Air Fryer Veggie Chips: A Healthy, Homemade Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier snacks. Veggie chips are a delicious and crunchy snack that can be made in an air fryer with almost no oil. You can use root vegetables like carrots, beetroot, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, or starchy vegetables like potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, or kohlrabi. The preparation is simple: slice the vegetables thinly and evenly, toss them in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon for a sweet option. Place the vegetables in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Soaking the vegetables in water before cooking can help remove excess starch and make them crispier. Air fryer veggie chips are a tasty and healthy snack that can be made at home with very little effort!

Choosing your vegetables

You can use a variety of vegetables, but root vegetables are a popular choice because they are thick enough to crisp up and don't contain as much moisture as other vegetables. Some options include carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas. Other starchy vegetables like potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, or kohlrabi can also be used.

If you want to get creative, you can try using zucchini, but keep in mind that it has a higher moisture content and will require a lower cooking temperature and longer cooking time. Other options with higher moisture content include broccoli, kale, and eggplant.

When choosing your vegetables, consider the flavor combinations you want to create. For example, you can use different types of beets and sweet potatoes for a colorful and interesting dish. You can also experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, dill, parsley, onion powder, chili powder, cinnamon, rosemary, or thyme.

Once you've chosen your vegetables, the next step is to slice them thinly and evenly. A mandoline slicer will help you achieve the desired thickness and consistency. Aim for slices that are about 1/16-inch thick.

So, take your pick of vegetables, get slicing, and get ready to enjoy some delicious and healthy veggie chips straight from your air fryer!

Preparing your vegetables

Firstly, select your desired vegetables. Popular options for veggie chips include beets, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips. You can experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favorite.

Once you have chosen your vegetables, it's time to slice them. Aim for a thickness of around 1/16 of an inch. You can use a chef's knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve even slices. The thinner and more uniform your slices are, the more evenly they will cook.

After slicing, some recipes recommend soaking the vegetable slices in ice water for about 20-30 minutes, especially if you are using starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes. This step helps remove excess starch and promotes crispiness. Make sure to dry the slices thoroughly with paper towels or kitchen towels after soaking.

Next, place the vegetable slices in a large bowl and add a thin layer of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also add seasonings at this point, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs and spices. Toss the slices to ensure they are evenly coated.

If you want to reduce the moisture content of your veggie chips further, you can optionally sprinkle cornstarch or tapioca starch over the slices and toss again. This step is not necessary, but it can help absorb moisture and give your chips an extra crispy texture.

Finally, arrange the seasoned vegetable slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is enough space for hot air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches.

Now your vegetables are prepared and ready for the air fryer! Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe for cooking instructions and additional tips.

Seasoning your vegetables

• Basic seasonings: You can't go wrong with the classics: salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. These simple seasonings will enhance the natural flavour of your veggies without overpowering them.
• Herbs and spices: If you want to get creative, try experimenting with herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, cayenne, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist. These additions can give your veggie chips a unique and intriguing flavour profile.
• Oil: While oil is not mandatory, a light coating of olive oil (or another oil of your choice) will help your chips achieve a crisp texture and boost their flavour. Oil also ensures that your seasonings adhere well to the veggie slices.
• Salt alternatives: If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake, you can try using cornstarch or arrowroot instead of salt. These ingredients will help absorb moisture from the veggies, contributing to that sought-after crispy texture.
• Unique combinations: For something truly special, try combining seasonings to create complex flavours. For example, add dill, parsley, and onion powder for ranch-flavoured veggie chips, or sprinkle on some chili powder for a Tex-Mex kick.
• Seasoning technique: When seasoning your veggies, use tongs to ensure an even coating. This will also keep your hands clean! Toss the veggies in a large bowl to ensure that each slice is well-coated with oil and seasonings.
• Don't over-season: It's important not to over-season your chips before cooking them. Excess salt, especially, can draw out too much moisture, resulting in soggy chips. It's better to start with a lighter hand and add more seasoning after cooking if needed.
• Post-cooking seasoning: Once your veggie chips are cooked and slightly cooled, taste them and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is the time to add more salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings to suit your taste buds.

Cooking your vegetable chips

Now that you've selected your vegetables, it's time to start cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious veggie chips in your air fryer:

• Slice your vegetables: Use a chef's knife or a mandoline to cut your chosen vegetables into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness is around 1/16 of an inch.
• Coating (optional): Place the sliced vegetables in a large bowl. You can choose to coat them with a light dusting of cornstarch or tapioca starch to absorb moisture and promote crispiness. Give the bowl a good toss to ensure an even coating.
• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 320ºF to 350ºF. This temperature will ensure your veggies cook through and get nice and crispy.
• Seasoning: Drizzle or spray your veggie slices with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also use an oil spray for an even coating. Toss the veggies to ensure they are well-coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. Salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can also experiment with spices like paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist.
• Air fry: Place the seasoned veggie slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the vegetable and your desired crispiness. It's important to open the air fryer and shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Cooling and serving: Once your veggie chips are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a healthy, crunchy snack on their own or with your favorite dip!

Tips for crispy veggie chips:

• Slice your vegetables as thinly and evenly as possible. This will ensure even cooking and help you achieve the desired crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of vegetable and the thickness of your slices. Keep an eye on your veggie chips and adjust the timing accordingly.
• For starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes, soak the slices in ice water for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and promotes crispiness. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.
• If using zucchini, be aware that it has a higher moisture content. You may need to squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels and allow extra drying time before air frying.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations! You can go classic with salt and pepper or get creative with spices like chili powder, Italian seasoning, or cinnamon.

Now you're ready to start making your own delicious and healthy veggie chips in your air fryer! Enjoy the crispy, crunchy goodness!

Storing your vegetable chips

If you're not planning on eating them within a week, you could try vacuum sealing your veggie chips. This method has been shown to keep them fresh and crunchy for up to a month.

Veggie chips are best stored at room temperature. Avoid putting them in the fridge, as this will make them soggy. If your chips do start to lose their crunch, you can pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

It's also important to note that veggie chips do not freeze well. So, if you're thinking of storing them long-term, freezing is not a good option.

Frequently asked questions