1. Prepare the Zucchinis:
- Wash and Slice:
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. You can also cut them into sticks if you prefer.
- Dry the Slices:
- Place the sliced zucchinis on a paper towel and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier texture.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare Egg Wash:
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
3. Bread the Zucchini Slices:
- Coat in Egg:
- Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
- Dredge in Breadcrumb Mixture:
- Transfer the egg-coated zucchini slice to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated slice on a plate or tray.
- Repeat:
- Continue the process with all the zucchini slices, ensuring each one is well-coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Air Fry the Zucchini Chips:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange in Basket:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook:
- Air fry the zucchini chips at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
5. Serve:
- Cool and Garnish:
- Once the zucchini chips are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps maintain their crispiness.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the zucchini chips warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a crunchy side dish.
Tips for Success:
- Even Slicing: Try to cut the zucchini slices as evenly as possible for uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Drying the Zucchini: Patting the zucchini dry before breading is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure that each chip gets crispy.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer to restore some of their crispiness.
These Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Chips are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. With their crispy exterior and savory Parmesan flavor, they’re perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or as a tasty side dish. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious chips that are sure to impress!