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Tired of bland veggie chips that leave your taste buds bored? Enter: Spicy Zucchini Chips. These fiery little rounds pack a serious punch, delivering bold flavor and crisp texture without any frying, breadcrumbs, or preservatives. Whether you’re following a clean eating plan, paleo, low-carb, or just craving a hot and healthy snack, this recipe has you covered.
Perfectly thin-sliced zucchini rounds are tossed with a powerful spice blend—think chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic, and a touch of sea salt—then baked to crunchy perfection. The result? A guilt-free chip that satisfies your craving for something salty, spicy, and crunchy all at once.
💥 Why You’ll Love These Spicy Zucchini Chips
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🌱 Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan
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🌶 Customizable Spice Levels
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🍽 Perfect for Snacking or Party Platters
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🔥 Crispy Without Frying or Breadcrumbs
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🥒 Uses Fresh, Whole Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
These spicy zucchini chips use a handful of clean, pantry-friendly ingredients.
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2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
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1½ tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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ÂĽ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon sea salt
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Optional: red chili flakes for garnish
Pro Tip: Choose firm zucchinis for best texture.
🔪 How to Make Spicy Zucchini Chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice Your Zucchini
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Wash and pat the zucchini dry.
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Use a mandoline slicer or very sharp knife to slice into 1/16-inch rounds.
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Lay slices out on a paper towel and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This ensures crispy chips.
2. Mix the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine:
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Chili powder
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Cayenne pepper
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Garlic powder
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Sea salt
Set aside.
3. Coat the Zucchini
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Toss zucchini slices in a large bowl with oil until evenly coated.
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Sprinkle in your spice blend and toss again to distribute seasoning.
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Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
4. Bake Until Crisp
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Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C).
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer—not overlapping.
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Bake for 90–120 minutes, flipping once halfway.
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Check frequently in the last 20 minutes to avoid burning.
5. Cool and Serve
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Let chips cool on a wire rack.
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They’ll crisp up further as they cool.
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Enjoy fresh, or store for later.
đź§‚ Spice Blend Tips & Variations
Make It Milder
Not a heat lover? Omit cayenne or swap it with smoked paprika for warmth without the burn.
Add Umami
Sprinkle a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory twist (still vegan!).
Citrus Kick
Add a little lime zest or squeeze fresh lime juice on cooled chips before serving.
âś… Pro Tips for Crispy Chips
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Dry zucchini slices thoroughly before seasoning.
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Slice evenly—uneven slices cook unevenly.
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Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
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Avoid overcrowding—leave space between slices for air circulation.
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If needed, prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon in the final 10 minutes to let moisture escape.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 250°F (120°C) for 30–40 minutes. Flip halfway and check for doneness starting at 25 minutes.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely. Just be sure to slice it just as thin and dry it well. The flavor is slightly different but equally delicious.
Are these chips keto-friendly?
Yes. Zucchini is low in carbs, and this recipe contains no sugar or flour.
How spicy are these chips?
Medium spicy, depending on your cayenne level. Start with â…› tsp cayenne for mild heat and increase as desired.
How do I store them?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the oven if needed.
🥑 Serving Ideas
Spicy zucchini chips are great solo—but even better paired with:
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Avocado crema or guacamole
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Greek yogurt dip with lemon and herbs
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Homemade salsa
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Hummus with paprika
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Crumbled into salads for crunch
🌿 Dietary & Allergen Info
Diet | Compatible? |
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Vegan | âś… Yes |
Gluten-Free | âś… Yes |
Paleo | âś… Yes |
Whole30 | âś… Yes (if oil-compliant) |
Keto | âś… Yes |
🧡 Final Thoughts
These spicy zucchini chips prove that vegetables can be anything but boring. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a healthy, flavorful snack that hits every craving—salty, spicy, crunchy, and totally satisfying.
Skip the store-bought chips full of additives and fry oil. Make your own bold-flavored zucchini crisps at home with this easy, clean recipe.