Beet Chips (Air Fryer) for Kids

These super healthy beet chips make the perfect snack for kids! Plus, they cook up in just 8 minutes!

One of my kids has always loved beets. The other two, not so much. But, thankfully a delicious transformation happens when beets turn into chips - they become a fun, crunchy snack that all three of them will eat!

You know, it's one thing to get your kids to eat something and it's another when they enjoy it. This snack is one that they will enjoy!

I've made these with a touch of honey and salt but still the favorite is the plain 'ol beet chip made with just beets... that's it!

For more easy and healthy air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries or Air Fryer Apple Slices recipes.

And, for additional healthy snack ideas for kids, try my zucchini banana chocolate chip muffins, lemon blueberry muffins, energy bites, and easy caprese bruschetta recipes.

Recipe Highlights

Beet chips are a form of a veggie chip. Instead of being made with potato, these are made with beets. Using beets in place of potato significantly increases the nutritional value of a chip! I have found that most kids prefer lightly flavored foods - although additional seasoning is absolutely an option, it's not necessary. This is why I make these beet chips (at most) with salt and a touch of oil or with a light dusting of cinnamon. So simple!

• Beet chips make a healthy snack or side dish for kids.
• If you're kids aren't so sure about beet chips, try serving them mixed in with regular chips or kale chips. Exposing kids to new foods is a win, even if they aren't ready to take a bite yet.
• Let your kids see you eating beet chips. If nothing else, seeing you eat them will increase their curiosity and likely enhance their acceptance of these 'chips'.
• Beet chips only stay crispy (or chip-like) for a short time. Thankfully, though, they re-crisp easily simply by putting them back in the air fryer for about two minutes.
• If your child has kidney stones, serve beets in moderation. Refer to your healthcare provider for additional guidance.

Ingredient Notes

• Beets Also known as beetroot, beets are a nutrient dense root vegetable. Their color is so pretty and vibrant which is a reflection of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties it provides. Beets also contain fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
• Olive Oil Optional. I use extra virgin olive oil. Use a basting brush or fine oil sprayer to add just a touch of oil to enhance the flavor.
• Salt Optional. Salt will stick to the beet whether or not you use oil. My kids like beet chips with and without salt. Use whatever salt you have on hand. For beet chips, I like to use finely granulated salt, as opposed to coarse salt. The flavor from coarse salt can overpower the natural sweetness of the beetroot.

what you will need

• Mandolin Mandolins work to slice certain foods (like apples, potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers) into very thin and uniform sizes. I really thought I would be able to slice veggies thin enough by hand to make these and I was not successful. So, I bought a handheld adjustable mandolin slicer by OXO that works wonderfully! It is well worth the $20 I spent on it!
• Air Fryer Air fryers save so much time because they heat up super fast and reduce cooking time. I use the Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer because it works as a toaster, oven, and air fryer. Love it!

Step-by-step instructions

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to make these beet chips in the air fryer. For the full list of ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.

1. Wash and scrub the beetroots very well.
2. Cut off both ends of the bulb for easy slicing.
3. Slice a beet into very thin uniform slices using a mandolin. I set my slicer to the #2 setting which slices the beet into very thin 2.5 mm slices.
4. Coat your air fryer basket with a high heat oil, like avocado oil, to prevent food from sticking.
5. Lay the beet slices in a single layer on a baking basket fit for your air fryer.
6. Optional step: Lightly coat the sides of the beet slices with olive oil.
7. Optional step: Sprinkle lightly with salt.
8. Air fry at 300 degrees for 8 minutes.
9. Let cool for about two minutes before serving.

Expert tips

• There is no need to peel the beets. Just be sure to wash and scrub them well before slicing.
• I do not recommend slicing beets by hand when making beet chips. Slicing beets this thin (2.5 mm) is key to making these taste most like 'chips'.
• I do not recommend slicing beets thinner than 2.5mm with a mandolin (ie: 1mm on the #1 setting) because the beet will be harder to slice and the beet chips will be more likely to burn.
• If you do not intend to serve these beet chips to your kids within 5-10 minutes of making them, they will likely need to be placed back in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to crisp back up before serving.
• Never use aerosol spray cans in your air fryer.
• It’s best to use a good quality oil mister or simply use a silicone basting brush to brush oil on to the air fryer basket to prevent food from sticking. These methods can also be used to lightly coat the beet slices with oil to get salt to stick.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to properly and safely use your air fryer.
• I use a Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven. Different air fryers might require small adjustments in temperature and/or cook time.

And, now you know how to make homemade beet chips - it's as easy as this! If you love this recipe, please rate it 5 stars and if you post a picture, please tag me on IG @carrots.and.cookies!

questions you may have