Zucchini chips are a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional chips. With the tangy taste of vinegar and the savory flavor of sea salt, these salt and vinegar zucchini chips are a perfect snack for anyone craving something crispy and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb snack or a healthier option for parties, this recipe delivers with minimal effort. Made using zucchini, olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of salt, these chips are both easy and guilt-free.
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Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Chips
These salt and vinegar zucchini chips are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re gluten-free, keto, and low-carb, making them a great snack for a variety of dietary needs. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, especially when using an air fryer or dehydrator. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crunchy, satisfying snack that tastes just like the store-bought version but with fewer carbs.
Ingredients
• Zucchini: The main ingredient, giving these chips their crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Olive oil or avocado oil: Adds a healthy fat for crisping the chips and enhances the flavors.
• White balsamic vinegar: Provides the signature tanginess that balances the richness of the oil.
• Coarse sea salt: Enhances the overall taste, making these chips as flavorful as they are crunchy.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar, you can substitute with regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• If you prefer a more neutral oil, avocado oil works well, but olive oil is the classic choice for its robust flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the zucchini: Use a mandolin slicer to get the zucchini as thin as possible. Thin slices ensure the chips become crispy and not soggy.
- Mix oil and vinegar: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white balsamic vinegar until well combined.
- Toss the zucchini: Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl and toss them with the oil and vinegar mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Prepare for dehydration or baking: Arrange the zucchini slices in an even layer on a dehydrator tray or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Dehydrate or bake:
- For the dehydrator method: Dry at 135°F for 8-14 hours, depending on thickness and your dehydrator.
- For the oven method: Preheat the oven to 200°F and bake for 2-3 hours, rotating halfway through.
- Check crispness: Once crispy and golden, remove the chips and allow them to cool.
Tips & Tricks
• Thin slices are key: The thinner the zucchini slices, the crispier the chips will be. Use a mandolin for even results.
• Oil alternatives: While olive oil is ideal, feel free to use avocado oil for a lighter taste.
• Storage: Store leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. If they lose some crunch, simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These salt and vinegar zucchini chips pair perfectly with homemade dips like guacamole, salsa, or a creamy yogurt dip. For a heartier snack, serve them alongside a protein-rich meal such as grilled chicken or a salad. If you’re looking for a variation, try making these chips spicy by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat. For a more robust flavor, you can experiment with different vinegar types, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
These zucchini chips are also great for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy them throughout the week as a crunchy snack.
Health Benefits of Zucchini Chips
Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. By baking or dehydrating zucchini chips instead of frying them, you can enjoy a healthier snack that’s free of unnecessary oils and fats. These salt and vinegar zucchini chips are a great way to curb your cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, these chips are an excellent choice for satisfying your snack cravings.
Conclusion
These salt and vinegar zucchini chips are a perfect snack for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chips. With their crispy texture, tangy flavor, and low-carb content, they make for an ideal snack or side dish that satisfies both your cravings and your health goals. Easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and full of flavor, these chips are sure to become a household favorite. So, grab your zucchini, some vinegar, and salt, and get ready to enjoy a crispy, guilt-free treat!
FAQ
1. Can I make salt and vinegar zucchini chips in the air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer is an excellent option for making these zucchini chips! Simply preheat your air fryer to 375°F, arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method will give you crispy chips without the need for a dehydrator or oven.
2. How long do homemade zucchini chips stay fresh?
Homemade zucchini chips can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container. If they lose their crispness, simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch.
3. Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white balsamic vinegar gives a unique flavor, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar, to achieve different levels of tanginess. Adjust the vinegar to your taste.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintSalt and Vinegar Zucchini Chips
These salt and vinegar zucchini chips are a crispy, tangy, and healthy snack made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free treat, they offer the satisfying crunch of traditional chips without the guilt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (or 8-14 hours in a dehydrator)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Dehydrate or Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 medium Zucchini (about 2 cups, thinly sliced): Provides a fresh, crunchy base for the chips.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or avocado oil: Helps crisp up the zucchini while adding healthy fats.
- 2 tablespoons White balsamic vinegar: Adds the signature tanginess of salt and vinegar chips.
- 1/2 teaspoon Coarse sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances the vinegar’s acidity.
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini as thin as possible using a mandolin slicer for even thickness.
- Mix olive oil and white balsamic vinegar in a small bowl until combined.
- Toss the zucchini slices in the oil and vinegar mixture to coat them evenly.
- Arrange the zucchini slices on a dehydrator tray or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- For dehydrator: Dry at 135°F for 8-14 hours. For the oven: Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours, rotating halfway through.
- Check for crispness and remove once golden and crispy. Allow the chips to cool before serving.
Notes
- Thin slices ensure a crispier texture. Use a mandolin slicer for best results.
- Storage: Keep the chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness. Reheat if needed to restore crunchiness.
- Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or white wine vinegar for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
