Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (Printable Version)
Golden air-fried zucchini chips paired with a creamy homemade ranch dip make a delicious, healthy snack.
# What You Need:
→ Zucchini Chips
01 - 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced to approximately 1/8 inch thickness
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs, beaten
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - Olive oil spray
→ Ranch Dip
11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 2 tablespoons buttermilk or milk
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
16 - 1 teaspoon dried dill
17 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
18 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
20 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
21 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
# How to Make It:
01 - Lay zucchini slices on paper towels, sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to extract moisture, then pat dry.
02 - Arrange three bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and a combined mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
03 - Coat each zucchini slice first in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally cover thoroughly with the panko mixture.
04 - Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with olive oil.
05 - Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chips turn golden brown and crisp.
06 - While chips cook, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, parsley, chives, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl; whisk until smooth.
07 - Plate hot zucchini chips alongside the ranch dip for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They're genuinely crispy outside, tender inside, nothing soggy or disappointing.
- Homemade ranch tastes like a secret compared to the packet mix, and you control exactly what goes in it.
- Takes less time than heating up the oven, and you feel like you're doing something good without trying hard.
02 -
- Moisture is your biggest enemy—don't skip salting the zucchini or the pat-dry step, or you'll end up with soft, disappointing chips.
- The panko has to stay crispy between the egg and the oil spray, so move quickly through the breading station and don't let coated slices sit around waiting.
- Flipping halfway is essential because air fryers heat from all angles but the bottom needs that direct heat to get truly crispy and golden.
03 -
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 9 minutes—every machine is different, and overcooked chips turn bitter fast.
- Make the ranch dip 30 minutes ahead so the flavors have time to meld and taste less raw and more intentional.