Microwave Veggie Chips

This life-changing snack hack is the easiest way to make healthier "potato" chips that are just as salty and crunchy without all the preservatives or calories. Use whatever veggies you have on hand, like sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, or even regular potatoes, for the crunchiest microwave veggie chips!

You can also customize these chips however you like! Use your favorite seasoning combinations, dip them in dressings or dips, and use up those leftover veggies that have been sitting in your fridge for way too long. The kids will love them, and you can feel good about eating them, too!

Tips for Making Homemade Veggie Chips in the Microwave

Here's how to ensure your veggie chips come out perfect every single time:

• Oil: Depending on your diet and preferences, you can coat your chips in either cooking spray or oil. You will get a crunchy, crispy chip either way.
• Veggies: When it comes to veggies, starchy vegetables are going to come out the most crispy. Think potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash. Softer veggies like zucchini, summer squash, and eggplant will work and taste delicious, but won't come out quite as crispy. One way to increase the crunch factor with softer veggies is to salt them beforehand. Lay them out on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Then let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This will draw out some of the liquid and make for a crispier chip. Also, it's important to note that these chips will brown a bit more, and it's important to make sure they don't burn.
• Cooking time: Since all microwaves are different, it will take a little experimenting in the beginning to find the perfect cooking time for your particular microwave. You basically want to cook them long enough that they get nice and crispy, but not so long that they burn. Just keep an eye on them while they are cooking, and you will see when they start to brown. It's quick.
• Seasoning: There are so many amazing seasoning options for these chips. I love the classic combination of salt and pepper, but it's also fun to get creative. I love putting cinnamon on sweet potato and carrot chips. Cumin, curry powder, rosemary, ranch powder, Cajun spice, lemon pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and truffle salt are all delicious.
• Dips: It's also a great idea to use these for dipping. I love using these chips with hummus, salsa, and yogurt-based dips. And I have been known to dip the sweet potato chips in almond butter. They are also delicious doused with vinegar, hot sauce, or lime juice.
• Peel: You don't have to peel the veggies if you don't want to. Thin-skinned veggies like zucchini and potatoes can be left unpeeled for extra texture. Just give them a good wash!

Veggie Chips Seasoning Ideas

There are lots of different ways to season up microwave potato and veggie chips. Here are some of my favorites:

• Cajun Seasoning: No surprise here since I recommend this seasoning for almost everything, but it really does add a great spicy kick to veggie chips.
• Truffle salt: To make things taste really special, add some truffle salt or a drizzle of truffle oil.
• Barbecue: If you love barbecue chips, you can make a barbecue-inspired seasoning blend. Just mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder. Sprinkle on the chips when they come out of the microwave.
• Salt and vinegar: Season the vegetable chips liberally with salt and drizzle with your favorite vinegar. You'll need to eat these quickly so they don't get soggy, but that shouldn't be a problem.
• Sour cream and onion: Make a healthy version of these chip favorites with a homemade seasoning mix that uses 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dill. Plus salt and pepper to your liking.
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning: This herby, garlicky, oniony seasoning is perfect for sprinkling over veggie chips!
• Herbs: Chop up some dill, thyme, oregano, parsley, or any other herbs you like and sprinkle them on the chips after they come out of the microwave.

To Dip or Not to Dip

These quick dips are the perfect solution for your veggie chips:

• Avocado Ranch Dip (4 Ingredients)
• Homemade Hummus
• Easy Black Bean Dip
• Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip
• Guacamole
• Healthy Taco Dip

What's the best way to slice veggies for making veggie chips?

A Mandoline can be helpful when you are trying to make really thin slices. I have an expensive one and an inexpensive one, and actually find I reach for the inexpensive one more often whenever I need to make nice thin slices.

How to bake veggie chips?

If you want to bake these in the oven instead of frying them, follow the same instructions, making sure to cut the vegetables nice and thin. Then lay them flat on parchment paper in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray them with cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip over and spray again with cooking spray. Bake another 5-10 minutes, depending on the vegetable. Keep a close eye on them to make sure you take them out of the oven when they are nice and crispy but not burned. Veggie chips can turn from delicious and crunchy to black in less than a minute.

Making Veggie Chips in the Air Fryer

Don't have a microwave? Make these veggie chips in the air fryer instead! Here's how:

1. Slice: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for super-thin, even slices.
2. Lightly oil: Spray or toss slices with a little oil.
3. Season: Add salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning.
4. Air fry: Preheat to 350°F and air fry in a single layer for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storing Veggie Chips

Here's how to keep your veggie chips fresh:

• Room temperature: Store in a ziplock bag or an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Pop the chips in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or in the air fryer for a minute or two to crisp the chips up again.