These baked zucchini chips are a delightful, healthy alternative to traditional snacks. They are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, featuring a perfect blend of Parmesan cheese and spices. By salting the zucchini slices before baking, you ensure they come out perfectly crunchy. These chips are ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
– Olive oil spray 🧴
– 2 medium zucchini (about 450 g) 🥒
– 1 ¼ teaspoons (7.5 g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt, divided (or ¾ teaspoon table salt) 🧂
– ½ teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder 🧄
– ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper 🌶️
– ¼ cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Instructions
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat it with olive oil spray.
2. **Prepare Zucchini:** Slice the zucchini into ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with 1 teaspoon (6 g) of kosher salt.
3. **Drain Moisture:** Place the salted zucchini slices in a colander in the sink and let them stand for 30 minutes at room temperature to draw out excess water.
4. **Rinse and Dry:** After 30 minutes, rinse the zucchini slices under cold water and blot them dry using paper towels.
5. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops with olive oil.
6. **Initial Bake:** Bake the zucchini slices for 15 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
7. **Season:** Sprinkle the zucchini with the remaining ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. There is no need to flip the slices.
8. **Final Bake:** Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking until the zucchini chips are browned and crispy, for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy zucchini chips are perfect on their own or served with a side of dipping sauce. They make a great snack, an excellent addition to a party platter, or a crunchy side dish for your meals.
Cooking Tips
– Ensure the zucchini slices are as uniform in thickness as possible to bake evenly.
– Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; the chips need space to crisp up properly.
– For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings such as paprika or cayenne pepper.
Storing Recommendations
Store leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chips, but they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.
Nutritional Information
– **Calories per Serving:** Approximately 100 kcal
– **Total Fat:** 7 g
– **Saturated Fat:** 2.5 g
– **Cholesterol:** 10 mg
– **Sodium:** 390 mg
– **Total Carbohydrates:** 6 g
– **Dietary Fiber:** 1 g
– **Sugars:** 3 g
– **Protein:** 5 g
FAQs
**Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?**
While you can use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese, freshly grated cheese typically melts and crisps better.
**Can I make these chips ahead of time?**
These chips are best enjoyed immediately after baking to maintain their crispiness. If you need to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to restore some crispiness.
**What if my zucchini slices are too thick?**
Thicker slices may not crisp up as well. Ensure slices are thin for the best texture.
**Can I use other types of cheese?**
Yes, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, but the flavor and texture may vary.
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**Total Calories:** Approximately 100 per serving
**Prep Time:** 45 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 20 minutes
**Number of Servings:** 4 servings