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These super crispy carrot chips from your air fryer will vanish within minutes at my home. I stumbled upon this technique during our family's push for healthier eating last year, and now we grab these instead of store-bought chips every time.
I whipped these up one weekend when the kids were dying for chips but our cupboards were bare. I couldn't help but laugh at their shocked faces when they couldn't stop eating these veggie chips. Now they beg for them whenever we watch movies together.
What You'll Need
- Carrot chips: 16 oz. Grab pre-cut ones to save time or slice whole carrots yourself to whatever thickness you like
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon Just enough to make seasonings stick and give you that wonderful crunch
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon Works better than regular salt because the bigger grains spread flavor more evenly
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon Gives a nice little bite that works well with the carrots' natural sweetness
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon Adds rich flavor without drowning out what makes carrots taste good
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Making Your Chips
- Mix Everything Together:
- Coat your carrot slices completely in olive oil, making sure each piece gets a bit of oil. Add your salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then mix thoroughly so the seasoning covers all the chips evenly. Don't rush this part - good coverage here makes your chips taste amazing.
- First Cooking Round:
- Spread your seasoned carrots in one layer in the air fryer basket. Don't worry if they overlap a bit since they'll shrink while cooking. Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and cook for 10 minutes first. This starts drying them out to create that awesome crunch.
- Shake and Finish Up:
- Pull out the basket and give everything a good shake to move the carrots around. This key step prevents burning and helps everything cook the same. Put the basket back in for another 3-5 minutes, but keep checking after 3 minutes until they reach your perfect crispiness level.
Garlic powder is my hidden trick in this recipe. I found out how important it was by accident when I left it out once. The difference was huge. My daughter instantly knew something wasn't right. That tiny bit of powder turns these from ordinary to absolutely mouthwatering.
Getting The Best Results
How thick you cut your carrots really changes how they turn out. For super crunchy chips, go with 1/8 inch slices. If you want more substance with some softness inside, cut them about 1/4 inch thick. When buying pre-cut carrot chips, try to find ones that are all about the same size so they'll cook evenly together.
Keeping Them Fresh
These chips taste best right away while they're still warm and extra crunchy. If you have some left over, put them in a sealed container with a paper towel to soak up moisture. They'll stay good for around 3 days, though they won't be quite as crispy. To bring back their crunch, just toss them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Try Different Flavors
The basic seasoning works great, but don't be afraid to play around. For a sweet version, mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup and some cinnamon before cooking. If you like heat, throw in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne with your other seasonings. My family's favorite twist uses a bit of ranch seasoning powder - it goes perfectly with the carrots' natural sweetness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make sure they crisp up evenly?
Give the air fryer basket a shake about halfway through. This spreads them out so everything cooks nice and evenly.
- → Can I try other seasonings?
Definitely! Spice things up with some chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to mix up the flavor.
- → Which olive oil should I use?
Want a richer taste? Go for extra virgin. Prefer something lighter? Regular olive oil works perfectly too.
- → How thin should I slice the carrots?
If you’re slicing them yourself, aim for pieces that are about 1/8 of an inch thick. That way they’ll all cook evenly.
- → Why aren’t my chips turning crispy?
Be sure you’re spreading the carrot slices out in a single layer. Overcrowding the fryer will stop them from crisping properly.