01 -
First things first, get those veggies ready! Wash your zucchini, squash, and bell peppers. For the zucchini and squash, I like to slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Not too thick, or they won't get crispy, and not too thin, or they'll just disappear! Bell peppers get sliced into similar-sized strips. This is where I always get a little messy, veggie bits everywhere, but it's part of the fun, right? You want them uniformly sized so they cook evenly – a real game-changer for these Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips.
02 -
Now for the flavor! In a large bowl, toss your sliced veggies with a drizzle of olive oil. Just enough to lightly coat them, we don't want them swimming. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you're using it!), salt, and pepper. Use your hands to really get in there and make sure every piece is coated. I often find myself taking a little sniff, the aroma of the spices already promising something delicious. Don't be shy with the seasoning; it makes these Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips sing!
03 -
Time for the star of the show! Add your freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoned veggies. Toss again, gently, ensuring the cheese sticks to the veggie pieces. This is where the magic really starts to happen – that cheese is going to turn into a golden, crispy crust in the air fryer. I remember once trying to add the cheese *after* cooking, thinking it would melt on top, but it just wasn't the same. Sticking it on before cooking is the secret for truly amazing Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips.
04 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step for getting that initial crisp. Once preheated, arrange a single layer of your cheesy veggies in the air fryer basket. Seriously, *single layer*. This is where my first attempt went wrong. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness! You might need to do this in a few batches, but trust me, it’s worth the extra time for perfectly golden Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips.
05 -
Cook the Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips for about 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end, because air fryers can vary, and veggies can go from perfectly golden to slightly burnt in a flash! You're looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy texture. The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's success, my friend!
06 -
Once they're done, immediately transfer the Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips to a serving plate. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a little brightness and makes them look even more inviting. Serve them warm, right out of the air fryer. They're addictive, honestly. You'll see! These are best enjoyed right away, when they’re at their absolute crispiest. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful snack!