These crispy air fryer beet chips are an easy, naturally colorful snack made with just raw beets, olive oil, and salt. Slice two medium beets very thinly, air-fry them at 325°F (165°C) for about 12–20 minutes, and cool them before serving for a light, crunchy chip.
The finished chips have delicately crisp curled edges, an earthy-sweet beet flavor, and just enough savory salt to keep you reaching for another bite. This small-batch recipe makes about 2–3 servings and is especially delicious with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried rosemary.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer beet chips turn a humble root vegetable into a snack with beautiful color and a satisfying crunch. They are simple enough for a weekday craving, yet attractive enough to serve beside dips, sandwiches, or a casual appetizer spread.
Because the beets are seasoned lightly, their natural earthy sweetness remains at the center of every bite. The air fryer also uses only one tablespoon of olive oil, so the chips taste crisp rather than greasy.
This recipe is a helpful addition to any collection of easy air fryer snacks. If you are planning a larger snack board, you can pair the beet chips with crispy roasted asparagus for another vegetable-forward option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, but each item has a role in creating crisp, flavorful chips. Choose firm, fresh beets without soft spots, and use a neutral or fruity olive oil that you enjoy tasting.
- 2 medium raw beets: This is about 8–10 ounces (225–285 g) total and makes approximately 2–3 servings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use just enough to give the slices a thin sheen without making them wet.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt: Salt brings out the beets’ natural sweetness.
- Optional seasoning: Add 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried rosemary, preferably after cooking.
A mandoline is the most reliable tool for cutting the beets into 1/16-inch (1–2 mm) slices. If you use a knife, take your time and aim for consistent thickness so thinner pieces do not burn before thicker ones crisp.
For a sweeter batch, use golden beets and finish the cooled chips with a small pinch of cinnamon. For a savory batch, smoked paprika or black pepper adds a pleasant contrast to the beet’s gentle sweetness.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Trim away the beet tops and roots, then peel and wash the beets under cool running water. Pat them dry before slicing so the surface is clean and less slippery.
Step 2: Slice the beets as thinly and evenly as possible, about 1/16 inch (1–2 mm). A mandoline gives the most consistent result, but a sharp chef’s knife works when used carefully and patiently.
Step 3: Spread the slices over a clean towel or paper towels and pat them very dry. Removing surface moisture helps the chips crisp instead of steaming, so do not skip this step.
Step 4: Place the dry slices in a bowl and toss them with one tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix gently until every slice has a very light coating, avoiding pools of oil at the bottom of the bowl.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C). Once hot, arrange the beet slices in one layer with minimal overlap, and plan to cook in batches if the basket is small.
Step 6: Air-fry the first batch for 6–8 minutes, then inspect the slices and turn them or shake the basket. Continue cooking for another 5–12 minutes, checking frequently as the chips approach doneness.
Step 7: Remove the chips when their edges are curled and crisp-looking, even if the centers feel slightly flexible. They firm up as they cool, so do not wait for every chip to feel completely rigid in the hot basket.
Step 8: Transfer the finished chips to a single layer on a plate or cooling rack. Once cool, sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried rosemary, then serve promptly.
Pro Tips for Extra-Crisp Chips
The thickness of each slice is the biggest factor in the final texture. Thick or uneven slices cook inconsistently, while extremely thin slices can burn quickly, so aim for uniform 1/16-inch rounds and start checking early.
Beets contain considerable moisture, which is why crowding the air fryer can lead to limp results. Leave space around the slices whenever possible, and cook in batches rather than stacking them deeply in the basket.
- Dry thoroughly: Patting the slices dry removes moisture that would otherwise slow browning.
- Use less oil: A light coating encourages crisping; excess oil can make the chips soft.
- Watch the final minutes: The transition from crisp to burnt can happen quickly.
- Cool in one layer: Overlapping hot chips traps steam and softens the texture.
- Season after cooking: Delicate spices can scorch, so add them once the chips are out of the fryer.
If you enjoy crisp homemade snacks, you may also like these air fryer French fries. The same principles apply: dry the food well, avoid crowding, and keep a close eye on the last few minutes.
Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations
Serve beet chips as a colorful afternoon snack, or arrange them in a shallow bowl for a dinner-party nibble. Their crisp texture works nicely beside hummus, whipped feta, ranch dip, or a simple yogurt sauce, although they are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own.
For a savory finish, choose black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried rosemary. Add the seasoning after cooking so its flavor stays fresh and the fine powders do not darken too much in the hot air fryer.
Golden beets make a particularly pretty variation with a slightly sweeter appearance and flavor. Finish them with a small pinch of cinnamon after they cool, keeping the amount subtle so it complements rather than overwhelms the vegetable.
For a full air fryer meal, serve these chips alongside easy air fryer meatballs. You can also add air fryer fried shrimp when you want a crisp, savory main dish with a contrasting tender center.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
Beet chips are best served soon after cooling, when their delicate crunch is at its peak. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Keep the chips in a single loose layer when possible, or separate layers with parchment to reduce trapped moisture. Humidity can soften them, so avoid storing them while warm or placing them in the refrigerator.
If the chips lose some crispness, return them to the air fryer at 325°F for a brief warming period and check frequently. Since the exact time depends on how soft they have become, stop as soon as they feel crisp again.
For another crunchy side to serve with a snack platter, try these air fryer onion rings. Their savory coating pairs well with the earthy sweetness of beet chips.
Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Trim, peel, and wash the beets. Slice them into very thin, even rounds about 1/16 inch (1–2 mm) thick, preferably with a mandoline.
- Pat the beet slices thoroughly dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Toss them with the olive oil and salt, using only enough oil to lightly coat each slice.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C). Arrange beet slices in a single layer with minimal overlap, working in batches if needed.
- Air-fry for 6–8 minutes, then check and turn the slices or shake the basket. Continue cooking for another 5–12 minutes, watching closely near the end.
- Remove the chips when the edges are curled and crisp-looking. Transfer them to a single layer to cool, then add optional seasoning before serving.
Notes
Final Thoughts
Crispy air fryer beet chips are proof that a few basic ingredients can create a striking and satisfying snack. The most important details are simple: slice the beets evenly, dry them well, use a light touch of oil, and give the slices enough room to cook.
Start checking after the first 6–8 minutes, then watch closely through the remaining 5–12 minutes. Once the edges curl and look crisp, let the chips cool in a single layer so they can finish firming up before you season and serve.
Make a classic red beet batch with sea salt, or try golden beets with cinnamon for a sweeter variation. Either way, these colorful homemade chips bring a delicate crunch and naturally sweet flavor to snack time.
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