Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips (Print Version)

Make crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Veggie Chips with ease! A simple, healthy snack you'll love, perfect for quick bites or sides.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Crispy Base Veggies

01 - 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
02 - 1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
03 - 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced into strips

→ Flavor & Crunch Boosters

04 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Seasoning Staples

06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended)
09 - 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Fresh Finishing Touches

11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

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!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; a single layer is key for truly crispy veggie chips.
02 - Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they're best fresh.
03 - Try sweet potatoes or carrots instead of zucchini for a different flavor profile – I've done it, and it works pretty well!
04 - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the seasonings adds a nice little kick if you like a bit of heat.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
Protein: 5-8g