There’s something oddly satisfying about turning humble vegetables into crispy, snackable chips that feel like a treat—but are secretly good for you. The first time I made air fryer veggie chips, I wasn’t expecting much. I had leftover sweet potatoes and beets from the fridge, a craving for crunch, and zero interest in turning on the oven. What came out of that experiment? Pure magic.
They were perfectly crisp, lightly salted, and packed with flavor. Better yet, they took less than half the time of baking and used just a whisper of oil. Since that day, they’ve become a go-to snack—whether I’m hosting friends, need something to munch during movie night, or just want to avoid tearing into a bag of greasy chips.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make air fryer veggie chips that actually turn out crispy (not soggy), the best veggies to use, and why these chips are a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. If you’re craving something crunchy but want to keep it light, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Air Fryer Veggie Chips Recipe
Big Flavor, No Compromise
This is one of those recipes that I keep coming back to again and again—because it’s everything I want in a snack. Light, crispy, full of flavor, and made with real ingredients I always have around. When that craving for something crunchy hits, air fryer veggie chips are the answer every time.
What makes them so special? It’s how simple ingredients can turn into something that feels way more exciting than plain raw veggies. Thin slices of sweet potato or beet get crisped up beautifully, with just enough texture to make every bite satisfying. You won’t miss greasy chips when these are this crunchy and flavorful.
The air fryer takes care of the cooking without constant supervision. After seasoning the veggies, I pop them into the fryer basket and check in occasionally to shake them up. It’s low-effort, high-reward—and a lifesaver on busy days when I want something homemade without hovering over the stove.
Endless Options, Always Delicious
One of my favorite things about air fryer veggie chips is how versatile they are. You can switch up the flavors depending on what you’re in the mood for. A touch of smoked paprika adds a warm, savory kick. A pinch of garlic powder makes things bold. And when I want to keep it extra simple, a light dusting of flaky salt does the trick.
They’re naturally plant-based, totally gluten-free, and easy to make in small or big batches. Whether I’m serving them as a fun side or just snacking straight from the bowl, they’re always a hit.
If you love no-fuss recipes with big flavor, you’ll also enjoy these easy roasted carrot fries and our crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts. They’re just as addictive as air fryer veggie chips—and just as easy to make.
Air Fryer Veggie Chips That Are Amazingly Crispy and Fuss-Free
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These air fryer veggie chips are crisp, colorful, and easy to make. A perfect healthy snack that pairs well with dips or sandwiches.
Ingredients
3 cups thinly sliced vegetables (beets, carrots, sweet potatoes)
1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice vegetables to 1/16 inch using a mandoline.
2. (Optional) Toss slices with cornstarch in a bowl.
3. Preheat air fryer to 320°F.
4. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat evenly.
5. Add salt, pepper, and paprika; toss again.
6. Place slices in single layer in air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 25–30 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes.
8. Let cool before serving for extra crispiness.
Notes
Store in airtight container up to 5 days. Re-crisp in air fryer for 2–3 minutes if needed. Avoid high-moisture veggies like zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 334
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 769mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How I Make Air Fryer Veggie Chips That Actually Turn Out Crispy
My Go-To Veggies for the Best Results
Over time, I’ve learned which vegetables really shine in the air fryer. For crisp, light air fryer veggie chips, I stick to tried-and-true favorites like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. They slice easily and dry out beautifully while cooking, giving you that perfect chip-like crunch.
Some vegetables, like zucchini, seem like a good idea—but trust me, they hold too much moisture and never quite crisp up the way you’d expect. I’ve wasted a few batches figuring that one out. These days, I go for root veggies every time.
I use a mandoline for thin, even slices—about 1/16 inch thick. It makes a huge difference in how evenly the chips cook. When they’re cut consistently, I don’t have to worry about some burning while others stay soft.
My Little Flavor and Texture Upgrades
Once the veggies are sliced, I like to give them a dusting of starch—cornstarch or sometimes even tapioca starch if that’s what I have. It helps draw out extra moisture and gives the finished chips a slightly crispier bite. Then I add just a bit of oil, enough to lightly coat the slices, and toss them with seasonings.
Smoked paprika is my favorite add-in, but I also love playing with garlic powder or cumin when I want a new flavor twist. I preheat the air fryer to 320°F, spread everything out in a single layer, and shake the basket every few minutes as they cook for around 30 minutes.
When they’re done, I let them cool a bit—they always crisp up more as they sit. That final texture is what keeps me hooked. Every time I make air fryer veggie chips, they feel like a brand-new snack with zero boredom involved.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Insights of Air Fryer Veggie Chips
A Snack That Actually Feels Good to Eat
One of the reasons I started making air fryer veggie chips in the first place was to have a snack I didn’t have to second-guess. These chips aren’t just crunchy and flavorful—they’re also packed with natural nutrients from the vegetables themselves. Depending on what you use, you’ll get a mix of fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants with every bite.
For example, sweet potatoes bring beta-carotene and a little natural sweetness, while beets offer iron and folate. Carrots, especially the colorful ones, are rich in vitamin C and fiber. You’re getting real benefits from whole ingredients—and no weird preservatives or artificial colors like store-bought chips often have.
What’s also great is that you control the oil. I usually use just a teaspoon or two for a full batch, or sometimes even an olive oil spray when I want to keep it extra light. Compared to deep frying or even traditional baking with lots of oil, air frying cuts way down on the fat without sacrificing texture.
Light on Calories, Big on Satisfaction
One full batch of air fryer veggie chips clocks in around 300–350 calories depending on the vegetables you use. They’re surprisingly filling, thanks to all the fiber and natural starch. I often pair them with a dip like hummus or Greek yogurt for a quick, energizing snack that doesn’t leave me feeling heavy.
And because they store well, I can make them ahead and keep a batch in the pantry for up to five days. If they lose that perfect crunch, a few minutes back in the air fryer brings them right back to life. It’s one of those snacks that satisfies both the health-conscious part of me and the “give me chips now” part—air fryer veggie chips do both.
Tips, Storage, and Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Veggie Chips
Simple Tips That Make a Big Difference
After making air fryer veggie chips more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take them from good to great. First, don’t crowd the basket. Even though it’s tempting to cook everything at once, overlapping slices means uneven cooking. A single, even layer is the secret to crisp chips every time.
I also always shake the basket a few times during cooking. It helps keep the slices from sticking together and makes sure everything crisps up evenly. And if you’re seasoning with something like paprika or garlic powder, add it after you toss the slices with oil—this helps the spices stick better.
When I’m making chips ahead for the week, I like to batch prep my veggies. I’ll slice everything at once and store the raw slices in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. That way, I can toss a handful in the air fryer whenever the craving hits.
How I Store and Serve Them
Once your air fryer veggie chips are cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to five days. If they soften a bit (especially on humid days), toss them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes, and they’ll be good as new.
I love serving them with homemade dips like 5-minute avocado dip or even just a dollop of Greek yogurt ranch. They’re also great as a crunchy side for turkey burgers or tucked into a lunchbox for something fun and healthy.
However you serve them, air fryer veggie chips always bring a little extra color and crunch to the table—and they never stick around long in my house.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are air-fried vegetable chips healthy?
Yes, air-fried vegetable chips are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks. Because they use significantly less oil, they’re lower in fat and calories. Plus, they retain more of the natural vitamins and fiber from the vegetables, especially when made with nutrient-rich options like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets.
How to make vegetable chips in an air fryer?
To make air fryer veggie chips, slice your vegetables thin (about 1/16 inch), lightly coat them in oil, season to taste, and cook them in a preheated air fryer at 320°F. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer and shake the basket every few minutes for even cooking. In 25–30 minutes, they’ll be golden and crisp.
How to make veggies crispy in an air fryer?
Crispiness comes down to a few key steps: slice your veggies thin and evenly, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake them during cooking to prevent sticking. A light coating of oil and an optional dusting of cornstarch help remove excess moisture and enhance crunch in your air fryer veggie chips.
Can you make chips in an air fryer without oil?
Yes, you can make chips without oil, but they may turn out slightly less crispy. To keep your air fryer veggie chips oil-free, try using an oil spray substitute or skip it entirely. Just be sure to monitor them closely to avoid burning, and shake the basket often for even cooking.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a healthier, easy-to-make snack that doesn’t skimp on crunch, air fryer veggie chips are the answer. Whether you’re using sweet potatoes, beets, or rainbow carrots, the air fryer transforms them into crisp, colorful chips that feel indulgent but are packed with nutrients. With just a few ingredients and some simple tips, you can make snack time both delicious and wholesome.
This recipe is one I come back to week after week—not just because it’s fast and flexible, but because it delivers every single time. Whether you’re new to air frying or just need a reliable recipe to add to your rotation, these air fryer veggie chips belong on your list.
Try them once, and I promise—your snack game will never be the same.