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If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed with zucchini from the garden (or a generous neighbor), here’s a wholesome and tasty solution: Oven Baked Zucchini Chips. These crispy veggie chips are light, flavorful, and baked to perfection—no dehydrator, no air fryer, and no complicated techniques.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack for kids, a guilt-free side dish, or a way to use up zucchini, this simple recipe delivers every time.
🌿 Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Zucchini Chips
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Crispy Without Frying: Achieve golden, crispy chips using just your oven.
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Simple Ingredients: No breadcrumbs, no flour, and no deep frying.
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Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak more vegetables into snack time.
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Perfect for Clean Eating: Low in calories and big on flavor.
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Garden-Friendly: Ideal for using up an abundance of zucchini during the summer harvest.
These zucchini chips are so good, even picky eaters will reach for seconds!
🧾 Ingredients
You’ll only need a few pantry staples to get started:
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2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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Sea salt, to taste
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Optional toppings: Cracked black pepper, paprika, or grated dairy-free cheese
💡 For a kid-friendly twist, try tossing the chips in a pinch of mild paprika or no-salt seasoning blends.
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
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Mandoline slicer (for best results) or a sharp chef’s knife
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Large mixing bowl
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Paper towels or clean cloth
👩🍳 How to Make Oven Baked Zucchini Chips
Step 1: Slice the Zucchini
Use a mandoline to slice your zucchini into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Uniform thickness ensures even baking.
📌 Avoid thicker slices—they tend to bake unevenly and can turn out chewy instead of crisp.
Step 2: Remove Moisture
Zucchini holds a lot of water. To avoid soggy chips:
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Place the slices on paper towels or a clean dishcloth.
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Sprinkle lightly with salt.
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Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with another towel to remove moisture.
Step 3: Season
Transfer the zucchini to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with garlic powder, oregano, and any other seasoning of your choice. Mix well to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping.
🔄 Use two trays if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Step 5: Bake Low and Slow
Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the chips halfway through. They should look golden and feel dry and crisp when done.
🔥 Keep a close eye in the final 20 minutes—some chips may finish sooner than others.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the chips cool directly on the tray for 5–10 minutes. This helps them crisp up even more.
Serve immediately, or store once fully cooled.
🧂 Flavor Variations
These chips are versatile! Try these variations to switch things up:
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Cheezy Vegan Chips: Toss with nutritional yeast before baking.
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Spicy Chips: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika.
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Zesty Lemon Herb: Finish with lemon zest and thyme after baking.
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“Pizza Chips”: Add oregano, basil, and a pinch of dairy-free Parmesan.
🍴 How to Enjoy Zucchini Chips
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As a light afternoon snack
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With your favorite healthy dips (like hummus or Greek yogurt-based dips)
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As a crunchy side to wraps, sandwiches, or veggie burgers
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Tucked into lunchboxes for kids or adults
📦 Storage Tips
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Best eaten within 2–3 days for peak crispness.
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To re-crisp, return to a 250°F oven for 5 minutes.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓Do I need a dehydrator or air fryer?
Nope! This recipe is made entirely in a conventional oven. It’s slow-baked to achieve that signature crunch.
❓Why are my zucchini chips soggy?
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You may not have dried the slices enough.
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Oven temperature might have been too high or the chips removed too early.
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Overcrowding the tray can trap moisture.
❓Can I make these oil-free?
Yes! You can skip the oil entirely, or use a light cooking spray to reduce fat even further.
❓Are oven baked zucchini chips kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Their mild flavor and fun shape make them a favorite for kids—especially when paired with a tasty dip.
❓Can I freeze zucchini chips?
Freezing isn’t recommended. The texture won’t hold up well once thawed.
✍️ Final Thoughts
With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create the crispiest oven baked zucchini chips right at home—no special gadgets required. They’re the perfect way to use up fresh zucchini while giving your family a wholesome, crunchy snack they’ll ask for again and again.
So grab those garden zucchinis and start slicing—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these chips are.