1-Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Zucchini SlicesStart by washing your zucchini thoroughly under cool running water. There’s no need to peel it the skin adds lovely color, extra nutrients, and helps the chips hold their shape. Using either a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini into rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. Consistency is key here! Uniformly thin slices ensure even cooking, so take your time with this step. Once sliced, arrange the zucchini rounds in a single layer on paper towels. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt don’t worry, most of this salt will be removed with the moisture. Let the slices sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice beads of moisture forming on the surface that’s exactly what we want! This crucial step draws out excess water that would otherwise cause soggy chips.

2-Step 2: Dry the Slices ThoroughlyAfter the resting period, take fresh paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth and pat the zucchini slices completely dry. I cannot stress this enough the drier the slices, the crispier your chips will be! Press gently but firmly to remove all surface moisture. Take your time here because any remaining water droplets will create steam in the air fryer, preventing that beautiful golden crunch we’re after.

3-Step 3: Season and Coat with OilTransfer the dried zucchini slices to a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and start with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Using clean hands or tongs, toss everything together until each slice is evenly coated with oil and seasoning. The oil should glisten on the surface of every chip this promotes even browning and that satisfying crunch. After tossing, taste a slice if you’d like to check the seasoning level. If you prefer more garlic flavor, add the remaining garlic powder and toss again. Remember, the flavor will concentrate slightly during cooking, so you don’t need to go overboard with the seasoning at this stage.

4-Step 4: Arrange in the Air FryerPlace the seasoned zucchini slices in your air fryer basket or on air fryer trays in a single layer. This is absolutely critical! Overlapping or crowding the slices will cause them to steam rather than crisp up. If necessary, cook in batches i know it takes longer, but the results are worth it. Those golden, crispy chips you’re dreaming of require proper air circulation around each slice. For air fryers with basket-style cooking, give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. For tray-style air fryers, you may want to rotate the trays once during cooking for uniform results.

5-Step 5: Air Fry to Golden PerfectionSet your air fryer to 400°F and cook the zucchini chips for 15-20 minutes total. Here’s where you need to pay attention: check on the chips at the 10-minute mark! Some slices, particularly the thinner ones around the edges, will cook faster. Remove any chips that have turned golden brown and crispy to prevent burning. Continue air frying the remaining slices, checking every few minutes. The chips are done when they’re crispy and golden with slightly darker edges. They should feel firm and make a gentle crunching sound when you tap them with tongs. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform homemade is supposed to look rustic!

6-Step 6: Cool and ServeTransfer the finished chips to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows them to crisp up fully they’ll actually get crunchier as they cool down slightly. I love serving them warm, but they’re delicious at room temperature too.