Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips

These crispy air fryer beet chips are a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional snacks. Their vibrant color and natural sweetness make them perfect for sharing at casual get togethers or just enjoying on your own when craving something light and crunchy. With just olive oil, sea salt, and optional seasoning, these chips combine simplicity with flavor, making them a versatile treat anytime.

I first made these beet chips for a family movie night and they disappeared faster than I expected. Now they are my go to snack whenever I want something fun and healthier than regular chips.

Ingredients

• 2 medium fresh beets: peeled and sliced thinly for even crispiness using firm bright beets ensures the best crunch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: adds healthy fats and helps crisp the chips evenly choose extra virgin for better flavor
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt: enhances the natural sweetness of the beets use fine sea salt for easy distribution
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: adds a gentle kick freshly ground pepper works best for aroma
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: optional to bring a subtle savory note that complements beets beautifully

Instructions

Prepare the Beets:

Peel the beets carefully removing all the outer skin so the chips are smooth and pleasant to eat. Use a mandoline slicer to get ultra thin slices around 1 to 2 millimeters thick. Thinness is crucial for a crisp texture and even cooking without any soggy spots.

Season the Slices:

Place the beet slices in a large bowl and add olive oil sea salt black pepper and garlic powder if using. Toss gently but thoroughly ensuring every slice is coated with oil and seasoning. This balanced coating helps the slices crisp nicely and develop deep flavor.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Lay the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap to allow proper air circulation. If you have more slices than fit comfortably avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches. Overcrowding causes steaming resulting in chips that are limp rather than crispy.

Air Fry the Chips:

Set your air fryer temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 163 degrees Celsius. Air fry the beet slices for 12 to 15 minutes. At the halfway mark shake or flip the basket carefully to rotate the slices for even crisping. Keep a close eye as some chips may brown faster remove crispy chips early to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve:

Transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool for at least 3 to 5 minutes. They will become crispier as they cool down due to residual heat. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain the crunch for up to two days.

My favorite part of this recipe is the bright earthy sweetness of the fresh beets mingling with the hint of smoky black pepper and garlic. It reminds me of holiday parties when I bring this colorful snack and watch it vanish quickly as people reach for one more chip.

Storage Tips

Store leftover beet chips in a sealed airtight container at room temperature. To revive any soft chips reheat them in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 or 2 minutes until crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a more neutral taste and crisper texture due to its higher smoke point. Swap black pepper with smoked paprika to introduce a mild smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the beets natural sweetness. Use za'atar instead of sea salt to add a herbaceous Middle Eastern twist that lifts the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these beet chips with a tangy Greek yogurt dip or whipped feta for a sophisticated snack. Toss warm chips with fresh dill orange zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor even more.

These air fryer beet chips are an easy colorful snack that crisps up in minutes. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Why are my beet chips soggy, not crisp?

Slices may be too thick or overcrowded in the fryer basket. Use a mandoline for thin slices and cook in single layers for best crispness.

→ Can I use pre-cooked or canned beets?

Raw, fresh beets provide the best texture. Pre-cooked or canned beets hold excess moisture, preventing proper crisping.

→ How should I store leftover beet chips?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. To restore crispness, reheat briefly in the air fryer.

→ Is peeling the beets necessary?

Yes, peeling removes the earthy outer layer, ensuring a cleaner texture and more pleasant bite.

→ Can I substitute other oils or spices?

Yes, try avocado oil for a milder taste and smoked paprika or za’atar for unique flavor twists.