Crispy and delicious air fryer beet chips are a mix of salty and sweet, with a satisfying crunch that will have you ditch the store-bought chips. This wholesome alternative is a flavourful and healthy snack that’s simple to make, and holds up well with dip!
This healthy alternative to potato chips is one that kids and adults alike will love to munch on. It’s great for snacking or makes a wonderful side dish.
This was loosely inspired by my oil-free tortilla chips and pairs beautifully with red pepper hummus or cashew cream.
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Ingredients
All you need for these air fryer beet chips is beets! The remaining ingredients are optional.
- Beets: Choose beets that are firm, smooth, and feel heavy for their size. Small or medium beets are more tender than large ones.
- Aquafaba: I like to use my own homemade aquafaba from cooking chickpeas (as opposed to getting it out of a can). If you’re not a fan of aquafaba, you can skip this entirely. Or, if you prefer to use oil, you may use olive oil or your choice.
- Salt: The salt is optional and if you’re on a low or no sodium diet, you may skip it. However, if you can have some salt, I recommend salting your chips for the best flavour.
Instructions
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Thinly slice your beets and then place them in a large bowl. Add the aquafaba and salt, and mix well. (photo 1)
Arrange the seasoned slices in your basket in a single-ish layer, but a slight overlap is fine, and air fry for 10-12 minutes. (photo 2)
NOTE: The beet slices will shrink significantly during air frying so they can overlap a little but do not stack them or they won’t crisp up.
Remove the beet chips from the fryer when the edges are curled up, they feel dry to the touch and have changed in colour.
NOTE: The chips will crisp up more as they cool, so don’t overcook them.
These air fryer beet chips are not only delicious, but they’re firm and crispy, and hold up well with dip!
Variations
The recipe below is for a basic salted beet chip, but if you want to try different flavours, here are some ideas for you:
- Chili Lime: Skip the aquafaba or oil and use lime juice instead. Then add ¼ teaspoon each of chili powder, and salt.
- Italian: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon of dried parsley, and a pinch of dried oregano and salt.
- Smoky BBQ: Use ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt.
- Ranch: Use ¼ teaspoon each of dried parsley and dried dill weed, plus ⅛ teaspoon each of onion powder, and salt.
- Spicy BBQ: Use ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Churros: Use 1 teaspoon coconut sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
Equipment
I use a Ninja Foodi 8qt basket-style model. However, like most air-fried recipes, you can make these air fryer beet chips in any model of fryer including toaster oven styles.
As always, different models will cook at different speeds, so make sure to watch your chips carefully and start checking on them around the 8-minute mark.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes! If you want to bake these instead, just preheat your oven to 375°F/176°C and prepare the beet chips following the same directions below.
Then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until the desired doneness is reached, approx. 20-25 minutes.
Storage
If you have leftovers (unlikely), keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days in a paper bag. Do not store these in an airtight container, or they will get soggy.
Do not freeze.
Expert Tips
- The beet slices can be slightly overlapping since they will shrink significantly, but don’t stack them or overlap too much or they won’t crisp up as well.
- The thickness or thinness of your beet chips will determine cook time and crispiness level. Slice the beets as thinly as possible, or use a tool, like a mandolin for easy slicing.
- These air fryer beet chips are ready when their edges have curled, and the slices feel dry to the touch.
- Do not overcook the chips or they will have a bitter taste. They will crisp up a little more after you remove the basket from the air fryer and let the chips cool.
More air-fried snacks
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Buon appetito
Rosa
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound red beets approx. 2 medium beets
- ½ tablespoon aquafaba optional
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Scrub your beets and slice the ends using a sharp knife. No need to peel them. Then use a mandolin to very thinly slice the beets into chips. You want them paper thin for the best results.
- Place the sliced beets in a mixing bowl and toss with the aquafaba and salt. Then arrange them in a single layer (slightly overlapping is fine) in your air frying basket, working in batches if needed.
- Air fry the beet chips at 350°F/176°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking or mixing at the halfway point. The chips are ready when they've curled upwards, shrunk significantly, and feel dry to the touch. Remove them from the basket and let them stand at room temperature. They will crisp up more as they cool.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
Beet chips are a delicious and healthy alternative to greasy potato chips, especially when homemade. Air frying or baking this version keeps it oil-free, low in calories and fat, and of course, there are no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
While these are best enjoyed straight away, you may also store them at room temperature if you have leftovers. Note that they will lose their crispiness as time goes on.
Beets are rich in folate (also known as vitamin B9). Folate is good for red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth. It can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Beth says
Can’t wait to try this recipe!! Beet chips from a store are laden with oil and salt, and are very expensive! I’m thrilled to find a recipe that I can make it home and use aqua faba in lieu of oil. I’ve been looking for crunchy, crispy snack treats that are also healthy and low-calorie. Thanks for all your other recommendations as well! Do you know of other vegetables that would be good as chips or air fried snacks? Kale chips are one of my favorites, but I’m thinking broccoli, green beans, okra?
Rosa says
Aww you’re welcome Beth. I think thinly sliced sweet potato would also work well, but I haven’t specifically tried that yet. 🙂
Phyl says
Could these also be made using a convection oven? If so, what temperature?
Rosa says
The oven instructions can be found in the post here: https://thishealthykitchen.com/air-fryer-beet-chips/#equipment