Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo

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Golden, crispy, and addictively good—these Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo are the perfect bite-sized snack or side dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Made with thin slices of fresh zucchini, coated in a light breadcrumb mixture, and baked or fried to perfection, these chips are paired with a creamy, herby basil mayo that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping a game day appetizer, or just craving something crunchy and satisfying, this recipe hits all the right notes.

It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is still veggie-forward and wholesome. The crispy exterior meets the tender zucchini center for a snack that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. And the basil mayo? It’s bright, zesty, and the perfect contrast to the savory chips.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo

• It’s quick and simple with minimal prep.
• A healthier alternative to potato chips or fries.
• Kid-friendly, party-ready, and always a hit with guests.
• Customizable – bake or fry, use different herbs or dips.
• It brings out the best in fresh zucchini in the tastiest way.

What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use for These Chips?

You’ll want firm, medium-sized zucchini with smooth skin and no blemishes. Smaller zucchinis tend to be less watery and have fewer seeds, which makes them ideal for crisping up nicely. Uniform slices are also key—use a mandoline slicer if you want consistent thickness, which ensures even cooking whether you’re baking or frying.

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Ingredients for the Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo

• Zucchini – The star of the recipe, sliced into thin rounds for crisp texture.
• Breadcrumbs (Panko preferred) – Creates that golden, crunchy crust everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory, salty richness to the coating.
• Eggs – Helps bind the breadcrumb mixture to the zucchini.
• All-Purpose Flour – Lightly coats the zucchini before dipping into egg and crumbs.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth to the breadcrumb mix.
• Fresh Basil – For the mayo dip; bright, aromatic, and the flavor hero.
• Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base for the dip.
• Lemon Juice – Adds tang and balance to the basil mayo.

How To Make the Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo

Step 1: Slice the Zucchini

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut the zucchini into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Uniform slices help them cook evenly.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Zucchini

Dip each zucchini round into flour, then egg, then press into the breadcrumb mix until well coated. Shake off excess.

Step 4: Cook Until Crispy

You can either bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes on a lined baking sheet, flipping halfway, or fry in hot oil until golden brown. Either way, aim for that perfect crunch!

Step 5: Make the Basil Mayo

In a small blender or bowl, combine mayo, finely chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm zucchini chips with a generous side of basil mayo for dipping. Sprinkle with flaky salt and extra herbs if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo

These zucchini chips are best served immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They make a wonderful appetizer, snack, or a side dish for summer meals and casual gatherings. This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a small group.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, pop them in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes—avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

What to Serve With Crispy Zucchini Chips?

H3: Grilled Chicken Skewers

A light protein that complements the crispy texture and fresh basil dip perfectly.

H3: Caprese Salad

The classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad brings out the Mediterranean flair.

H3: Turkey or Veggie Burgers

Use the zucchini chips as a crunchy side dish to upgrade your burger night.

H3: Tomato Basil Soup

Dip the chips into this comforting soup for an unexpectedly delightful combo.

H3: Pasta Primavera

Keep the meal veggie-focused and serve these chips alongside a colorful pasta dish.

H3: Garlic Aioli or Spicy Sriracha Dip

Besides basil mayo, try other dips to switch things up.

H3: Fresh Lemonade or Iced Tea

A crisp, cold drink rounds out this snack for warm weather days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these zucchini chips ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the zucchini slices ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. However, they’re best enjoyed freshly cooked for the ultimate crisp factor.

Can I use an air fryer instead of baking or frying?
Absolutely! The air fryer works great—cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be crispy and golden with less oil.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan alternative. It keeps the flavor savory while making the dish dairy-free.

How can I make the basil mayo lighter?
Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo or do a 50/50 mix to lighten up the dip without sacrificing creaminess.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try baking, frying, or the air fryer version? Did you switch up the dip?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Looking for more veggie-forward snack ideas and dips? Check out Meals We Share By Sally on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Crispy Zucchini Chips with Basil Mayo are everything a snack should be—crispy, flavorful, easy to make, and surprisingly wholesome. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can turn fresh zucchini into a crowd-pleasing dish that works any day of the week. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself, these golden bites with creamy basil dip are always a good idea.

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