I love a good savory snack, and these crispy baked parmesan zucchini chips are where it’s at!
Best of all, they’re pretty healthy compared to prepackaged snacks and anything you’d grab while out.
Plus, they’re quick and easy to make. I pulled this recipe together while preparing some zucchini puree for my 7 month old. He loves zucchini by the way!
This recipe for crispy baked parmesan zucchini chips requires very few steps and minimal preparation.
Even though the recipe includes breading, it still tastes fried without the added grease, calories, and mess.
Love for the Zucchini <3
Is it weird to rave about a vegetable?! Believe it or not, zucchini is a fruit but it looks like a vegetable so I’m going to roll with it.
Anyways, if there was such a thing, zucchini gets all my votes as one of the BEST most versatile vegetables in the bunch.
It is the perfect base for many recipes. It has a mild flavor so excellent for savory food lovers like me but can also be incorporated into sweets like baked goods such as these blueberry zucchini muffins.
Adding more health benefits to make foods more delicious? Yes, please!
Best Season to Enjoy Zucchinis
Zucchinis are at their prime during the warm and sunny months of late spring through early fall.
This is when they are the freshest, most flavorful, and packed with the highest nutrient content.
Incorporating zucchini and other squash varieties into your diet during their peak season ensures you’re getting the best out of these wholesome veggies.
Are Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips Good for You?
Of course! Zucchini is a superfood in my book because it is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants.
And it contains one of the best sources of carotenoids and other vitamins.
More specifically, zucchini is rich in vitamin B6.
Research suggests that this vitamin can help with regulating blood glucose and may even play a protective role against diabetes.
It also contains compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye’s cells by filtering blue light wavelengths.
This vibrant and versatile vegetable is not only low in calories but also rich in essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.
Health Benefits of Zucchini
Even more health benefits of zucchini:
Nutrient Powerhouse: Zucchini and squash are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting a strong immune system, maintaining healthy skin, and promoting proper digestion.
Digestive Health: With a high water and fiber content, zucchini is gentle on the digestive system. The fiber it contains aids in regulating bowel movements and promoting a healthy gut, making them a natural choice for promoting digestive wellness.
Antioxidant Rich: These vegetables are packed with antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Regular consumption of zucchini and squash is like giving your body a shield against harmful free radicals.
Weight Management: Due to their low calorie and high-water content, zucchini can help with managing your weight. They help you feel full without piling on excess calories, making them a smart choice for snacking.
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips Ingredients
- Zucchini. You’ll only need one medium zucchini for this recipe. This is enough for two If your zucchini are larger, you may need more of the breadcrumb mixture.
- Eggs. You’ll need two eggs. Use egg whites for less calories.
- Flour. Opt for gluten-free flour.
- Breadcrumbs. I used parmesan panko breadcrumbs, but you can use your favorite type. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re gluten intolerant.
- Parmesan cheese. The parmesan adds a ton of flavor, but it can be substituted with additional breadcrumbs to make this recipe dairy-free.
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips: Expert Tips
Make them Crispy: Use a fresh zucchini for maximum crispness. Ensure your zucchini is crispy by selecting fresh produce and plan to make your chips soon after purchase while the vegetable is still firm. This way you’ll save time and avoid having to salt or dry out the zucchini.
Keep the Skin: It’s not necessary to peel the zucchini. Not only does it add to the texture and flavor, it provides additional fiber and softens when baked.
Cut them Evenly: Use a sharp knife to slice the chips thin and evenly.
Make them Super Fast: Although not the healthiest choice, you can always use premixed parmesan panko breadcrumbs and skip combining individual ingredients.
Mix it up! Try other seasonings to bread the chips! Italian seasoning, or cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper would all be delicious options for a slightly different flavored chip.
Enjoy them Plain? Sure thing! While these zucchini chips are made with breadcrumbs, you don’t need them and the chips get nice and crunchy on their own.
Bake or Air Fry? You can do either! The air fryer is quicker and cooks in about half the time, but I find that with baking I can make more at a time, plus they cook more evenly.
Add a Dip: If you would like to add a dip, I’d suggest a marinara. Other options include using unsweetened ketchup, ranch dip or greek yogurt dip, even guacamole! But these chips are perfect on their own without any dip.
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Equipment
- 2 oven proof wire rack
- 2 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 fresh medium zucchini
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce for dipping optional
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Thinly slice the zucchinis into rounds.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the 1/4 tsp salt, panko, and parmesan.
- Sprinkle the sliced zucchini with the all-purpose flour and remaining 1/4 tsp salt, tossing the zucchini slices until they are evenly coated.
- Bread the zucchini slices by briefly dipping them in the whisked eggs, letting the excess run off, then coating them in the panko parmesan mixture.
Bake to Perfection:
- Place an oven proof wire rack over a large rimmed baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded zucchini slices on the prepared wire rack to allow airflow underneath.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the slices.
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chips with olive oil spray.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini chips are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Enjoy!
- Once baked, remove the zucchini chips from the oven and let them cool slightly. As they cool, they will become even crispier.
- Serve them as a delightful snack on their own or with a dip of your choice.
Try This Recipe
This baked zucchini chips recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious to enjoy.
With its incredible benefits and seasonal charm, zucchini is undoubtedly a superhero for a snack.
From supporting your immune system to promoting digestive health, incorporating zucchini into your diet promotes healthy well-being.
Make the most of zucchini’s peak season and whip up a batch of crispy baked parmesan zucchini chips.
Good food doesn’t just nourish; it also delights. So, savor every moment of preparing and relishing these crispy, wholesome chips. Happy snacking!
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