These Baked Zucchini Chips are the perfect healthy snack, offering the crunch you crave without the deep frying! Made with thinly sliced zucchini, seasoned to perfection, and coated in finely crushed Kettle Brand® Himalayan Salt Potato Chips, they’re baked to crispy golden goodness. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy zucchini, and they’re so good, you won’t miss the deep-fried version!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 zucchinis (thinly sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ cup milk
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1 large egg
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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1 ½ cups finely crushed Kettle Brand® Himalayan Salt Potato Chips
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray. -
Season the Zucchini:
Season the zucchini slices with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. -
Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Set aside. -
Coat the Zucchini:
Working in batches, dredge the zucchini rounds in flour, dip them into the milk mixture, then coat them in the crushed potato chips, pressing to ensure they stick. -
Bake the Zucchini Chips:
Arrange the coated zucchini rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat the top with nonstick spray. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. -
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrients
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on exact ingredient brands)
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Calories: 140 kcal per serving
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Carbohydrates: 17g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 7g
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Saturated Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 35mg
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Sodium: 350mg
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Potassium: 350mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
Why Baked Zucchini Chips Are So Delicious
What makes these Baked Zucchini Chips so special is the use of fresh zucchini combined with a flavorful, crispy coating. Zucchini is naturally mild and slightly sweet, making it the perfect vegetable for pairing with a crunchy coating like the one made from finely crushed Kettle Brand® Himalayan Salt Potato Chips. These potato chips add a salty, savory flavor and create a texture that’s crispy and satisfying without the need for deep frying.
The garlic powder and seasoning elevate the zucchini’s flavor, making each chip more than just a veggie snack. Plus, the zucchini’s high water content helps it become tender inside while the crispy exterior forms during baking, ensuring a perfect balance of textures.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Coating
The coating for these zucchini chips is what gives them that irresistible crunch. Instead of using traditional breadcrumbs, the recipe calls for crushed potato chips, specifically Kettle Brand® Himalayan Salt Potato Chips, which provide a rich, salty flavor that enhances the zucchini. The potato chips also help to form a crunchy crust that mimics the crispy texture of fried chips, but without the oil.
The flour, egg, and milk mixture serves as the base for the coating, helping the potato chips adhere to the zucchini slices. The simple dredging process of dipping the zucchini into flour, then the milk mixture, and finally into the crushed chips ensures an even coat of crunch and flavor.
How to Make Baked Zucchini Chips
Making Baked Zucchini Chips is incredibly easy and quick. The first step is to preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare the baking sheet by either lightly oiling it or coating it with nonstick spray. This will help ensure the zucchini chips crisp up nicely as they bake.
Next, season the zucchini slices with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. The garlic powder brings an aromatic depth, while the salt enhances the zucchini’s natural sweetness. Once the zucchini is seasoned, it’s time to prepare the coating.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. This mixture will help the flour and crushed potato chips stick to the zucchini slices. For the coating, mix the finely crushed potato chips with the flour and any remaining seasonings. Working in batches, dredge each zucchini round in flour, dip it into the milk and egg mixture, and then coat it with the crushed chips. Press the chips onto the zucchini to ensure they stick well.
Place the coated zucchini rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the tops of the chips with nonstick spray for an extra crisp. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the zucchini chips turn golden brown and crispy.
Why These Zucchini Chips Are Healthier
Baked Zucchini Chips offer several health benefits compared to traditional deep-fried chips. By baking the zucchini instead of frying it, you’re cutting down on excess oil and calories, making this snack much lighter and healthier. Each serving contains just 140 calories, with 7 grams of fat, including only 1 gram of saturated fat. The zucchini also adds fiber, with 2 grams of fiber per serving, helping with digestion and making you feel fuller longer.
Additionally, zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and vitamin C, which is essential for immune health. The addition of fresh parsley not only adds color and flavor but also provides a small amount of vitamin K and antioxidants, further boosting the dish’s nutritional profile.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Zucchini Chips are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for pairing them with other dishes:
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As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a healthy snack that satisfies your crunchy cravings. Pair them with a dip like ranch, hummus, or tzatziki for an extra flavor boost.
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As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside a main course like grilled chicken, salmon, or a hearty salad. The crispy texture of the zucchini chips complements proteins beautifully.
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In Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the zucchini chips as a crunchy element in sandwiches or wraps for a fun twist on your regular lunch.
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For Appetizers: These chips can be a great appetizer for parties or gatherings. Serve them in a bowl with a variety of dips for a light yet satisfying treat.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of Baked Zucchini Chips contains 140 calories, making them a relatively low-calorie snack. The 7 grams of fat are primarily from the olive oil used in the coating, which provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The dish also contains 2 grams of fiber, which helps support digestion and maintains a healthy gut. The zucchini itself adds essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and vitamin C, while the fresh parsley garnish provides antioxidants.
Conclusion
Baked Zucchini Chips are the perfect healthy snack for anyone craving a crunchy, savory treat without the guilt of deep frying. The combination of zucchini, garlic powder, and crushed Kettle Brand® Himalayan Salt Potato Chips creates a flavor-packed and crispy snack that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you enjoy them on their own or pair them with a dip or main dish, these zucchini chips are sure to be a hit in your household.
They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and a fun way to enjoy more vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, crispy snack that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the crunchy goodness of these Baked Zucchini Chips without compromising on taste or nutrition!