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Carrot Chips
I’ll be the first to admit that snacking is one of my favorite pastimes. There’s something about a good crunch that makes everything better, right? But as much as I’d love to dive into a bag of chips every time the craving hits, I also try to keep things a little lighter on the snack front. Enter: carrot chips. The first time I made these carrot chips, I was just experimenting with leftover produce from a grocery run. I figured if I could turn carrots into something as addictive as potato chips, I’d be onto something great. Spoiler alert: it worked!
Carrot chips have since become my go-to when I need a snack that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. I love their versatility too! They’re not just a snack on their own; they make a great crunchy topping on salads, a side for lunchtime sandwiches, or even a base for dipping into hummus or guacamole. These carrot chips add that little something extra to any meal and are light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down.
In a world filled with potato chips and corn chips, carrot chips stand out as a unique option. They bring that sweet-savory flavor combo we all love, but with a twist. Plus, they’re the kind of recipe that’s simple yet makes you feel like a culinary genius. Let’s just say carrot chips have become a staple in my kitchen – and they’re likely to find their way into yours too.
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Carrot Chips
These Carrot Chips are thinly sliced and dehydrated until crispy. They offer a satisfying crunch similar to potato chips, but with more nutritional benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: varies
- Category: Appetizers
Ingredients
- Wide carrots (Red Giant varietals are great)
Instructions
- Wash & peel/scour carrots. (Alternatively, you can also blanch them for 2 minutes first)
- Use a mandolin to make thin, uniform slices (or the potato cutter above, but it’s harder to make uniform slices that way). You can do them in rounds, or even slice them the long way for bigger chips.
- Spread carrots on your dehydrator trays and dry at 125°F for 6 to 10 hours or until dry and crispy.
- Once cool, store in an air-tight bag or container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15 chips
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 19mg
- Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: .4
Carrot chips are about as straightforward as it gets, and that’s what I love about them. The simplicity of this recipe means you’ll only need a few ingredients, but don’t let that fool you. The real magic happens when you slice, season, and dehydrate. All it takes is a mandolin, some wide carrots (I recommend the Red Giant variety if you can find them), a dash of salt, and either a dehydrator or an oven. That’s it!
What makes these carrot chips so fantastic is their flavor profile. When dehydrated, carrots bring out a slightly sweet and earthy taste that’s truly unique. And the best part? They’re incredibly low-calorie, which means you can snack to your heart’s content.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Wide Carrots (Red Giant preferred) – These carrots have a deep orange color and slightly sweet taste that works beautifully in this recipe. Their natural sugars concentrate as they dehydrate, giving the chips a subtle caramelized flavor.
- Salt – A light sprinkle of salt enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness, making each chip pop with flavor. It’s the simple touch that makes these chips even more addictive.
- Dehydrator or Oven – While a dehydrator is ideal for even, consistent results, a low-temperature oven will also get the job done. It just requires a little extra attention to ensure your carrot chips don’t over-bake.
When prepping the chips, you’ll notice how easy it is to vary the thickness. A slightly thicker slice yields a chewier texture, while ultra-thin slices deliver that delicate crunch that rivals store-bought chips. It’s all about finding that sweet spot – for me, somewhere between paper-thin and slightly chewy was just right.
Watching the dehydrator work its magic will feel like a tiny victory. Each chip will turn from a bright orange slice into a crispy, slightly darker morsel of deliciousness. And let me tell you, the house will smell amazing – earthy, sweet, and savory, like a carrot patch in late summer.
These carrot chips hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Carrots naturally have a bit of sugar, so when they’re dehydrated, you get that caramelized, almost nutty flavor. And while they don’t have the exact bite of a potato chip, the texture is surprisingly close. Carrot chips are slightly lighter, with a bit more variation depending on the thickness of each slice.
Paired with a dip like hummus or a bit of guacamole, carrot chips really shine. Their sweetness balances out savory dips beautifully, while their crunch satisfies any snack craving.
The beauty of carrot chips is their adaptability. Here are some fun variations I’ve tried:
- Spices and Seasonings – A dash of paprika or garlic powder can add a warm kick to the chips. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle on some cayenne.
- Different Root Vegetables – While carrot chips are my favorite, I’ve also experimented with parsnips and sweet potatoes. They add an earthier or sweeter flavor and offer that same satisfying crunch.
- Herbs – Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added after the chips are done for a more aromatic flavor.
Tips for First-Time Carrot Chip Makers
- Use a mandolin for even slices – This ensures every chip cooks at the same rate.
- Experiment with thickness – Thin for extra crispy, slightly thicker for a chewy crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd – Lay the slices in a single layer to prevent sogginess.
- Pat dry after slicing – Removing excess moisture helps them crisp faster.
- Season lightly – A little salt goes a long way. You can always add more after!
- Check them every hour if using an oven – Carrot chips can go from crisp to overcooked quickly.
- Store in an airtight container – Keeps them crispy for days.
Carrot chips are a delightfully crunchy, healthy, and easy-to-make snack that’s sure to find a place in your snack rotation. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a snack that’s light, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re munching solo or serving them up with dips, carrot chips deliver that satisfying crunch without weighing you down.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how they turn out! And if you’ve added your own twist, I’d love to hear about it. Happy snacking!
Want to grow your own carrots next season? Check out our Carrots Gardening Guide for all the tips you need to cultivate a bountiful harvest!
