Air Fryer Veggie Chips: Healthy, Homemade, And Delicious

Veggie chips are a delicious and healthy snack option. They are also easy to make and can be prepared in an air fryer. You can use a variety of vegetables like beetroot, sweet potatoes, zucchini, kale, broccoli, carrots, and eggplant to make crispy and crunchy chips. The chips are seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil, and other spices to enhance the flavor. Air fryer veggie chips are a great alternative to traditional deep-fried chips and can be paired with dips like hummus or spicy mayo.

Best vegetables for veggie chips

Veggie chips are a great, healthy snack option. They are low in calories and fat and can be made in an air fryer in just 20 minutes.

Root vegetables

Root vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, and zucchini are good options for veggie chips as they are thick enough to crisp up and don't contain as much moisture as other vegetables. Other root vegetables that can be used include rutabagas, parsnips, and turnips.

Starchy vegetables

Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, white potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, and kohlrabi are also good options for veggie chips.

Other vegetables

Other vegetables that can be used to make veggie chips include purple potatoes and golden beets.

Tips for making veggie chips

• Slice the vegetables as thinly and evenly as possible.
• Use a mandoline slicer for best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of vegetable used.
• Avoid using zucchini as it contains more liquid and requires a longer cook time and lower temperature.
• Experiment with different seasonings such as dill, parsley, onion powder, chili powder, or cinnamon to add flavour to your veggie chips.
• Store veggie chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Dips

Veggie chips can be served with a variety of dips such as vegan whipped feta dip, spicy roasted red pepper hummus, or roasted garlic white bean dip.

How to prepare the vegetables

Preparing vegetables for air frying is a simple process. First, select your desired vegetables. Root vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, and zucchini are popular choices due to their low moisture content and ability to crisp up nicely. However, you can also experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, kale, eggplant, or even raw bananas.

Once you've selected your vegetables, it's time to slice them. Using a mandoline or a sharp chef's knife, cut the vegetables into thin, uniform slices, preferably about 1/16 inch or 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be, and a mandoline will help you achieve a more consistent thickness.

After slicing, you may want to soak some vegetables, like potatoes, or raw bananas, in water for a while to remove excess starch. Then, dry them thoroughly with paper towels. This step helps ensure crispiness.

Next, you can optionally coat the vegetables with a light layer of cornstarch or tapioca starch to absorb moisture and promote crispiness. Simply place the sliced vegetables in a large bowl, sprinkle with starch, and toss to coat evenly.

Now, it's time to season your veggie chips. Drizzle or spray olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or canola oil over the vegetables. You can also use a cooking spray for this step. Toss to ensure an even coating. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder. You can even make ranch-style veggie chips by adding dry ranch dressing mix.

Once your vegetables are sliced, seasoned, and ready to go, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much, as this can impact cooking. Now, you're all set to air fry your veggie chips to crispy perfection!

Air fryer temperature and timing

• Sweet potatoes: Slice about 1/16 inch thick and cook for 20 to 30 minutes at 320°F.
• Carrots: Slice into 1/16-inch rounds and cook for 15 to 18 minutes at 356°F.
• Beets: Slice to a similar thickness as the potatoes and cook for about 30 minutes at 320°F.
• Zucchini: This vegetable has a higher moisture content, so it may require a lower temperature and a longer cook time.

It's important to note that the timing may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your vegetable slices. Always keep an eye on your veggie chips to ensure they don't burn. Additionally, it's recommended to cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for the best results.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your veggie chips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spicy and hotred pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or sriracha sauce to give your chips a kick.
• Ranch: Sprinkle some dry ranch dressing mix for a creamy, herb-filled flavour.
• Cheddar cheese: Toss your chips with shredded cheddar cheese before air frying.
• Salt and vinegar: Spritz your chips with white vinegar and sprinkle with sea salt after cooking.
• Nacho cheese: Toss your chips with nacho cheese popcorn seasoning or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
• Garlic Parmesan: Add minced garlic and Parmesan cheese to your vegetables before roasting, and top with extra Parmesan in the final minute of cooking.
• Italian seasoning: Toss your chips with Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Tex-Mex: Add chili powder, cumin, or taco seasoning to your chips for a south-of-the-border flavour.
• Sweet and cinnamon: Play up the natural sweetness of root vegetables by adding a pinch of cinnamon.
• Herby: Add fresh or dried herbs such as dill, parsley, or rosemary to your chips.
• Onion and garlic powder: For a savoury, umami flavour, add onion and garlic powder to your chips.
• Za'atar: Use this Middle Eastern spice blend, which typically includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, for a unique flavour.
• Sesame soy: Combine soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavour.

Dips and sauces to serve with veggie chips

Veggie chips are a delicious and healthy snack option, and they pair well with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are some ideas for dips and sauces to serve with your air-fried veggie chips:

Dips

• Vegan Whipped Feta Dip: A creamy and tangy dip that complements the sweetness of the veggie chips.
• Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: A classic dip with a spicy kick, perfect for those who like it hot.
• Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip: A hearty and flavourful dip with a subtle garlic punch.
• Dill Dip: A delightful dip that pairs perfectly with crunchy veggie chips or crisp veggies.
• The Best Veggie Dip: A tangy, creamy, and flavorful dip that is perfect for both veggies and chips. This dip includes ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, dry ranch seasoning powder, grated onion, and dill.
• Coriander Chutney: A blend of coriander, lime juice, and jalapeno pepper, this dip adds a spicy and refreshing twist to your veggie chips.
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip: A creamy dip with a kick of horseradish and hot sauce to spice up your snacking experience.

Sauces

• Hot Honey: A sweet and spicy sauce that will add a unique flavour to your veggie chips.
• Spicy Mayo: For those who like it hot, this sauce will bring the heat and add a creamy texture to your chips.
• Big Mac Sauce: Bring the flavours of your favourite burger to your veggie chips with this special sauce.
• Salsa: A classic dip for a reason, salsa adds a fresh and spicy kick to your crunchy veggie chips.
• Guacamole: Creamy, tasty, and healthy, guacamole is the perfect dip for veggie chips, especially if you're looking for something a little more indulgent.
• Hoisin Peanut Sauce: A unique blend of hoisin sauce and crunchy peanut butter, this sauce adds an Asian-inspired twist to your snacking experience.
• Lemon Dill Mayonnaise: A zesty and tangy sauce made with vegan mayonnaise, chopped dill, and lemon juice.

So, there you have it! A variety of dips and sauces to elevate your air-fried veggie chips and take your snacking to the next level. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and discovering your favourite pairings.

Frequently asked questions