Crispy Herb Parmesan Zucchini Chips

$- Zucchini - Parmesan Cheese - Breadcrumbs (Whole Wheat) - Herbs and Spices - Eggs - Olive Oil Spray To make Herb Parmesan Zucchini Chips, you need simple and fresh ingredients. First, grab 2 medium zucchinis. Choose firm ones with a shiny skin. This ensures they will be crunchy. Next, get 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese gives the chips a salty and nutty flavor. You can use fresh cheese for a richer taste. Then, you'll need 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Whole wheat breadcrumbs work best. They add a nice texture and a bit of fiber. Next, gather your herbs and spices. You will need: - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried basil - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - ½ teaspoon of paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste These herbs and spices add a lot of flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. You will also need 2 large eggs, beaten. The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini slices. Lastly, have an olive oil spray on hand. This helps the chips become crispy and golden brown. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a tasty and healthy snack. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key to getting those chips crispy. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the chips not stick. Next, grab a large bowl. In it, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. You want every chip to have that tasty coating. Now, take two large eggs and beat them in another bowl. You want the eggs mixed well but not too frothy. Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs. Let the extra egg drip off. Next, coat the slice in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This step is crucial for a crunchy texture. Once all the slices are coated, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap. This helps them cook evenly. Before baking, spray the slices lightly with olive oil. This gives them a golden look and extra crispiness. Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven. Bake the zucchini chips for about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden brown color and crispy texture. When they’re done, take them out and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your healthy snack! - Olive Oil Application: Using olive oil spray is key. It adds a light coat without soaking the chips. This helps achieve that crispy texture. A quick spray on both sides works wonders. You want just enough oil to help the breadcrumbs stick and brown. - Baking Times and Temperature: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the chips crisp up nicely. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chips halfway through to ensure even cooking. Watch closely, as each oven varies slightly. - Additional Seasonings: Feel free to mix in more flavors. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just remember, fresh herbs have a stronger flavor, so use less than dried. - Types of Dipping Sauce Suggestions: Pair your chips with tasty dips. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but a spicy aioli can elevate the flavor. You can also serve them with ranch dressing or a yogurt dip for a cool contrast. Experiment with your favorites! Pro Tips Slice Uniformly: Ensure your zucchini slices are of even thickness for consistent cooking and crispiness. Use Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, adjusting the quantity as needed. Don’t Overcrowd: Bake in batches if necessary; overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to soggy chips. Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to mix in other spices or cheese varieties to customize the flavor profile to your liking. {{image_2}} Cheese Substitutes If you want to change the cheese, try using nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use vegan cheese for a plant-based option. This keeps the recipe tasty and friendly for different diets. Gluten-Free Options To make this recipe gluten-free, switch the breadcrumbs. Use crushed rice cereal or gluten-free panko. Both options add crunch without the gluten. Just make sure to check the labels for hidden gluten. Spicy Zucchini Chips For a kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This adds heat and flavor to the chips that is sure to impress. Herbs Variations You can switch herbs based on your taste. Try thyme or rosemary for a new twist. Fresh herbs can work too. Just chop them finely and mix them into the breadcrumbs. Each herb brings its own flavor to the dish. After making these tasty zucchini chips, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step keeps them crispy. Once cool, place the chips in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sogginess. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy your chips again, you can reheat them in two ways: the oven or the air fryer. - Oven: Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chips on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until crispy again. - Air Fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chips in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 5 minutes for a quick crunch. For both methods, avoid overheating. Too much heat can make the chips lose their nice crunch. Keeping them crispy is key to a great snack! How do I make zucchini chips without bread crumbs? You can skip the bread crumbs by using just cheese. Coat the zucchini slices in beaten eggs and then sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese. Bake as usual, and you will still enjoy a tasty snack. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Just chop them finely. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried ones. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, use 3 teaspoons of fresh oregano. How can I make these chips spicier? To add spice, mix in some red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your chips a nice kick! What is the best way to store zucchini chips? Let the chips cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. For extra crispiness, you can also store them in a paper bag. This post covered how to make tasty zucchini chips. You learned about the ingredients, steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, use fresh herbs or change up spices to suit your taste. You can also store leftovers well and reheat them without losing crispiness. Explore variations to give your chips new flavors. Enjoy creating your own zucchini snacks!$

Crispy Herb Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Deliciously crispy zucchini chips coated with Parmesan and herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
as needed olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off, then coat the slice in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated zucchini chips onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spray lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the zucchini chips in a small basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic touch. Accompany with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or a spicy aioli, for added flavor.

Keyword chips, Parmesan, snack, zucchini