Zucchini Chips No Oil

If you’re looking for a healthy, guilt-free snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients, these oil-free zucchini chips are the answer. Perfect for clean-eating lifestyles, these chips are light yet satisfying—and they don’t require a single drop of oil.

Whether you’re air-frying or baking, this recipe delivers crisp texture and subtle natural flavor with no added fat. Ideal for whole food plant-based diets, gluten-free snackers, and anyone trying to eat cleaner without sacrificing crunch.

🌱 Why You’ll Love These Oil-Free Zucchini Chips

These zucchini chips are not only healthy—they’re also packed with naturally savory flavor. Without oil, the focus shifts to the zucchini’s earthy sweetness and your choice of spices.

• ✅ 100% oil-free

• ✅ Vegan and gluten-free

• ✅ Baked or air-fried

• ✅ Low in calories, big on crunch

• ✅ Perfect for clean eating, WFPB, or plant-based diets

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🥒 Ingredients You’ll Need

These chips come together with minimal ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced 1/8-inch thick

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for light tang + moisture)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for umami kick, optional)

💡 Tip: Nutritional yeast helps mimic the savory depth of cheesy or buttery chips—without fat.

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🔪 How to Make Oil-Free Zucchini Chips

🥄 Step 1: Slice the Zucchini

Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to cut the zucchini into thin, even rounds (about 1/8 inch). Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

🥄 Step 2: Season Without Oil

In a large mixing bowl, toss zucchini slices with lemon juice or vinegar to moisten slightly. This will help the spices stick. Then sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and nutritional yeast (if using). Toss gently until evenly coated.

🔥 Cooking Methods

🔥 Oven-Baked Method

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

3. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer, ensuring no overlap.

4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through.

5. Remove when golden and crisp, and cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

⚠️ Note: These chips will crisp up more as they cool!

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🌬️ Air Fryer Method (Faster)

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

2. Place zucchini slices in the basket in a single layer.

3. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes—they can go from crisp to burnt quickly.

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🧂 Flavor Variations

Switch up the seasoning based on your preferences:

🔸 BBQ-Style

• Add smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder

🔸 Cheesy Vegan

• Add extra nutritional yeast and dried oregano

🔸 Spicy Kick

• Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the mix

🥗 How to Serve Zucchini Chips

• Enjoy as a snack straight from the oven or air fryer

• Pair with hummus or tahini for dipping

• Crumble over soups, salads, or grain bowls for added crunch

• Serve as a side with wraps or veggie burgers

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🔁 Storage Tips

These chips are best the same day for peak crunch. If you need to store:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temp

• To re-crisp, pop them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes

Avoid refrigeration—it introduces moisture and softens the chips.

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⚖️ Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Approximate, assuming 4 servings

• Calories: 35

• Fat: 0g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 2g

• No added oil or sugar

❓FAQs About Oil-Free Zucchini Chips

🔸 Can I make these without a mandoline?

Yes—but be careful to slice uniformly. A sharp knife works, but a mandoline gives consistent thinness which is key for crisping.

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🔸 Why aren’t my zucchini chips crispy?

This usually happens if:

• Slices are too thick

• Oven temp is too high (causing steaming instead of dehydration)

• Overcrowding tray or basket
  Make sure to bake low and slow or air fry in small batches.

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🔸 Can I store these for later?

Yes, but they lose crispness over time. Store in a dry, airtight container. Refresh in an air fryer or warm oven for a couple of minutes.

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🔸 Are these Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)?

Yes! This recipe is 100% WFPB-compliant: no oil, no processed fats, and no animal products.

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🔸 What dipping sauces go well?

Some great oil-free pairings:

• Lemon-tahini sauce

• Oil-free hummus

• Cashew-based ranch

• Vegan yogurt dip

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✅ Final Thoughts

These oil-free zucchini chips prove that you don’t need oil to make snacks crispy and crave-worthy. They’re a smart, satisfying alternative to processed chips and perfect for anyone following a low-fat, clean-eating lifestyle.

Whether baked or air-fried, this simple recipe transforms humble zucchini into crunchy bites you’ll want to make on repeat.