PARMESAN BAKED ZUCCHINI CHIPS

Of course! Here is a delicious and reliable recipe for Parmesan Baked Zucchini Chips. They are crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned—a fantastic healthy snack or side dish.

Crispy Parmesan Baked Zucchini Chips

This recipe uses a triple coating trick (flour, egg, breadcrumb mix) to help the coating stick and get extra crispy in the oven.

Why You’ll Love It:

· Healthier than Fried: Baking achieves a crispy texture with a fraction of the oil.
· Irresistible Flavor: Salty Parmesan, garlic, and herbs make these incredibly addictive.
· Perfect for Picky Eaters: A great way to enjoy zucchini!


Recipe

Yield: 2-4 servings (as a snack/side) Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

· 2 medium firm zucchinis
· ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
· 2 large eggs
· 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
· ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
· ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
· Cooking spray, avocado oil spray, or olive oil spray
· Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key for crispiness. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one (this allows air to circulate for maximum crispiness). If you don’t have a rack, the parchment paper alone is fine.
  2. Prep Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. If they are too thick, they won’t get crispy; if too thin, they can burn. Try to make them uniform for even cooking. Place the rounds on a paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. This helps draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them very dry with more paper towels. (This is the most important step for crispy chips!)
  3. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Get three shallow bowls or plates.
    · Bowl 1: Place the flour. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    · Bowl 2: Beat the two eggs.
    · Bowl 3: Combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well.
  4. Bread the Zucchini: Working in batches, dredge a zucchini round in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Place the coated round on the prepared wire rack or baking sheet. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
  5. Spray and Season: Generously spray the top of each coated zucchini round with cooking spray or oil. This will help them brown and crisp up. You can also give them a very light sprinkle of salt.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Do not flip them if they are on a wire rack. If they are directly on the parchment paper, you can carefully flip them halfway through the baking time.
  7. Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed right out of the oven while they are still hot and crispy. They will soften as they cool.

Tips for Success:

· GRATE YOUR OWN PARMESAN: Pre-grated Parmesan in a tub contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting and sticking as well. A block of Parmesan that you grate yourself will taste better and create a crispier coating.
· Dry the Zucchini: Don’t skip the step of salting and patting the zucchini dry. Zucchini is over 90% water, and releasing that moisture is the key to avoiding soggy chips.
· Press Firmly: When coating in the breadcrumb mixture, press down firmly so the crumbs adhere. This creates a thick, even layer.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensure the zucchini chips are in a single layer with a little space between them. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of bake.
· The Wire Rack Trick: Using a wire baking rack is a game-changer for any baked “fried” food. It allows hot air to circulate all around the food, making everything crispier.
· Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, a creamy sriracha dip, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and healthy snack

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