Making Crunchy Carrot Chips Using An Air Fryer

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason: they can make delicious, crispy snacks with minimal oil. One snack that can be made in an air fryer is carrot chips. This healthy treat is a great alternative to traditional fried snacks and can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from sweet cinnamon to savoury garlic. The chips are also versatile, as they can be enjoyed on their own or with dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or spicy mayonnaise. Making carrot chips in an air fryer is easy: simply slice carrots, season them, and air fry until crispy. So, if you're looking for a simple, tasty, and healthy snack, carrot chips made in an air fryer could be your new go-to!

How to make carrot chips in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Sea salt
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, cumin, rosemary, pepper, dried marjoram, Italian herb blends, etc.)

Optional Ingredients

• Corn flour or corn starch
• Parchment paper

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Knife, mandoline, or a special tool for evenly slicing vegetables
• Mixing bowl
• Serving dish or plate

Instructions

• Cut the carrots into thin slices or sticks. You can peel the carrots before slicing if you prefer a more uniform appearance, but this is optional. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch, or 4 mm.
• Place the carrot slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with a little oil. Mix well to ensure that each slice is coated.
• Season the carrots with salt and your choice of seasonings.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (195-200°C).
• Arrange the carrot slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
• Set the temperature to 360-390°F (180-200°C) and air fry for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket frequently, especially every 3-4 minutes, to ensure even cooking.
• Check the carrot chips for doneness. If you want them extra crispy, add another minute or two of cooking time.
• Plate and serve! You can sprinkle with additional salt before serving if desired.

Tips

• If you want crispier carrot chips, you can lightly coat the slices with corn flour or corn starch before air frying.
• You can find pre-sliced raw carrot chips in the produce section of your grocery store.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and your personal preferences. Keep an eye on the chips while they're cooking and adjust the time as needed.
• For extra crispy chips, you can blot the carrot slices with a paper towel before air frying to remove excess moisture.

Seasoning options for carrot chips

Savory Seasonings

If you're looking for a savory snack, try adding some garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or Italian herb blends. You can also experiment with paprika, cumin, or rosemary to give your carrot chips an extra kick. For a cheesy touch, add some nutritional yeast. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy chips.

Sweet Seasonings

On the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth, cinnamon is a great option for adding a sweet and warm flavor to your carrot chips. You can also try maple syrup and smoked paprika for a unique, tangy flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper

Of course, the classic combination of salt and pepper is always a good choice and will enhance the natural flavors of the carrots.

Pre-made Seasoning Mixes

If you're short on time or just looking for convenience, you can also use pre-made seasoning mixes such as ranch seasoning mix or BBQ chip seasoning mix.

Fresh Herbs

For a more intense flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme can be added whole or chopped finely and sprinkled over the carrot chips before serving.

Citrus Twist

To enhance the sweetness of the carrots, you can add a squeeze of orange or lemon juice to the carrot chips before air frying.

Spicy and Savory

For a spicy and savory option, try a taco seasoning mix with nutritional yeast. This combination will give your carrot chips a bold and flavorful kick.

How to cut carrots for air frying

There are a few different ways to cut carrots for air frying, depending on the shape and texture you want to achieve. Here is a guide on how to cut carrots for air frying, with a few different options to choose from:

Cutting Carrots into Chips

If you want to make carrot chips in your air fryer, you can cut them into thin rounds or slices. Aim for a thickness of about 4 mm, or 1/8 to 1/4 inch. You can use a knife, a mandoline, or a special vegetable-slicing tool to ensure even slicing. Evenly sliced carrots will promote consistent cooking and texture throughout each chip.

Cutting Carrots into Fries

For carrot fries, cut the carrots into sticks by halving them lengthwise, and then halving them again. For larger carrots, you may need to halve them again. Just make sure the carrot sticks are uniform in size for even cooking.

Peeling Carrots

Whether or not you peel the carrots is up to you. Peeling the carrots can result in a more uniform appearance for the chips or fries. However, if you wash the carrots well, you can leave the skin on for added nutrients and texture.

Drying Carrots

If the carrot pieces are very wet, pat them dry before air frying to help achieve crispier results.

Tips for Cutting Carrots:

• You can find pre-sliced raw carrot chips in the produce section of your grocery store, which can save you time and ensure uniform thickness.
• If you are slicing the carrots yourself, a mandoline slicer can be a helpful tool to achieve even slices.
• For carrot fries, it is recommended to cut the carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

How to store carrot chips

To store carrot chips, it is recommended to use an airtight container. This will help to maintain freshness and prevent the chips from drying out or spoiling. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal, ensuring they are clean and dry before use. If using a plastic bag, ensure all excess air is removed before sealing.

Carrot chips are best stored at room temperature and will last for up to two days. They can be reheated in the air fryer to regain their crisp texture if needed.

For longer-term storage, freezing is an option. To freeze carrot chips, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

It is worth noting that carrot chips may lose their crispiness over time, regardless of the storage method.

Dishes to serve with carrot chips

Air fryer carrot chips can be served as a side dish or snack. They are a great alternative to potato chips, offering a sweet and savoury taste with a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Dips

Carrot chips go well with a variety of dips. Try hummus, tzatziki, guacamole, or a tangy yoghurt-based dip for a creamy texture that complements the crunch of the chips. For a sweeter option, dip them in ranch dressing or onion dip. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different flavours like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or rosemary.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Add some carrot chips to your sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavour and texture. They work especially well with veggie-filled wraps or grilled chicken sandwiches.

Salads

Sprinkle a handful of carrot chips over your favourite salad to add a crunchy element. The contrast between the fresh greens and the crispy chips will delight your taste buds.

Burgers

Top your burger with a handful of carrot chips for a burst of flavour and texture.

Main Dishes

If serving carrot chips as a side dish, pair them with a main course that can be cooked in the same oven temperature. Baked chicken breast is a great option.

Get creative and enjoy the versatility of carrot chips!

Frequently asked questions