Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Our air fryer zucchini chips are a crunchy, crave-worthy snack you don’t have to feel guilty about eating. They have a chip vibe, minus the grease, so you can feel good about going back for seconds.

Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe couldn’t be any easier to prepare. Which makes it perfect for a quick snack or weeknight dinner side dish.

If your kids are hesitant to try veggies, this is the recipe that will win them over. The crispy texture is irresistible and when you pair it with a tasty dipping sauce, they won’t be able to resist. If you’re looking for more easy veggie recipes be sure to try my air fryer sweet potato wedges and air fried onion rings.

I like cooking these crispy rounds in the air fryer because they’re ready in about 20 minutes. And it’s a lot healthier than traditional deep fry cooking, so I don’t have a greasy mess to contend with after dinner. Which means we can make a batch of these tasty chips any time a craving hits.

Whether your garden is producing fresh zucchini in overdrive or you’re buying it in the grocery store, this easy air fryer recipe is the perfect way to use up the popular green squash. So what are you waiting for – bust out your air fryer and get cooking!

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Ingredients

• Fresh zucchini – the mild flavor adapts well to seasonings.
• All purpose flour – the base of the batter, it helps the egg and panko mixtures stick to the zucchini slices.
• Paprika – adds a smoky heat to the batter.
• Salt and pepper – seasoning basics.
• Eggs – the “glue” that binds the breadcrumbs to the sliced zucchini.
• Panko breadcrumbs – light and crisp for maximum crunch.
• Grated parmesan cheese – brings the umami flavor to the party.

How To Make Breaded Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer

Slice your zucchini and set your bowls up for battering. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Dip the sliced zucchini into the flour, then egg mixture, ending with the panko mixture.

Add a single layer of breaded zucchini chips in the bottom of the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with vegetable or avocado oil.

Air fry at 400° F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through and cooking until the chips are golden brown and crispy.

These are best when served freshly cooked.

Tips for Making Air Fried Zucchini Chips

• If you are using air fryer parchment paper liners, don’t put these in the basket until after it has preheated and you’re ready to add the zucchini chips. 
• It’s important to slice the zucchini rounds in uniform pieces for even cooking. Try for 1/8-1/4″ thickness for maximum crispiness. A mandoline slicer makes getting even pieces a breeze but you can also use a sharp knife.
• Thinner sliced zucchini will crisp up better than thicker slices.
• If your zucchini slices are wet, pat them dry with a paper towel before breading.
• I use a mister to spritz the rounds with oil before cooking.
• You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd or they’ll steam instead of crisping up.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For a low carb option, swap out crushed pork rinds for the panko crumbs.
• Try different seasonings like garlic powder, Greek or Italian seasoning or even dry Ranch seasoning mix.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce: ranch dressing, sriracha mayonnaise, BBQ sauce and marinara sauce all pair well with breaded zucchini.

How to Store Leftover Breaded Zucchini

While breaded zucchini rounds are best eaten when they’re first made, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they have completely cooled before placing in an airtight container. For maximum crunch, reheat them in the air fryer at 350° F for 2-3 minutes.

Can I make zucchini chips low carb? 

If you are watching your carb intake, instead of using panko breadcrumbs swap them out for pork rinds. 

Why are my zucchini rounds soggy?

It could be that your slices are too thick or the basket is overcrowded. Make sure your slices are 1/8-1/4″ thick (use a mandoline for even slices).

Can I make air fried zucchini chips without breadcrumbs?

Yes! Try using finely crushed cornflakes or crackers in place of the panko crumbs. Or pork rinds for a lower carb option.

These breaded zucchini rounds deliver crunchy, cheese flavor without the greasy mess. Try them once and you’ll be making this easy recipe on repeat.

Need more air fryer help? Check out our favorite air fryer accessories, best oils to use and tips for choosing the right air fryer. This is the air fryer model I’m currently using.