Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Chips
By Second Helping Kitchen · Updated
- Prep Time
- 10 min
- Cook Time
- 10 min
- Total Time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4 servings
These air fryer zucchini chips are the snack you make when you want something crunchy without a deep fryer or a sink full of dishes. A parmesan-panko crust turns thin zucchini rounds into something genuinely crispy — not the soggy, sad zucchini situation you get in the oven.
Fifteen minutes, one bowl for dredging, and a single layer in the air fryer basket is all it takes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Genuinely crispy — the air fryer does what the oven can't.
- One bowl, one basket, minimal cleanup.
- A sneaky way to get a picky eater to eat a vegetable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Pat the zucchini rounds dry with a paper towel — this is the step that determines whether they crisp up or steam.
- 2
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Dip each zucchini round in the beaten egg, then press into the panko mixture to coat both sides.
- 4
Arrange the coated rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping. Work in batches if needed.
- 5
Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
- 6
Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- 7
Serve immediately with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Don't skip patting the zucchini dry — excess moisture is the number one reason coated veggies turn soggy in the air fryer.
- Don't overlap the rounds or they'll steam instead of crisp. Work in batches for a full basket.
- These are best eaten fresh — they lose their crunch as leftovers, though a quick reheat in the air fryer brings most of it back.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving. Estimated, for informational purposes only.
- Calories
- 165
- Fat
- 8g
- Saturated Fat
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 13g
- Fiber
- 2g
- Sugar
- 3g
- Protein
- 10g
- Sodium
- 380mg
Free ebook
Get new recipes, and the ebook
New recipes as they land, plus our free weeknight cooking ebook. No daily blasts, unsubscribe in one click.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without an egg?
A thin layer of mayonnaise or a flax egg works as a binder in place of egg, though the coating will be slightly less crisp.
Can I use this same method for other vegetables?
Yes — the same panko-parmesan coating works well on eggplant rounds, green beans, or thick-cut mushrooms. Adjust the air fry time based on thickness.
Why did my zucchini chips turn out soggy?
The most common causes are not drying the zucchini first, overcrowding the basket, or slicing the rounds too thick. Aim for 1/4-inch slices in a single, non-overlapping layer.