Crispy Zucchini Chips (Printable Version)
Thinly sliced zucchini baked to golden perfection, creating a healthy, addictive, and satisfyingly crunchy snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium zucchinis
→ Seasoning
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
06 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat the oven to 225°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Wash and thoroughly dry the zucchinis. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, carefully slice them into very thin rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
03 - Place the sliced zucchini on paper towels and gently pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy chips.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings such as garlic powder or smoked paprika. Toss gently until all slices are evenly coated.
05 - Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure that the slices do not overlap, allowing them to crisp up properly.
06 - Bake for 1 hour. After this initial baking period, rotate the baking sheets for even cooking. Continue baking for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the chips are visibly crisp and lightly golden.
07 - Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the zucchini chips to cool completely on the trays. They will continue to crisp further as they cool down.
08 - Serve the crispy zucchini chips immediately for the best texture. If storing, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's an incredibly satisfying crunch without any deep-fried guilt.
- You'll surprise yourself with how quickly a mountain of zucchini disappears.
02 -
- Overcrowding the baking sheet is the quickest way to end up with chewy, sad zucchini rather than crispy chips; always give them space.
- Using a mandoline isn't just for fancy chefs – it genuinely makes all the difference in achieving uniform thickness, which is crucial for even cooking.
03 -
- To ensure consistent crisping, consider rotating your baking sheets halfway through the total cooking time and even swapping their positions on the oven racks.
- If your chips aren't getting quite crisp enough, it might be due to residual moisture; a slightly longer baking time at the same low temperature can often fix this without burning them.