Parmesan Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer

So Addictive, So Healthy: Parmesan Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer in 15 Minutes

Let me start with a confession: I didn’t grow up loving zucchini.

In fact, I used to think of it as the sad cousin of cucumbers—kind of bland, kind of squishy, and always the last thing left on the veggie tray. But then I became a chef, and later, a mom, and I learned that zucchini is actually one of the most versatile ingredients in my kitchen. It’s light, healthy, low in carbs, and when prepared right—it’s insanely delicious.

The first time I made these air fryer zucchini chips with parmesan, my husband thought I was trying to trick him into eating “another one of those diet snacks.” He took one bite… then finished the entire bowl.

These chips are crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and they take only 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re looking for a clean summer snack, a keto-friendly crunch, or a healthy alternative to store-bought chips, these zucchini chips check every single box.

Let’s dive into this addictive little recipe.

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Why You’ll Be Obsessed with These Parmesan Zucchini Chips

These zucchini chips are one of my favorite summer snack recipes for a few big reasons:

Fast & Easy: 15 minutes, start to finish.

Crispy & Cheesy: That golden parmesan crusted finish is so satisfying.

Healthy AF: Low carb, keto-friendly, and air fried (no deep frying here!).

Crowd-Pleaser: Even kids and picky eaters devour them.

Versatile: Serve as healthy snacks, lunchbox sides, or party starters.

If you’re following a keto, low carb, or generally clean eating lifestyle, these are a total game-changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)

Here’s what you need to make these crispy air fryer zucchini chips with parmesan:

2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb total), sliced into 1/8-inch rounds

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh, not the powdered kind)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Olive oil spray (just a light coating)

Vegan Tip: Swap parmesan with ¼ cup nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative for a fully plant-based option!

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Parmesan (Step-by-Step Recipe)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yields: 4 snack-size servings

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini

Slice zucchini into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch). The thinner the better for max crispiness!

Lay them on a paper towel and pat dry. This step helps eliminate excess moisture, which is key for crispy chips.

Step 2: Season & Coat

In a mixing bowl, toss zucchini slices with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a light spray of olive oil.

Press grated parmesan onto both sides of each slice. Make sure they’re well-coated—this is where that parmesan crusted magic happens!

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange zucchini in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overlap.

Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp on the edges.

Optional Add-ons:

Sprinkle paprika, chili flakes, or Italian herbs before air frying for a flavor twist.

Tools You’ll Love (Chef-Tested & Amazon Approved)

These are the kitchen tools I use every time I make this recipe—and trust me, they make a difference!

1. COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer

Why I love it: This 5.8QT air fryer fits a ton of zucchini slices in one go and heats evenly. It’s sleek, quiet, and has a digital touch screen that's super user-friendly.

Even cooking

Easy to clean

Perfect size for families

Grab it on Amazon here and elevate your air frying game!

2. Mueller Austria Adjustable Mandoline Slicer

Why I love it: Consistent slice thickness is the key to crispy chips, and this mandoline nails it. No more guessing. Plus, it has multiple blades for slicing, julienne, and more.

Precision slicing

Safe finger guard

Compact and affordable

Check price on Amazon and get pro-level results at home.

Chef’s Tips for Super Crispy Chips

As a chef, I’ve tested dozens of batches to figure out exactly what makes these zucchini chips crispy and not soggy. Here's what I've learned:

1. Slice Thin & Even: Use a mandoline slicer for consistency.

2. Pat Zucchini Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crunch.

3. Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese tends to clump and doesn’t crisp as well.

4. Don’t Overcrowd: Air needs to circulate freely in your fryer. Cook in batches if needed.

5. Flip Halfway: This ensures both sides get beautifully golden.

Flavor Variations to Try

You can totally customize your zucchini chips depending on your cravings:

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.

Italian Herb: Mix in dried oregano, basil, or rosemary.

Lemon Zest: A dash of lemon zest before serving makes them pop with freshness.

Ranch Style: Use ½ tsp dried dill + onion powder for a ranch-inspired twist.

When to Serve These Chips (Not Just Snacks!)

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. These zucchini chips go beyond snacking:

Serve as a great side dish with grilled chicken or burgers.

Pack them in school or work lunchboxes.

Bring to summer BBQs and potlucks—everyone will ask for the recipe.

Add them to a charcuterie board for a lighter crunchy option.

Use as a topping for soups or salads for extra texture.

Let’s Talk Nutrition

Here’s a quick breakdown of why these chips are a smart choice for healthy snacks:

Zucchini: Low in calories, high in water and fiber. Great for digestion.

Parmesan: Adds protein and calcium without going overboard.

Air Fried: No deep-frying, which means fewer calories and fats.

Keto-Friendly: With only 2–3g net carbs per serving, they’re perfect for low carb lifestyles.

Vegan Option: Swap in a plant-based cheese and you’ve got a clean, satisfying vegan snack.

Nutrition per serving (approx.):

Calories: 120 | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 6g

Final Thoughts: You’ll Make These Again and Again

I can’t tell you how many times these air fryer zucchini chips parmesan have saved me from mindless snacking on chips or crackers. They’re crunchy, cheesy, satisfying, and they actually leave you feeling good.

Every time I post a picture of them on my Instagram stories, I get at least five DMs asking for the recipe—and I totally get why. They’re just that good.

So whether you're making these for a cozy night in, a summer picnic, or your next dinner party, I promise: these chips will disappear in minutes.

Over to You

Have you tried these parmesan zucchini chips yet? Did you make them keto, vegan, or add your own twist? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how they turned out!

And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow snack-loving girlfriends.