These crispy cucumber chips are a fun and healthy snack! You just slice cucumbers, season them, and bake until they turn golden and crunchy. Easy peasy!
I love munching on these while watching a movie—way better than regular chips! You can even experiment with different spices to find your favorite taste. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Large cucumbers are best for this recipe as they provide more slices. If you can’t find large ones, you can use smaller pickling cucumbers too. Just remember, less moisture means a better crunch.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the chips crisp up. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cooking spray or try avocado oil as a substitute.
Seasonings: The salt is essential for flavor, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. If you want a little kick, jalapeño powder is a fun substitute for paprika. Also, try other herbs like dill or oregano for a different flavor!
How Do You Get the Chips Extra Crispy?
Getting those cucumber chips crispy is crucial and it starts with removing moisture. Here’s how you can do it:
- After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit. This process helps pull out moisture and keeps your chips crisp.
- Pat the slices dry afterward to ensure you get rid of as much moisture as possible.
- Arranging them in a single layer is key! Overlapping will lead to soggy chips, so make sure there’s space between each slice.
- Baking them low and slow at 225°F gives the best results. Flip them halfway for even cooking.
Letting them cool completely on the baking sheets helps them achieve that perfect crunch. Store them promptly to keep them crispy.
Easy Oven Baked Cucumber Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional for some heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and slicing, plus around 1.5 to 2 hours for baking. Don’t forget to allow a bit of cooling time afterward, and you’ll have delicious, crunchy cucumber chips ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step makes cleanup easy too!
2. Wash & Slice Your Cucumbers:
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water and dry them with a towel. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds that are about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Draw Out Moisture:
Place the cucumber slices in a colander or on paper towels, then sprinkle them lightly with salt. This will help draw out excess moisture. Allow them to sit for about 10-15 minutes while you relax!
4. Dry & Season:
After resting, gently pat the cucumber slices dry with another paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. In a large bowl, toss the cucumber slices with olive oil and your choice of seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will work wonderfully.
5. Arrange Slices on Baking Sheets:
Arrange the seasoned cucumber slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. It’s important that they don’t overlap, so take your time with this step!
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip the slices halfway through the baking time to make sure they turn out crispy and evenly cooked.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re golden and crispy, take the cucumber chips out of the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool down.
8. Store for Later:
Store any leftover cucumber chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy your healthy, crispy homemade cucumber chips as a delightful snack!
Happy snacking!
FAQ About Easy Oven Baked Cucumber Chips
Can I Use Any Type of Cucumber?
Yes! While large slicing cucumbers are ideal for this recipe, you can also use smaller pickling cucumbers. Just make sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.
How Do I Ensure My Chips Are Extra Crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, it’s essential to draw out moisture. After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle sea salt on them and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
What Seasonings Can I Use?
You can get creative with the seasonings! Besides the listed garlic powder and paprika, try adding some dill, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless!
How Should I Store Leftover Chips?
Store any leftover cucumber chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you notice them losing crunch, try popping them back in the oven for a few minutes to revive them.
