If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, savory, and effortless to whip up, then you absolutely need to try this Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe. Thin slices of fresh zucchini get lovingly coated in a golden mix of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and fragrant Italian seasoning before baking to crisp perfection. The result? A guilt-free appetizer or snack that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of crunch to satisfy any craving. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want something light but oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and each plays an important role in making the zucchini crisps fabulously crunchy, flavorful, and visually appealing.
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into ⅛-inch rounds: The star of the dish, zucchini adds freshness and a tender bite beneath the crispy coating.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers savory, salty richness that melts and crisps beautifully on the surface.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, airy crunch that’s essential for that perfect crisp texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle depth of flavor that complements the cheese and herbs effortlessly.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbal note with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice to balance the mild zucchini.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as the glue that holds the coating in place and helps it crisp nicely.
- Olive oil spray (for baking): Assists in achieving a golden color and extra crunch without adding grease.
How to Make Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the crisps from sticking, and lightly spray it with olive oil. This sets the stage for a hassle-free baking experience and ensures your crisps come out glorious and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Crispy Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. This mix is packed with flavor and texture that will cling perfectly to each zucchini slice.
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini Slices
Dip each zucchini round into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off to avoid sogginess. Then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so every bite is loaded with crispy, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd them or they won’t crisp up properly. Finish by lightly spraying the tops with olive oil to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, flipping the crisps halfway through so both sides get that irresistible golden crunch. If you want to take them over the top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
How to Serve Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan can add a lovely fresh note and boost the visual appeal. A pinch of red pepper flakes is perfect if you like a little heat with your crunch.
Side Dishes
These crisps shine brightest alongside a cool marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip—both complement the savory coating beautifully. Pair them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the crisps into mini “towers” held together with toothpicks, or serve them on a platter with an assortment of dips like tzatziki, guacamole, or spicy aioli. They can also be a colorful topping for burgers and sandwiches, adding a wonderful crunch and cheesy flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To retain their crispiness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these zucchini crisps by first flash-freezing them on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Baking from frozen requires adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back their satisfying crunch, reheat leftover crisps in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy and limp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan offers the best crisping and flavor, you can try Pecorino Romano for a similar salty punch or a sharp Asiago for a slightly different twist, but avoid soft cheeses that won’t crisp up well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic version uses panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I air fry the zucchini crisps?
Absolutely! Air frying at 400°F for 8–10 minutes works wonderfully and delivers a crispy texture without needing much oil.
How thin should the zucchini slices be?
Slice the zucchini into approximately ⅛-inch rounds to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness inside and crispiness outside. If too thick, they won’t crisp fully; too thin, and they might burn.
Are these crisps suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly, packed with plant-based ingredients and cheese.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the irresistible crunch and savory goodness of this Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe, it’s hard to imagine reaching for any other snack. These crisps are the perfect way to enjoy zucchini with an exciting twist, whether as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a cozy snack for yourself. I hope you have as much fun making and devouring them as I do sharing this recipe with friends. Grab your zucchinis and get baking today—you’re in for a tasty treat!
Print
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are a deliciously crispy and healthy snack or appetizer featuring thinly sliced zucchini rounds coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings. Baked to golden perfection and optionally crisped under the broiler, these savory bites are perfect for dipping and satisfying your craving for a crunchy treat without the guilt.
Ingredients
Zucchini and Coating
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve crispiness.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. This mixture will give the zucchini slices a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Coat Zucchini Slices: Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then press each slice firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides evenly for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow even baking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for an extra crispy finish.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the zucchini crisps for 20 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time. Bake until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Optional Broiling: For even crispier results, broil the crisps for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini Parmesan crisps warm, optionally with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispness, broil the crisps for the last 1–2 minutes of baking while watching closely to avoid burning.
- You can make these crisps in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for an alternative cooking method.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as they may lose crispness if left to sit.
- Perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer, these crisps are vegetarian-friendly.
