These Crispy Ranch Cucumber Chips are a fun and healthy snack! Sliced cucumbers are baked until crunchy and sprinkled with tasty ranch seasoning. Yum!
They’re perfect for munching while watching TV or as a light snack. I love serving them with my favorite dip—what’s not to love about that crunch? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I recommend using large, firm cucumbers like English or Persian cucumbers for the best crunch. If you can’t find those, regular cucumbers work too, just make sure to peel them if they’re waxed.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness to the chips. If you prefer, you can swap it with avocado oil or even a light coating of cooking spray to cut down on oil.
Ranch Seasoning Powder: Store-bought ranch seasoning is convenient, but you can easily make your own mix with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. You can also adjust it to suit your taste.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These add awesome flavor. Feel free to use fresh minced garlic or onion if you prefer a stronger taste—just keep in mind it might affect the moisture level.
How Do I Get My Cucumber Chips Extra Crispy?
A key to achieving crispy cucumber chips is removing moisture. After slicing your cucumbers, salting them to draw out liquid is essential. Here’s how to nail it:
- Slicing them thin makes for even cooking. Aim for about 1/8 inch.
- Let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes after salting. This step helps a lot!
- Pat them dry thoroughly before coating to ensure they crisp up well.
- Flip the chips halfway through baking for even browning.
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—this will give them a crunchier texture. Enjoy your homemade snack!
How to Make Crispy Ranch Cucumber Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning powder (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 1.5 to 2 hours to bake in the oven. Don’t forget to allow some time for the cucumber slices to drain and cool afterwards! So, in total, you’re looking at about 2.5 hours to enjoy your crispy snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the chips from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the cucumbers into very thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be!
3. Remove Excess Moisture:
Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle them lightly with salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to drain out the moisture. This step is super important for getting the chips nice and crispy!
4. Pat Dry:
After draining, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to get rid of any remaining moisture. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
5. Season the Slices:
In a large bowl, toss your cucumber slices with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the slices are well-coated in the seasoning!
6. Arrange for Baking:
Lay the cucumber slices out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure not to overlap them, or they won’t get crispy.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Halfway through, flip the slices to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re golden brown and crisp!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the cucumber chips out of the oven and let them cool completely on the sheets. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Once completely cool, store your crispy ranch cucumber chips in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to a week. Enjoy these crunchy, flavorful snacks anytime you want a delicious treat!
FAQ for Crispy Ranch Cucumber Chips
Can I Use a Different Seasoning Instead of Ranch?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like Italian herbs, chili powder for a kick, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the quantities to your taste!
How Can I Make These Chips Spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or some hot sauce to the oil before tossing it with the cucumber slices. Start with a small amount and add more to suit your spice tolerance!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cucumber Chips?
Store your crispy ranch cucumber chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They are best eaten fresh, but keeping them sealed will help maintain their crispness.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes! You can air fry the cucumber slices at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
