Crispy Ranch Cucumber Chips
Ingredients
Cucumber Chips
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ranch seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the cucumbers very thinly and evenly, about ⅛ inch thick.
- Pat the cucumber slices thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
- Lightly brush or toss the cucumber slices with olive oil.
- Combine Parmesan, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, ranch seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the cucumber slices.
- Bake for 1½–2½ hours, turning the slices halfway through.
- Continue baking until the cucumbers are dry, crisp, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Turn off the oven and leave the chips inside for 10–15 minutes with the door slightly open to help them crisp further.
- Cool completely before serving—the chips will become crispier as they cool.
Air Fryer Method
Air fry in a single layer at 250°F (120°C) for approximately 35–50 minutes, checking frequently toward the end because cooking time varies with slice thickness and air fryer models.Nutrition Information
Approximate for the entire batch:
- Calories: 180–220
- Protein: 7–9 g
- Carbohydrates: 18–22 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Net carbs: 15–18 g
- Fat: 11–14 g
- Sodium: 500–700 mg
Per serving, assuming 4 servings:
- Calories: 45–55
- Protein: 2–2.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5–5.5 g
- Fiber: 0.75–1 g
- Net carbs: 4–4.5 g
- Fat: 3–3.5 g
Nutrition varies depending on the Parmesan and ranch seasoning used.
Nut Information
- Tree nuts: None
- Peanuts: None
- Main allergen: Dairy, from Parmesan cheese and potentially the ranch seasoning
- Gluten: Usually none, but check the ranch seasoning label if gluten-free is important.
For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Q&A
Why aren’t my cucumber chips crispy?
Cucumbers contain a lot of water. Slice them very thinly, pat them thoroughly dry, and avoid overlapping them on the baking sheet.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
Aim for approximately ⅛ inch (3 mm). A mandoline can help create evenly sized slices.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. English cucumbers work well because they have relatively thin skins and fewer large seeds, but regular cucumbers can also be used.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
No. The peel can remain on and adds color and texture.
Can I make these without Parmesan?
Yes. Simply omit it or substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, but dried herbs are preferable for this recipe because fresh herbs contain additional moisture. If using fresh herbs, add them after baking.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Absolutely. A simple mixture of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper works well.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange them in a single layer and cook at a low temperature, checking frequently because the thin slices can go from crisp to burnt quickly.
How should I store cucumber chips?
Let them cool completely first, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they soften, place them back in a low oven for several minutes to help restore crispness.
How long do they stay crispy?
They’re best eaten the same day. Humidity can cause them to soften during storage.
Are cucumber chips low carb?
Yes. Cucumbers are naturally low in carbohydrates, and this recipe contains no flour or traditional potato-chip ingredients.
Can I make them spicy?
Yes. Add a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes.
What can I serve them with?
They’re great with:
Burgers and wraps
Greek yogurt ranch dip
Cottage cheese dip
Hummus
Guacamole
Salsa
Chicken or turkey sandwiches







