Keto Zucchini Chips
Crispy, cheesy, and salty in the best way, these keto zucchini chips are the snack you’ll keep reaching for. All you need are 2 simple ingredients: zucchini and grated Parmesan cheese. Paper-thin slices of fresh zucchini get baked or air-fried with a blanket of Parmesan cheese until golden and crunchy.
No breadcrumbs, no olive oil, no egg dip, no fuss. Perfect gluten-free, low carb snack for dipping, snacking, or pairing with grilled meat.
The air fryer makes them extra crisp and deeply flavorful, while the oven gives you a lightly golden brown batch of baked zucchini chips for bigger portions.
Each batch of oven or air fryer zucchini chips has about 114 calories, 3g net carbs, and 10g protein, depending on your Parmesan cheese amount and chip size.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Zucchini Chips
- Crispy texture without any breading
- High-protein snack with no flour or oil
- Works in both the oven and air fryer
- Just 2 ingredients: zucchini and cheese
Ingredients
- Fresh zucchini
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer to 240°C / 460°F. If your air fryer has a “max crisp” setting, that’s the one to use (it usually reaches 240°C / 460°F).
- Line a baking sheet (sheet pan works too) or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Slice zucchini into paper-thin zucchini rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on the tray or basket.
- Sprinkle each slice with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese, about the same thickness as the zucchini slice.
- Oven bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Air fry for 7 minutes on max crisp.
Expert Tips
- Use the thinnest slices possible for even crisping. The thinner slices the slices, the crispier.
- Pat zucchini dry and arrange in a single layer to avoid fogginess.
- Use finely grated Parmesan cheese – it melts evenly and crisps up better than shredded.
- No need for oil or breading – cheese does all the work.
- Air fryer gives crispier results than the oven, but both work well.
- Watch closely near the end – they can burn fast once golden.
- Let them cool on a wire rack.
Notes from Testing
I tested this recipe six different ways to make sure it really works. Here’s what I found:
- Just plain zucchini? Nope, not crispy at all.
- Zucchini with everything bagel seasoning? Tasty, but still soft.
- Zucchini with Parmesan cheese? Yes! That’s when the magic happened.
- Oven-baked chips turned out lightly crispy, great for a bigger batch.
- Air fryer version? Super crispy, extra flavor, totally addictive.
- The air fryer basket was a bit trickier to load with cheese, but the crunch was worth it.
- Heads up: after a few hours in the fridge, the chips soften. Best eaten fresh. Or pop them back in the air fryer for a quick re-crisp.
Ingredient Swaps
- Zucchini works best. Other veggies like eggplant or squash will need testing.
- Don’t swap the Parmesan cheese. It’s the crispy magic here.
- Want extra flavor? Add garlic powder or onion powder to the Parmesan cheese before sprinkling.
- Try Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Storage Tips
- These chips are best eaten fresh. If you store them in the fridge, they will soften.
- To re-crisp, return them to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- Do not freeze.
What to Serve With
You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara sauce or choose one of the low-carb options below to mix things up.
Dips & Sauces
- Keto Garlic Dill Yogurt Dip – the bold, herby flavor pairs beautifully with the cheese crisps
- Keto Ranch Dressing with Greek Yogurt – thick, tangy, and mayo-free
- Cottage Cheese Tzatziki Sauce – light and refreshing with a creamy bite
- Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip – smooth, rich, and full of ranch flavor
Pair with for a Meal
- Keto Mediterranean Chicken Dinner – swap out the salad for a crunchy side
- Keto Mediterranean Burgers – use these chips as a starter or a side
Conclusion
These keto zucchini chips are one of my favorite savory snacks. Crunchy, cheesy, and super satisfying zucchini chips recipe without any carbs or complicated prep.
As someone who’s followed the keto lifestyle since 2019 and lost 50 lbs along the way, I know how important it is to have easy snacks that feel like a treat. This air fryer zucchini fries recipe hits the spot every time.
More Keto Zucchini Recipes
FAQ
Q: Why aren’t my zucchini chips crispy?
A: They might be too thick or crowded on the tray. The air fryer version crisps best.
Q: Can I store these chips?
A: They’re best fresh. But if you need to store them, refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer.
Q: Do I need oil or spray?
A: Nope! These work without oil. The cheese does all the magic.
Q: Can I use shredded Parmesan cheese instead of grated?
A: Grated melts better and gives a crispier finish. Shredded may melt unevenly.

Keto Zucchini Chips (Air Fryer or Oven Baked)
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 medium (200 g) zucchini
- 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 240°C / 460°F or set your air fryer to max crisp (240°C / 460°F).
- Line a baking sheet (sheet pan works too) or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Slice zucchini into paper-thin zucchini rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.1 medium zucchini
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on the tray or basket.
- Sprinkle each slice with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese, about the same thickness as the zucchini slice.1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Oven bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Air fry for 7 minutes on max crisp.
Notes
- Use the thinnest slices possible for best results.
- Zucchini chips crisp better in the air fryer.
- No oil or seasoning needed – Parmesan cheese does the work.
- Best enjoyed fresh. If storing in fridge, re-crisp in air fryer for 1–2 minutes.
The chips came out crisp and golden, especially in the air fryer. I loved how the cheese does all the work. Such a fun way to use up zucchini and perfect when you want something salty and satisfying.
what is the maximum setting for my air fryer in degrees?
Hi Kimberly,
Most air fryers go up to around 200°C / 400°F, but if yours has a “max crisp” or similar high-temp setting, it usually reaches 240°C / 460°F. That’s the setting I used in this recipe.
If your model doesn’t show the temp, just use the highest setting available.
Hope that helps. Let me know how they turn out!
Rally