Who doesn’t love a crispy, crunchy snack? Unfortunately, most store-bought chips are packed with unhealthy oils, preservatives, and excessive sodium. The good news is you can make crispy, flavorful, and healthy baked veggie chips at home with simple ingredients and no deep frying.
These homemade veggie chips are:
- Crispy and delicious
- Easy to make
- Gluten-free and vegan
- A perfect healthy snack
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about making the perfect baked veggie chips, plus tips for extra crispiness and flavor variations.
Best Vegetables for Homemade Veggie Chips
Not all veggies work well for chips. You need starchy or firm vegetables that crisp up well. Here are some of the best options:
- Sweet Potatoes – Naturally sweet, packed with fiber and vitamin A
- Zucchini – Light and crispy, with a mild flavor
- Beets – Slightly sweet with a beautiful color
- Carrots – Naturally sweet and high in beta-carotene
- Kale – Perfect for ultra-thin, crispy chips
- Parsnips – Mildly sweet with a nutty flavor
- Turnips and Radishes – A little spicy and extra crispy
Want a mix? Try a rainbow veggie chip platter.
Basic Baked Veggie Chips Recipe
Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe for crispy, flavorful veggie chips.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (or any veggie of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Slice Thinly
Use a mandoline slicer (or a sharp knife) to slice your veggies into very thin rounds—about 1/16 inch thick. Thinner slices mean crispier chips.
Step 2: Remove Moisture
- For root veggies like sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots: Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- For zucchini or kale: Sprinkle a little salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasonings
Place slices in a bowl. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle seasonings, tossing to coat lightly and evenly. Avoid using too much oil, or they’ll get soggy.
Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange slices in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 5: Bake at 275°F for 40-50 Minutes
- Bake at a low temperature for even crispiness.
- Flip chips halfway through baking.
- Keep an eye on them—cooking times vary by veggie type.
Step 6: Cool for Extra Crispiness
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Tips for the Crispiest Baked Veggie Chips
- Use a mandoline slicer – Even slices result in even crispiness.
- Avoid too much oil – A light coating is enough.
- Bake at a lower temperature (275°F) – Prevents burning.
- Let them cool completely – This helps them firm up.
- Store in an airtight container – Keeps them crisp longer.
Flavor Variations: Spice Up Your Veggie Chips
Want to switch up the flavors? Try these seasoning ideas:
- Garlic and Herb – Olive oil, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and thyme
- Spicy Chili Lime – Avocado oil, chili powder, lime zest, and cayenne
- Cheesy Vegan Chips – Nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
- Sweet Cinnamon Chips – Coconut oil, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup (great for sweet potato chips)
How to Store Homemade Veggie Chips
Homemade chips don’t have preservatives, so proper storage is key:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.
- If they soften, re-crisp in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Avoid storing in the fridge—moisture will make them soggy.
Why Homemade Veggie Chips Are Better Than Store-Bought
| Homemade Veggie Chips | Store-Bought Chips |
|---|---|
| Fresh, natural ingredients | Often contain preservatives and additives |
| Baked, not fried | Usually deep-fried in unhealthy oils |
| Customizable flavors | Limited options, often high in salt |
| Budget-friendly | More expensive per serving |
Bottom line? Making your own veggie chips means better ingredients, better flavors, and better health.
FAQs About Baked Veggie Chips
Can I make veggie chips in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 300°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They get extra crispy in the air fryer.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh veggies work best. Frozen ones contain extra moisture and won’t crisp up well.
Why are my chips soggy?
- Slices may be too thick – Use a mandoline slicer for thinner cuts.
- Too much oil – Lightly coat, don’t drench.
- Not baked long enough – Bake low and slow for crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Homemade baked veggie chips are a healthy, crunchy, and delicious snack that you can easily make at home. With endless flavor variations and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for snacking, meal prep, or party appetizers.
So, which veggie chips will you try first? Let us know in the comments.