Easy delicata squash chips are perfect healthy snack or side dish. These golden brown chips are seasoned to perfection and baked or air-fried for a healthy alternative to traditional fries.

I love to eat seasonally, and there’s something special about enjoying the fresh produce of each season. Delicata squash chips have become one of my favorite autumn snacks. These chips are so crispy and amazing, especially when fresh from the oven. The best part? The crispy seeds inside that add an extra crunch!

If you’re on the hunt for a low-carb, tasty, and easy-to-make snack, look no further than delicata squash chips. These golden brown, crispy delights are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries and are incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re shopping at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your local grocery store, grab a delicata squash and let’s get started on your new favorite recipe!

Ingredients for Delicata Squash Chips

Delicata Squash

Delicata squash, also known as “sweet potato squash” due to its natural sweetness, is a type of winter squash. Its elongated shape and cream-colored skin with green or orange stripes make it easily recognizable. The flesh inside is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, similar to a blend between butternut squash and sweet potato. One of the best features of delicata squash is its edible skin, which becomes tender and delicious when roasted. This makes preparing incredibly convenient, as there’s no need to peel it.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. It’s made by pressing whole olives and extracting their oil, known for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. Olive oil is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. In this recipe, olive oil helps to coat the squash slices evenly, ensuring they roast to a perfect crisp while adding a subtle, delightful flavor.

Salt

Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of ingredients. In this recipe, salt brings out the sweetness of the delicata squash and balances the flavors, making each bite more enjoyable. It’s crucial to season the squash slices evenly with salt to ensure every chip is perfectly seasoned.

Preparation Steps

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you prefer using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the Squash: Cut the ends of the delicata squash. Then, slice the squash into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference for chips or steak fries.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned squash slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
Season the Squash: Sprinkle the squash with salt. You can also add black pepper, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. I like it just with salt and olive oil. Brush the slices with olive oil. Make sure each slice is evenly coated.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air fryer delicata chips, cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Look for a golden brown color as an indicator of doneness.

Tips for the Best Delicata Squash Chips

Even Slices: Ensure your squash slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
Single Layer: Spread the slices in a single layer to avoid soggy chips.
Watch the Time: Cooking time may vary depending on slice thickness and oven variations, so check your chips regularly.

Health Benefits

Delicata squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Compared to sweet potato fries, delicata squash chips are lower in carbs, making them a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Delicata Squash Chips Variations

Spicy Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, olive oil, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt.
Instructions: Follow the same preparation steps, but add a pinch of chili powder and cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Parmesan Herb Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt.
Instructions: After tossing the squash slices in olive oil, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning before baking.

Sweet and Savory Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, coconut oil, cinnamon, brown sugar, sea salt.
Instructions: Mix coconut oil with cinnamon and brown sugar, then coat the squash slices. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and savory flavor.

Lemon Herb Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, avocado oil, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt.
Instructions: Toss the squash slices in avocado oil mixed with fresh lemon zest and finely chopped thyme and rosemary before baking.

Garlic Parmesan Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, olive oil, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt.
Instructions: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese to coat the squash slices. Bake and then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Balsamic Glazed Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, black pepper.
Instructions: Mix balsamic vinegar and honey with olive oil, then toss the squash slices in the mixture before baking. Season with salt and black pepper.

Smoky Paprika Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt.
Instructions: Add smoked paprika to the olive oil and garlic powder mix, then coat the squash slices thoroughly before baking.

Herb and Garlic Delicata Squash Chips

Ingredients: Delicata squash, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano), salt.
Instructions: Combine olive oil with minced garlic and fresh herbs, then coat the squash slices and bake.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your delicata squash chips as a simple side dish or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce. They pair wonderfully with avocado dip, garlic aioli, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage

The chips taste best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in a tight container to maintain their crispiness. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crunch.

Delicata squash chips are a versatile and delicious addition to your winter squash recipe collection. Whether you enjoy them as delicata fries, dippers, or roasted delicata chips, this simple way to prepare squash will quickly become your favorite choice. Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a delicata squash and try this recipe. Don’t forget to sign up with your email address for more delicious recipes and tips! Enjoy your cooking time and happy snacking!