Air Fryer Zucchini Chips with Creamy Sriracha Dip

The easiest way to enjoy Air Fryer (affiliate) Zucchini, no breading required! Air Fryer Zucchini Chips with Spicy Sriracha Dipping Sauce. A fun snack, appetizer or side-dish. 

this Recipe

Are you still loving your air fryer? I admit, I was very hesitant on getting one as my counter (and um, basement) are full of kitchen appliances but after snagging a deal a few Black Friday’s ago, I’ve been hooked.

So much so that I recently moved my air fryer from the basement into the kitchen– a spot that I usually reserve for top appliances that get at least weekly use. I throw everything into the air fryer– frozen tofu nuggets, broccoli, my air fryer cauliflower wings and thinly sliced zucchini for air fryer zucchini chips!

The inspiration for these came after my son grabbed a few zucchini from the grocery store a few weeks ago and wanted to try them. I jump on any opportunity for my kids to try new foods, and thought these air fryer zucchini chips would be fun for all of us. Both my kids love french fries (and these air fryer carrot fries), so I had a hunch that these zucchini fries would be a fun twist.

Of course, I couldn’t help myself and whipped up a creamy sauce for dipping. More on that below!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

These chips couldn’t be easier to make! I love that they are simple, without the typical flour breading that most fried zucchini recipes use. Not that there is anything wrong with breaded zucchini chips, but I find that the extra bread crumbs, egg wash or parmesan cheese that’s normally used weighs down the zucchini chips and masks their crisp taste and texture.

For these air fryer zucchini chips, you’ll need:

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

That’s it! If you want a boost of flavor, you could add in a pinch of garlic powder but I find the salt and pepper to be enough.

Air Fryer Zucchini Instructions

To make, thinly slice the zucchini. For best results, try and make them as uniform as possible. To turn these into air fryer zucchini fries, and not chips, slice the zucchini into strips instead of coins.

Then, place the zucchini in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper until the zucchini is well coated with the oil. You can also use a non-propellent cooking spray, but don’t skimp on the oil! You need each zucchini to be well coated so that they crisp in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, then place the prepped zucchini in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in a few batches.

Air fry for 7-10 minutes until crispy. The wide estimate of cooking time is to ensure that your zucchini chips are crispy, but not burnt. I recommend checking them at about 6-7 minutes and pulling any that are ready.

Oven Instructions

No air fryer? No problem. To make these in the oven, prep the zucchini the same way and place in a single layer on a lightly greased or parchment lined baking sheet.

Place in a 400 degree F oven and roast for 5-10 minutes, flipping once until crispy. Again, the wide cooking estimate is dependent on how large and thick your slices are. While I don’t like parmesan cheese on my air fryer zucchini chips, I do like a little sprinkle when I make them in the oven (dairy-free or regular).

Pair with my Creamy Sriracha Dip

I couldn’t help myself! You know how much I love condiments and dips, and this quick blender (affiliate) cashew sauce is no exception. It’s the perfect pairing to this zucchini side dish.

In a blender, combine:

• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup dairy-free milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked for 15 minutes in hot water, then drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• pinch smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Depending on the power of your blender, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times until combined. If you don’t like your dip spicy, then I recommend using a chipotle sauce (like from a can of chipotle peppers) or your favorite sauce– BBQ, ketchup, a more mild hot sauce would all work in this mixture.

Now you are ready to dip! Remove the zucchini from the air fryer basket and serve right away with this creamy dip.

How to store leftovers

This air fryer zucchini chips don’t store well, so I don’t recommend making a big batch to keep in the fridge like I do with other roasted veggies. They are best eaten right away, but if you do have any leftovers then I’d recommend popping them back into an air fryer or oven to re-crisp before serving. This is true with most air fryer recipes in my opinion!

Hope you love these air fryer zucchini chips as much as we did. I was shocked when my 4-year old ate as many right alongside me; such a fun snack or side dish. They are also naturally cholesterol free, vegan and gluten-free.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
• Crispy Tofu Made in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Potato Skin Nachos
• Easy Crispy Tacos with Queso Dipping Sauce

If you make this air fryer zucchini recipe, come back and leave a comment and a rating! Your feedback helps other readers and seeing you make my recipes makes my day.