Air Fryer Zucchini Crisps

5 from 5 votes
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These Air Fryer Zucchini Crisps are a crave-worthy snack everyone loves! Thin rounds of fresh zucchini are flavored with chipotle and fresh lime zest and air-fried to crispy perfection.

overhead close up shot of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips


 

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Crisps

If you’re in the mood for a crispy, savory treat, say hello to these deliciously flavored zucchini crisps! Zingy with fresh lime zest and spiced up with chipotle, you’ll be sure to come back for seconds! And since they’re made with fresh zucchini and very little oil, thanks to the air fryer, they’re also pretty healthy! Feel free to make a double batch and enjoy.

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of fresh lime zest and chipotle gives these zucchini crisps an enticing, zesty flavor.
  • Healthier Option: By using fresh zucchini and minimal oil, these crisps are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
  • Easy to Make: Thanks to the air fryer, making these zucchini crisps is simple and efficient, allowing for a double batch to be made with ease.
  • Great for Sharing: The delicious taste and the option to make a double batch make these crisps perfect for gatherings, ensuring there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Why Use the Air Fryer?

Air-frying is probably the easiest, most reliable way to create crispy snacks at home! So naturally like to use the air fryer for these zucchini chips. The powerful convection heat swirls around the food, sizzling it up to crunchy perfection. And you only need a tiny bit of oil! Overall, I find that air frying is a lot less hassle and mess (and far fewer calories) than traditional frying. For me, that’s a win-win!

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips arranged on a white serving plate

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for air-fried zucchini chips are super easy to keep on hand, so it’s a breeze to whip up this awesome little appetizer!

  • Zucchini: For one recipe, you’ll need two medium zucchini. We’re going to use a mandoline to slice them really thin, but you can do that by hand if you’d prefer.
  • Cooking Spray: I like one-ingredient cooking sprays made of pure olive oil, coconut oil or vegetable oil.
  • Lime Zest: Use a small grater and a fresh lime to make 1 teaspoon of finely grated lime zest.
  • Spices: To spice things up, use ¼-½ teaspoon of chipotle powder, chili powder or smoked paprika.
  • Garlic Salt & Pepper: For this recipe, I used ½ teaspoon of garlic salt ¼ teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
raw zucchini slices arranged in an air fryer basket

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini Crisps

Using an Air Fryer to make these crisps is as easy as can be! I love how air frying creates the perfect crispy texture, with no need for heating up lots of messy oil.

  1. Prep Air Fryer & Zucchini: Preheat the air fryer to 350˚F. Using a mandoline or vegetable slicer, slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch slices or thinner. Place the rounds in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let sit 5 minutes to draw out the moisture. Using paper towels, pat dry the zucchini.
  2. Season Zucchini: Lightly spray the zucchini with cooking oil; then, season with lime zest, chipotle powder (or other spice), garlic salt, and black pepper. Toss well to combine.
  3. Air Fry in Batches: Place one single layer of zucchini slices into the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes. Take out the basket and flip the zucchini over; continue to cook for 4 more minutes. Remove them from the basket and allow them to cool while you cook the next batch.
  4. Enjoy! Serve as is, or with your favorite dipping sauce; honey mustard, ranch, bleu cheese, salsa, etc!
zucchini chips in a black air fryer basket

Tips for Success

  • Slice it Right: Slicing thinly and evenly ensures that this appetizer gets nice and crispy. You can do this by hand if necessary, but be sure to take your time and use a sharp knife.
  • Salt: During prep, make sure to salt the zucchini slices to draw out the moisture.
  • Squash is an Option: if you’d like, you can substitute tender yellow summer squash for the zucchini. They have almost exactly the same taste and texture!
  • Change it Up: These chips are great with a lot of different seasonings besides chili and lime! Rosemary and black pepper, parmesan and chive, and homemade ranch seasoning are just a few tasty alternatives!

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy zucchini crisps on their own, with a dip, or as part of a delicious meal. Here are some entrees that pair well with our tasty crisps:

  • Shrimp: You have to try these Grilled Shrimp Skewers! They’re a real treat for a weeknight dinner, and they go perfectly with crispy air fryer zucchini chips.
  • Mac n Cheese: Everyone’s happy when Keto Mac and Cheese is on the menu! And when you’ve got a crunchy air-fried side like these crisps, it feels as indulgent as fast food, but with none of the guilt.
  • Pork Chops: My Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops are a mouthwatering meal. You’re going to love them!
up close picture of zucchini chips cooked in an air fryer

How to Store

  • Air fryer zucchini crisps don’t keep for very long! If you must store leftovers, I recommend refrigerating them in airtight containers and giving them a brief bake or re-air-frying to reheat. If refrigerated, they will keep for up to 2 days.

ENJOY!

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5 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Zucchini Crisps

Spiced with chipotle and fresh lime zest, rounds of fresh zucchini are air-fried to crispy perfection.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • cooking spray
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon chipotle powder,, chili powder, or smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
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Instructions 

  • Preheat Air Fryer to 350˚F.
  • Using a mandoline or vegetable slicer and cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch slices or a bit thinner.
  • Place zucchini rounds in a bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt; toss and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out moisture. Using paper towels, pat dry the zucchini.
  • Very lightly, spray zucchini with cooking oil and season with lime zest, chipotle powder, garlic salt, and black pepper; toss well to combine.
  • Place zucchini slices in the Air Fryer basket in one single layer. You will have to cook the zucchini in batches.
  • Cook for 5 minutes. Take out the basket and flip over the zucchini; continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes.
  • Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let cool for several minutes.
  • Serve as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, bleu cheese, tomato salsa, etc.

Equipment

Notes

  • Slicing the zucchini: Thin and even slices ensure crispiness. Use a sharp knife (or preferably a mandoline) and take your time.
  • Salt: Salt the zucchini to draw out moisture during preparation.
  • Squash is an Option: Substitute with yellow summer squash for a similar taste and texture.
  • Change it Up: Try different seasonings like rosemary and black pepper, parmesan with chives, or ranch seasoning for tasty variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

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More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

There are so many addicting dishes to make in your air fryer! Be sure to check out these ones next.

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16 Comments

  1. Diane says:

    They were delicious. I am just ready to make some more we have masses in the garden, D

    1. Katerina says:

      That’s wonderful! Fresh veggies from the garden always taste the best. Enjoy your next batch! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Cathy says:

    Definitely our new favorite snack! Thanks for this delicious recipe!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Sandra says:

    This is so good! Such a delicious appetizer!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Alex says:

    I can’t wait to try these! They look just perfect!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      I hope you enjoy them! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Jen says:

    These were the perfect snack to break in my new air fryer. So quick and delicious! Even my kids were eating them up.

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed them! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Allyson Reed Zea says:

    Are use my air fryer for everything, so I can’t wait to make these! They look so crispy and delicious

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      I hope you enjoy them! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Natalie says:

    I could snack on these all day! Quick, easy, & super tasty!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy them! ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Beth says:

    These look amazing and so delicious! My family is going to devour these chips! Excited to make these today! Definitely going to be a big hit!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy them! ๐Ÿ™‚