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You can make butternut squash chips by slicing the squash thinly, tossing the slices in oil and seasonings, and baking or air frying them until they turn crispy.
It’s a simple process, but there are a few tricks to getting that perfect crunch without burning them.
If you’ve been wondering how do you make butternut squash chips that taste as good as the ones from the store, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that making butternut squash chips at home is easier than you think.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make butternut squash chips step-by-step, plus tips for getting them crispy every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Make Butternut Squash Chips? The Basic Method
The answer to how do you make butternut squash chips starts with three simple steps: slice, season, and bake.
Here’s how to make butternut squash chips from start to finish.
1. Choose and Prep Your Butternut Squash
Pick a firm butternut squash with smooth, blemish-free skin.
A smaller squash tends to be sweeter and easier to slice.
Start by washing the outside, then cut off both ends with a sharp knife.
Peel the squash using a vegetable peeler, though leaving some skin on is fine if you like extra texture.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
2. Slice the Squash Thinly and Evenly
The key to making butternut squash chips crispy is cutting them thin and uniform.
Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick, and use a mandoline slicer if you have one.
Uneven slices mean some chips burn while others stay soggy.
If you’re slicing by hand, take your time and keep the pieces as consistent as possible.
3. Season the Slices
Toss your butternut squash slices in a bowl with a tablespoon or two of olive oil.
Make sure every slice gets a light coating; too much oil makes them greasy and prevents crisping.
Then season with salt, pepper, and any spices you enjoy.
Paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne all work great on butternut squash chips.
4. Bake or Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the slices in a single layer without overlapping, then bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Flip them halfway through so both sides crisp up evenly.
If you’re using an air fryer, cook them at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Tips for Crispy Butternut Squash Chips Every Time
Knowing how do you make butternut squash chips that actually crunch comes down to a few important details.
These tips will help you avoid the most common mistakes.
1. Dry the Slices Before Baking
Excess moisture is the number one enemy of crispy butternut squash chips.
After slicing, pat the pieces dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
The drier the surface, the faster the chips crisp in the oven.
2. Don’t Crowd the Pan
Overlapping slices steam instead of roast, which leaves you with soft chips.
Use two baking sheets if needed, and give each butternut squash chip its own space.
This is one of the biggest reasons homemade chips turn out chewy.
3. Watch Them Closely Near the End
Butternut squash chips can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a minute or two.
Stay near the oven during the last five minutes and pull out any chips that brown faster than the rest.
Thinner slices will always finish first, so remove them as they’re done.
4. Cool Them on a Wire Rack
Once your butternut squash chips come out of the oven, transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
This lets air circulate underneath and keeps them from steaming on a hot tray.
They’ll continue to crisp up slightly as they cool.
Why Make Butternut Squash Chips at Home?
Making butternut squash chips at home gives you full control over the ingredients.
You can skip the preservatives and excess sodium found in store-bought versions.
Butternut squash is also packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
So when you ask how do you make butternut squash chips, part of the answer is that you’re making a snack you can feel good about eating.
They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.
Plus, homemade chips cost a fraction of what you’d pay for a bag at the store.
So, How Do You Make Butternut Squash Chips?
You make butternut squash chips by slicing the squash thin, tossing the slices in oil and seasonings, and baking or air frying them until golden and crisp.
The process is straightforward, and the result is a crunchy, flavorful snack you can customize however you like.
Just remember to slice evenly, dry the pieces well, and avoid crowding your pan.
Now that you know how do you make butternut squash chips, it’s time to grab a squash and get baking.
Enjoy every crispy bite.