If you’re a fan of crunchy snacks but want to ditch the greasy bags of store-bought potato chips, you are in the right place. These Air Fryer Beet Chips are my latest obsession. They are vibrant, naturally sweet, and have an earthy depth that makes them completely addictive.
Beets can be polarizing, but when they are sliced paper-thin and air-fried to a crisp, they transform into something magical. The air fryer is the secret weapon here—it circulates hot air to dehydrate and crisp the beets in a fraction of the time it takes in a standard oven, all while using just a tiny spritz of oil. It’s the perfect “guilt-free” snack for your next movie night or a colorful addition to your lunchbox.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient Dense: Beets are packed with fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
- Low Oil, High Crunch: Achieve that deep-fry snap with 90% less fat.
- Naturally Sweet: The high heat of the air fryer caramelizes the natural sugars in the beets.
- Minimalist Ingredients: You only need beets, oil, and salt to create a gourmet-style snack.
Recipe Card Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets (Red, Golden, or Chioggia “Candy Stripe” beets)
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp Garlic powder or dried rosemary for extra flavor.
Instructions
- Prep the Beets: Trim the tops and bottoms off the beets. You don’t have to peel them if you scrub them well, but peeling gives a cleaner look.
- Slice Thin: Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. Slice the beets into very thin, uniform rounds (about 1/16th of an inch). If they are too thick, they will be chewy; too thin and they will burn instantly.
- Dry Them Out: Place the slices on paper towels and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is the key to a crispy chip.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the beet slices with oil and salt until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Place the slices in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if they overlap slightly, but don’t crowd them too much. Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- The Shake: Every 5 minutes, give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Crispness: Beets have a high sugar content and can go from “perfect” to “burnt” quickly. Start checking them closely at the 12-minute mark. They are done when the edges are curled and they feel slightly stiff.
- Cooling: Remove them from the air fryer and let them sit on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool!
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Tip 1 (Mandoline is King): Consistency is everything. If your slices vary in thickness, some will burn while others stay soft. A mandoline ensures every chip cooks at the same rate.
- Tip 2 (Low Temperature): We use 300°F instead of the usual 400°F because the sugars in beets burn easily. A lower temp allows them to dehydrate and crisp without charring.
- Tip 3 (The Shrinkage): Beets shrink significantly when fried. Don’t be surprised if your giant pile of slices turns into a modest bowl of chips!
Encouraging Conclusion
These Air Fryer Beet Chips are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. They are crunchy, salty, and satisfy that “chip craving” perfectly.
