less golden, but still tasty. I recommend seasoning generously since oil-free chips need a little extra flavor.
3. How thick should I slice zucchini for chips?
Aim for ⅛ inch — thin enough to crisp but not disintegrate. Thicker slices become soft, which is fine if you prefer tender chips, but for the classic crispy zucchini chip without breadcrumbs, thinner is best.
4. Should I salt the zucchini before air frying?
Salting draws out moisture, which can help crispiness. If you have time, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit 10–15 minutes, then pat dry. This step especially helps when using older zucchinis that tend to be watery.
5. Can I store leftover zucchini chips?
You can, but they’re definitely best fresh. Store them in a paper-towel-lined container to absorb moisture. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes before serving.
6. What dips pair well with zucchini chips?
Garlic yogurt dip, ranch, chipotle mayo, tzatziki, or even marinara. These healthy zucchini snacks in the air fryer are surprisingly versatile and take on flavors easily.
7. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works beautifully. It cooks almost identically and adds a slightly sweeter note.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — but cook in batches. Overcrowding ruins crispiness, especially for crispy zucchini chips without breadcrumbs. Spread them out, air fry, remove, then cook the next batch.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips with No Breading
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
2 medium zucchinis
1 –2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt & pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika or chili powder (optional)
Directions
- Start by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds — not paper-thin, just enough that they’ll crisp without burning. I like tossing them in a bowl with a drizzle of oil, using my hands to make sure every slice gets a tiny bit of shine. That step matters for even browning.
- Sprinkle in your seasonings. I usually do a couple shakes of garlic powder, a touch of paprika, and enough salt to make the flavors pop. Lay the slices flat in your air fryer basket — giving them space is key. They cook quickly, so check around the 6-minute mark. When the edges look golden and a little curled, they’re perfect.
