A few simple tricks make these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips the best! Cutting zucchini squash into slices gives you the perfect ratio of a crispy coating to tender zucchini. Plus, the combination of Italian seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese gives them so much flavor! Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dressing dip for a healthy adult and kid-approved recipe!

Fried zucchini chips are served on a white plate for an appetizer.

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

It’s no secret that I LOVE air fried veggies. From Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Cauliflower, Air Fryer Broccoli, and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts– I’ve cooked them all! (Yes, I am a little Air Fryer obsessed!)

But there’s a few key tricks to getting that crunchy coating and super flavorful zucchini chips!

3 Secrets to Make the BEST Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

  1. Get them Crispy: Slice the zucchini squash thin, but not too thin. About ¼-inch thick. This ensures you get the right breadcrumb coating to squash ratio to make the chips crispy.
  2. Easily Add Flavor: A mix of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese gives them a ton of flavor with only a few simple ingredients.
  3. Make Them Gorgeous: Spritz the chips with non-stick cooking spray just before air frying. This adds just enough moisture to make the breadcrumbs a beautiful golden brown and prevent them from burning.

While they’re definitely delicious enough to eat on their own, don’t forget to grab some marinara sauce or ranch dressing to dip them in- it’s next-level delicious!

(And if you like this one, then you’ll LOVE these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries!)

Zucchini, dairy-free milk, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, an egg, and Parmesan are used to make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini. Two fresh medium-sized zucchinis are needed. It should equate to about 1 ½ pounds.
  • Breadcrumbs. Take an easy shortcut and use Italian-style crumbs. You can use a gluten-free brand if needed (like Aleia’s!). Or, mix up regular breadcrumbs with some Italian Seasoning or another seasoning blend of choice. (Blackened Seasoning or even Taco Seasoning would be delicious!)
  • Egg Wash. This is made with a combo of milk and an egg. It acts as the binder to hold the crust on.
  • Parmesan. The dry and salty cheese melts slightly when air fried and helps the coating stick to the zucchini. You can also substitute for a dairy-free Parmesan.
  • Non-stick cooking spray. An absolute must! It gives that golden texture and helps crisp up the chips. Find either an olive oil or butter based one.  
5 Secrets to Healthier Family Dinners
Tips & recipes for getting yummy — and healthy — meals on the table.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Slice Zucchini

Making zucchini chips is a super similar process to making these Air Fryer Pickles!

Cut the zucchini into ¼-inch thick pieces. Try to make them as close to the same thickness as possible. If the slices are not the same size, they won’t cook consistently.

2. Dip in Egg Wash

The first layer before popping these chips in the air fryer is an egg wash. Add egg and milk into a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Go one slice at a time. Carefully set a piece of zucchini in the bowl. Use a fork to pick up and dredge each slice, letting the excess drip off.

Zucchini chips are dipped in an egg mixture before being coated in breadcrumbs.

3. Coat in Breadcrumbs

In a second medium-sized bowl, add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Transfer the egg-covered chips to the breadcrumb coating. Using a separate fork, press the mixture into the zucchini to really get it to stick.

A fork is used to cover the zucchini chips in gluten-free breadcrumbs.

4. Cook in Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spritz the tray with non-stick spray before cooking.

Line the dredged chips in a single layer and then spritz the chips with additional non-stick spray. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Use a spatula to carefully flip the chips over halfway through.

5. Sauces to Serve with Zucchini Chips

Serve up these zucchini chips along with dipping sauce for an extra flavorful snack! Marinara is a great option. You can quickly whip up your own with ½-cup tomato sauce and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Or, try these other tasty dips:

Air Fryer zucchini chips are dipped into a cup of marinara sauce.

FAQs

Can I make these into fries?

You certainly can! Just use the same recipe but cut the zucchini into 3- to 4-inch-long strips. You may need to cook them for a few minutes more.

Can I use yellow squash?

Yes, you can use yellow squash but there will be a slightly different taste and texture.

How do I make air fryer zucchini crispy?

Make sure to use a breadcrumb coating and spritz the chips with non-stick spray before cooking.

Are zucchini chips healthy?

When zucchini chips are deep-fried, no, they are not. However, they are much healthier when cooked in an air fryer.  

Zucchini chips are lifted up by a hand for a healthy fried appetizer.

Recipe Tips

  • Slice ’em thin. If you cut the zucchini too thick the outside will burn before the inside gets tender.
  • Save a step. Keep it simple by using Italian-style breadcrumbs.
  • Two bowls, two forks. These work great to shake off any excess egg or coating. Make sure to use a separate fork for each bowl.
  • Press it in. Apply pressure when breading to get the coating to stick.
  • Don’t forget to spritz. This gives the chips the golden color and helps them crisp up.  

More Zucchini Recipes

Still swimming in zucchini? Here are some recipes to try:

You can also always Freeze Zucchini to use year-round!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 15 votes

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

A few simple tricks make these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips the best! Cutting zucchini squash into slices gives you the perfect ratio of a crispy coating to tender zucchini. Plus, the combination of Italian seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese gives them so much flavor!
Yield 6 servings
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Total 20 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 2 zucchini medium-sized
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 Tbsp. milk oat, cashew, or soy
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned*
  • cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ – ¾ tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions 

  • Slice the Zucchini: Cut zucchini into ¼-inch slices, discarding the ends.
    2 zucchini
  • Coat the Zucchini Slices: In two separate shallow bowls mix together the following:
    Bowl 1: Add egg and milk. Whisk until well combined.
    Bowl 2: Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss until combined.
    Dip one zucchini slice in the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then coat it with the breadcrumbs, pressing firmly into the zucchini so it sticks.  Repeat this process with the remaining zucchini slices.
    1 egg, 1 Tbsp. milk, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ – ¾ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • Cook in the Air Fryer: Place half of the coated zucchini in a single layer in a 6-quart Air Fryer basket. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Air Fry at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Flip the zucchini halfway through cooking. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices.
    Non-stick cooking spray
  • Serve air fried zucchini with Marinara Sauce, Ranch Dressing, or Special Sauce. Enjoy!
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 15 votes

Notes

  • Serving size is about 6 zucchini chips.
  • Gluten-free or low-carb bread crumbs may be used.
  • You can also use ½ cup of regular breadcrumbs and add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Pre-Ahead Instructions:
Slice the zucchini in advance to save time. You can also completely make the chips and save for later.
Storage Directions:
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended. Zucchini will become watery upon thawing. To reheat, pop them back in the Air Fryer at 350° for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Tips:
  • Slice ’em thin. If you cut the zucchini too thick the outside will burn before the inside gets tender.
  • Save a step. Keep it simple by using Italian-style breadcrumbs.
  • Two bowls, two forks. These work great to shake off any excess egg or coating. Make sure to use a separate fork for each bowl.
  • Press it in. Apply pressure when breading to get the coating to stick.
  • Don’t forget to spritz. This gives the chips the golden color and helps them crisp up.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 333mg, Potassium: 204mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 214IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 100mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!
5 Secrets to Healthier Family Dinners
Tips & recipes for getting yummy — and healthy — meals on the table.

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Comments

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Chris! That sounds great. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious recipe just as you have it written. Soooo much easier and cleaner than pan frying and baking in the oven.
    Thanks!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Kristan! I love how easy the air fryer is. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

  2. 5 stars
    Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and one tablespoon of chives to the breading mix and this is a fantastic air fryer zucchini recipe!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! That sounds delicious. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

  3. Um,you didn’t mention flour in your recipe. First flour then eggwash.also you didn’t mention salt or pepper, but it was in the picture.no mention of mixing parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. Otherwise sounds great.

    1. Hi! There’s an entire recipe card at the bottom of the post that gives you more detailed instructions. You can also click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top to easily navigate to it. Hope this helps!

  4. Wow these look good! Super crispy and a great summer air fryer recipe. I’ve made this with zucchini fries before but haven’t tried doing it as a chip.