Baked Cucumber Chips Recipe

Crispy Baked Cucumber Chips Recipe: A Light Snack Sensation

Crisp and golden cucumber chips burst with unexpected flavor, turning an ordinary vegetable into a delightful crispy snack.

These baked cucumber chips offer a light, crunchy alternative to traditional potato chips that you’ll absolutely adore.

Thinly sliced cucumbers transform into a delectable treat with just a few simple seasonings and techniques.

Salt, herbs, and a hot oven work magic on these delicate vegetable rounds.

The result is a guilt-free, low-calorie munchie that packs a satisfying crunch in every bite.

These chips are perfect for health-conscious snackers seeking a fresh twist on classic chip recipes.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this simple yet remarkable snack that proves vegetables can be seriously addictive.

What Sets Baked Cucumber Chips Apart

  • Transform ordinary cucumbers into a nutritious, guilt-free crispy treat that satisfies your craving for something crunchy without excess calories.
  • Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginners wanting to explore homemade snack preparation.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to create unique taste profiles that match your personal preference.
  • Minimal hands-on effort needed – just slice, season, and let the oven do the work while you enjoy other activities.

Everything You’ll Need for Cucumber Chips

Core Ingredients:
  • Cucumber: A fresh vegetable with high water content that transforms into a crispy chip when baked low and slow.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Spices that enhance the natural flavor of the cucumber and add depth to the chips.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps the cucumber chips dry evenly and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

Baking Tools for Perfect Cucumber Chips

  • Mandoline Slicer: Essential for creating uniform, thin cucumber slices quickly and evenly.
  • Baking Sheet: Flat, rimmed sheet for spreading cucumbers in a single layer.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent cucumbers from sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Mixing Bowl: Used for tossing cucumber slices with seasonings.
  • Kitchen Towel: Perfect for patting cucumber slices dry before seasoning.
  • Cooling Rack: Optional tool for allowing chips to crisp up after baking.

Making Baked Cucumber Chips at Home

Step 1: Slice Precisely

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create ultra-thin cucumber slices, ensuring each piece is approximately 1/8 inch thick.

Consistent slicing guarantees even dehydration and crispy results.

Step 2: Season and Prep

Ingredients:
  • Cucumber slices
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Olive oil

Gently pat cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Transfer slices to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle seasonings evenly, tossing carefully to coat each slice uniformly.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Arrange cucumber slices in a single layer without overlapping.

Space them slightly apart to ensure proper air circulation and even drying.

Step 4: Low and Slow Baking

Preheat oven to 170°F (77°C).

Place prepared baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3-4 hours.

Check periodically to prevent burning.

Slices are ready when they become crisp and slightly curled at edges.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Remove chips from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.

Transfer to an airtight container.

Enjoy immediately or store for up to one week at room temperature for maximum crunchiness.

Tips for the Crispiest Cucumber Chips

  • Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin, even cucumber slices that crisp up perfectly during baking.
  • Sprinkle salt on sliced cucumbers and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water, ensuring crunchier chips.
  • Try different spice blends like ranch powder, smoked paprika, or garlic salt to add exciting flavor variations.
  • Rotate the baking sheet every hour and monitor chips to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
  • Keep baked cucumber chips in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness, consuming within 2-3 days.

Flavor Variations to Try with Cucumber Chips

  • Zucchini Chips: Replace cucumbers with thinly sliced zucchini for a similar crispy vegetable chip experience with slightly different flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cucumber Chips: Sprinkle chili powder, cayenne, or hot paprika on cucumber slices before baking to create a spicy, tangy version of the original recipe.
  • Herb-Infused Cucumber Chips: Add dried herbs like dill, rosemary, or thyme to the seasoning mix for an aromatic and flavorful chip alternative.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use herbs and spices instead of salt to reduce sodium content while maintaining great taste for health-conscious snackers.

Ways to Serve Crunchy Cucumber Chips

  • Crispy Chip Companion: Pair with your favorite dip like ranch, hummus, or tzatziki for extra flavor burst.
  • Salad Topper Twist: Crumble these crunchy chips over fresh green salads to add delightful texture and zesty seasoning.
  • Cocktail Party Nibble: Arrange elegantly on a charcuterie board alongside cheese, olives, and cured meats for sophisticated snacking.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve alongside herbal tea or as a light, low-calorie alternative to traditional potato chips during afternoon breaks.

Storage Advice for Baked Cucumber Chips

  • Store cooled cucumber chips in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
  • Transfer chips to a sealed container with a silica gel packet to prevent moisture buildup. These chips will stay crispy for about a week when stored in a cool, dry place.
  • Revive slightly soft chips by placing them in a preheated oven at 250F for 5-10 minutes. Spread chips in a single layer on a baking sheet to restore their crunchiness.
  • Seal chips in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to one month, but note that texture might slightly change upon thawing.

FAQs

  • Are cucumber chips healthy?

Yes, cucumber chips are a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips. They’re low in calories, high in water content, and provide essential vitamins and minerals without excess fat.

  • Do I need a special mandoline to slice cucumbers?

While a mandoline helps create uniform slices, you can use a sharp knife. The key is cutting cucumbers consistently thin, around 1/8 inch thick, to ensure even drying and crispiness.

  • What seasonings work best for cucumber chips?

Experiment with dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, or paprika. Sea salt, black pepper, and light sprinkle of chili flakes also enhance the natural cucumber flavor and make chips more interesting.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baked Cucumber Chips Recipe

Baked Cucumber Chips Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy baked cucumber chips offer a light, healthy snack alternative to traditional potato chips. Home cooks can easily prepare this low-calorie treat with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large cucumbers or 34 small cucumbers

Seasoning Options:

Option 1: Smokey Cucumber Chips

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) smoked seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Option 2: Onion and Garlic

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Option 3: Salt and Vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Option 4: Lemon and Pepper

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice cucumbers into ultra-thin, uniform rounds measuring roughly 1/8 inch thick using a sharp mandoline or precision knife.
  2. Thoroughly blot cucumber slices with clean paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, creating optimal crispness potential.
  3. Season cucumber rounds with desired spice blend, gently massaging seasoning to ensure even distribution across each slice.
  4. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining with parchment paper, ensuring slices are arranged in single layer without overlapping.
  5. Position sheet in preheated oven at 170°F (77°C), maintaining low temperature to gradually dehydrate cucumber chips.
  6. Bake for approximately 3-4 hours, periodically checking and rotating sheet to ensure consistent drying and prevent burning.
  7. Monitor chips closely during final hour, watching for crisp, golden-edged texture indicating complete dehydration.
  8. Remove baking sheet from oven, allowing chips to cool completely on sheet for maximum crunchiness.
  9. Transfer cooled cucumber chips to airtight container for storage, consuming within several days for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin, even cucumber slices that crisp up perfectly during baking.
  • Sprinkle sea salt or herbs like dill and rosemary to enhance the natural cucumber flavor and add complexity to the chips.
  • Remove excess moisture by placing sliced cucumbers between paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum crunchiness during baking.
  • Experiment with low-sodium alternatives like nutritional yeast or dried seaweed flakes for those watching their salt intake, creating a versatile snack option.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 20
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star