Crispy oven-baked cucumber chips are a fun and healthy snack! Sliced cucumbers are baked until they’re golden and crunchy, making them irresistible. Perfect for munching!
I love dipping mine in hummus or enjoying them plain. It’s a snack that feels light but gives you that crispy goodness. Seriously, they disappear quickly in my house! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Pick firm, fresh cucumbers for the best flavor and crunch. English cucumbers work well because they have fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers are just fine too. If you’re in a pinch, zucchini can be an interesting alternative!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the seasoning stick. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil. For a lighter version, consider using a cooking spray instead!
Salt: Regular table salt will do, but kosher salt is my personal favorite since it’s easier to sprinkle evenly. You can reduce the amount if you’re watching your sodium intake and use a salt substitute if needed.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and paprika are optional but add tasty flavor. Feel free to get creative with other spices like onion powder, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of Italian herbs!
How Do You Make Sure Your Cucumber Chips Are Super Crispy?
The secret to crispy cucumber chips is removing excess moisture. Follow these steps closely:
- After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This step helps pull out moisture.
- Make sure to blot them well with paper towels after the resting time. The drier the slices, the crispier they’ll bake!
- Arrange the slices in a single layer without overlapping. This helps each chip to bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven. Every oven behaves differently, so keep checking after the 1.5-hour mark.
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; this helps them crisp up even more. Enjoy your healthy snack! 🌟
Crispy Oven Baked Cucumber Chips Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper for baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. Plus, you should let the chips cool for a bit after baking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 to 2.5 hours for a delicious, crunchy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). This low temperature helps the cucumbers dry out slowly, creating that perfect crisp. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light spray of cooking spray.
2. Slice the Cucumbers:
Next, wash your cucumbers under cool water. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the cucumbers into thin and even rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be!
3. Draw Out Moisture:
Place the cucumber slices on some paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle them lightly with salt, and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture, which is key for crispy chips.
4. Blot and Dry:
After the resting time, take another paper towel and blot the slices to remove the moisture that has accumulated. The drier your cucumber slices, the crunchier they’ll be once baked.
5. Coat with Olive Oil:
Now, place the dried cucumber slices in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and give them a gentle toss to coat evenly. This will help the seasoning stick and add flavor.
6. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle on some black pepper, and if you like the flavor, add in the garlic powder and paprika. Toss the slices again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
7. Arrange for Baking:
Carefully place the seasoned cucumber slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. It’s important that they do not overlap, so each chip has space to bake properly.
8. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them to be dry and crispy, not burnt!
9. Cool Down:
Once they’re done baking, remove the cucumber chips from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to get crisp as they cool down.
10. Enjoy and Store:
Once cooled, enjoy your crispy cucumber chips right away or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. These make for a healthy, low-calorie snack anytime you need a crunchy fix!
Bon appétit! 😋
FAQ for Crispy Oven Baked Cucumber Chips
Can I Use Other Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are great due to their thinner skin and fewer seeds, regular cucumbers work just fine too. You can also try different varieties like persian cucumbers for a unique taste!
Can I Add More Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your spices. You can add chili powder for some heat, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or even your favorite herbs like dill or oregano. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way!
How Do I Store Leftover Cucumber Chips?
Store any leftover cucumber chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a few days for maximum crispiness, but if they start to lose their crunch, you can re-bake them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes to revive them!
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Yes, they can be made in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C), arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
