There’s something magical about the satisfying crunch of homemade snacks—especially when they’re as simple and healthy as air fryer beet chips with sea salt. I swear, the first time I made these, I couldn’t stop snacking straight from the basket. Who knew beets could transform into something so addictive? No fancy ingredients, no endless frying—just thinly sliced beets, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The air fryer works its crispy magic in under 15 minutes, and suddenly, you’ve got a snack that’s as vibrant in color as it is in flavor. Trust me, once you try these, store-bought chips just won’t cut it anymore.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt
Listen, these beet chips are the snack hero you didn’t know you needed—here’s why:
- Crazy quick: From prep to crispy perfection in under 20 minutes (no babysitting a greasy frying pan!).
- Guilt-free crunch: All the satisfaction of potato chips, but with beets’ natural sweetness and a fraction of the oil.
- Three-ingredient magic: Beets, olive oil, sea salt—that’s it. No weird additives, just pure snack joy.
- Air fryer wizardry: Gets them evenly crisp without the sogginess or oil-drenched hands. (Bonus: Your kitchen won’t smell like a fast-food joint.)
Seriously, these chips are so good, you might just forget beets belong in salads.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt
You won’t believe how such simple things turn into snack gold—here’s all you need:
- 2 medium beets – washed, peeled, and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick—trust me, thickness matters!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to coat without drowning them
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – flaky kind for that perfect salty crunch
That’s seriously it! No hidden pantry raids required.
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets here—just the basics:
- Air fryer (obviously!)
- Sharp knife or mandoline – for those paper-thin beet slices
- Mixing bowl – to toss everything together
That’s it—no special tools required. (Though I won’t judge if you use this as an excuse to buy that mandoline you’ve been eyeing.)
How to Make Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt
Okay, let’s get these crispy beauties going! The process is stupid simple, but I’ve got a few tricks to make sure they turn out perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be crunching away in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Beets
First things first—give those beets a good scrub under cold water (dirt loves to hide in their wrinkles). Peel them unless you’re into earthy vibes (I usually do, but no judgment either way). Now, the most important part: slice them paper-thin, about 1/8-inch thick. Use a mandoline if you have one (watch those fingers!), or channel your inner chef with a sharp knife. Uneven slices? Some will burn while others stay soggy—we don’t want that drama.
Step 2: Season and Cook
Toss those ruby-red slices in a bowl with olive oil and sea salt—just enough to coat them like a light summer dress. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes—this helps them crisp up faster. Arrange the slices in a single layer (no overlapping, or they’ll steam instead of crisp). Cook for 6 minutes, flip them like pancakes, then go another 6-9 minutes until they’re crispy and slightly curled at the edges. (Thicker slices? Add 2-3 minutes.) Let them cool—they’ll crisp up even more, I promise!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt
Want foolproof, crispy results every time? Here are my hard-earned tricks:
- Slice like a pro: Mandolines are your friend—aim for 1/8-inch thickness. Uneven slices = burnt edges and chewy centers.
- No overcrowding! Cook in batches if needed. Overlapping = steamed, soggy sadness. (Patience pays off!)
- Flip religiously: At the halfway mark, shake or flip those chips for even browning—no sad, pale spots allowed.
- Watch closely: Beets go from “almost done” to “charred rubble” fast. Check every minute after the 10-minute mark.
- Cool completely: They’ll crisp up as they rest. (Yes, waiting is torture. Worth it.)
Follow these, and you’ll never suffer through limp beet chips again!
Variations for Air Fryer Beet Chips
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these fun twists to keep things exciting:
- Rosemary + garlic: Toss with minced garlic and fresh rosemary for a cozy, savory bite.
- Smoky paprika: Add a pinch of smoked paprika—total game-changer for spice lovers.
- Parmesan sprinkle: Dust with grated Parmesan right after cooking (trust me, it’s addictive).
Mix and match—your snack drawer will thank you!
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt
These chips are best served fresh out of the air fryer—still warm and extra crispy. (Seriously, try not to eat them all straight from the basket—I dare you.) If you somehow have leftovers, toss them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. They’ll stay crunchy for up to 3 days, though good luck keeping them around that long!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these crispy gems (estimated per serving): 70 calories, 3g fat (0.5g saturated), 10g carbs (2g fiber, 5g sugar), and 1g protein. Remember—nutrition can vary slightly based on your beet size or oil drizzle!
FAQs About Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these addictive little chips:
Can I use other root vegetables?
Absolutely! Try this same method with sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even carrots. Just adjust the cooking time—sweeter veggies caramelize faster, so check them a few minutes earlier.
Why aren’t my chips crispy?
Three likely culprits: slices were too thick (aim for 1/8 inch!), the air fryer basket was overcrowded (single layer only!), or you skipped the flipping step. Also—let them cool completely! They crisp up as they rest.
Do I need to peel the beets?
You can leave the peel on for extra fiber, but I prefer peeling—it gives a smoother texture and avoids any dirt surprises. (Pro tip: wear gloves unless you want pink-stained hands for days!)
Can I make these ahead?
They’re best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container with a paper towel for up to 3 days. If they soften, a quick 2-minute air fryer blast revives the crunch!
Rate This Recipe
Love these crispy beet chips? Rate the recipe below—I’d adore hearing how yours turned out! (Bonus points for snack-time photos.)
Print
Crispy 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Beet Chips Sea Salt Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful beet chips made in an air fryer with a touch of sea salt.
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the beet slices with olive oil and sea salt.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Slice beets evenly for consistent cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of slices.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American