Air Fryer Veggie Chips : Introduction

Air fryer offer a faster, healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot circulating air to crisp
food with minimal oil, making them ideal for making veggie chips at home. In comparison to
baking or frying, air fryers reduce oil by 80%. They also cook faster and more evenly.
Veggie Chips in an air fryer retain more nutrients than those deep-fried. The short cooking time
helps preserve natural colours and flavours. Plus, it keeps your kitchen cooler and cleaner from
oil splatters. You also gain control over the seasoning and thickness by adjusting the crunch or
softness according to your taste preferences. Home-made chips are cheaper and often better than
store-bought versions.
This method is suitable for a large variety of vegetables, from beetroots to okra
fingers, depending on your choices.
Best Vegetables to Use For Chips
Choosing the right kind of veggies is the key to getting the desired type of texture and crunch.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are excellent for chips due to their natural starch and density. They can be crispy
and hold on to their shape under high air fryer heat.
Top picks-
- Sweet potatoes – sweet and earthy flavours
- Beets – slightly sweet with vibrant colour
- Carrots – subtly sweet and easy to slice into chips.
Peel and slice thinly (1⁄6-1⁄8 inch for best results). Use a mandoline or a sharp knife for
even thickness. This will prevent burning and promote even cooking.
A light coating of oil and salt is usually enough, with optional seasonings like paprika
and garlic powder, etc. Cook 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Monitor closely in the final minutes to prevent burning.
Leafy Greens and Others
Leafy or water-heavy vegetables need special care. Good picks can:
- Kale: It becomes light, crispy and chip-like.
- Zucchini: tender when sliced thin and salted.
- Eggplant: absorbs flavour well and pairs great with spices.
– For Leafy greens: Wash, dry thoroughly, and tear into bite-sized pieces.
– Add a tiny amount of oil and seasoning.
Cook kale at 32°f (160°c) for 5-8 minutes. Zucchini and eggplant need to be dry first.
Salt them and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Use a parchment paper to
prevent sticking, flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Preparation Steps for Perfect Chips
- Wash and dry your vegetables thoroughly. Moisture leads to soggy chips.
- Slice evenly, use a mandoline for thin, consistent pieces, which ensure even cooking.
- Optional: Soak starchy veggies like potatoes or sweet potatoes. A 20-minute cold water soak removes excess starch, making chips crispier. Pat dry before seasoning.
- Lightly oil and season- Use 1-2 teaspoons of oil per batch. Toss in a bowl with salt or desired spices.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
- Arrange in a single layer—overcrowding leads to uneven crisping. Rather, cook in batches.
These steps set the foundation for perfect chips – crisp, flavorful, and quick.
Cooking Tips for Crispiness and Flavour
- Avoid overcrowding the tray—airflow is a must for crispy chips.
- Shake or flip halfway through the cook time for even results
- Watch closely near the end—veggies can burn quickly
- Use parchment paper or silicone liners to avoid sticking, especially for wet veggies
- Add spices after cooking if they tend to burn (like chilli flakes or cheese powder).
- Taste-chip check before ending a batch. Adjust as needed.
- Use minimal oil – too much makes the chips soggy instead of crisp.
Flavour Reccos
➢ Paprika + garlic powder (savoury)
➢ Cinnamon + coconut sugar (for sweet potato)
➢ Nutritional yeast + black pepper (cheesy flavour without dairy)
Fine-tune temperature and time depending on the vegetable cookedsame- track your
results next time.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Let chips cool completely before storing
- Use an airtight container to retain crispiness.
- Store at room temperature for 2-3 days
- For longer storage, use silica gel packs to reduce moisture.
Recrisping Tip
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crunch.
- Pack in small boxes for healthy snacking
- Use as a side dish with sandwiches or wraps.
These chips are versatile—serve them hot or at room temperature, which makes them
ideal for snacking, parties, or healthy meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Veggie chips in an air fryer are quick, healthy, and customizable. With the right prep and
techniques, they can beat your average store chips, which are not healthy. Use a mix of
root and leafy vegetables for variety. Keep slices even and batches small. Experiment
with flavours and find your best soulful chips.
Whether you are on the go for a snack or prepping a meal, air-fried chips are a smart and
satisfying choice.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
1. What vegetables can be used to make chips?
Chips can be made of a variety of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, kale,
beetroot, carrots, and spinach etc.
2. How thin should I slice the vegetables?
Slice them very thin and evenly, which will help them cook evenly, giving you
that crispiness.
3. Do I need to preheat the oven?
For best results, preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
4. What seasoning can I use?
Try these seasonings like sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, cumin powder, and
chilli flakes.
5. How do I store my veggie chips?
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3 days. Avoid
humid environments for storing.