Snack Attack? 15 Healthier Chip Recipes for a Guilt-Free Crunch

Sometimes we all crave a little crunch. In fact, there is some research behind the idea that “crunch factor” matters when it comes to how much we enjoy a food. Research funded by Unilever found that potato chips were perceived as being both crisper and fresher when the overall sound level (of the crunch) was higher. But turning to greasy store-bought potato chips every time you crave that crunch will undoubtedly start to have a negative impact on your weight loss. That’s why we’ve rounded up these simple, healthy chips that are full of nutritious ingredients—but will still help fulfill that urge for a crispy, crunchy food while you lose weight.

Here are 15 healthy chips to try out when you have a crunch craving:

1. BBQ Sweet Potato Chips > 

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, manganese and more! If you’re looking for healthy chips, then switching to sweet potatoes is the way to go. Of course, store-bought sweet potato chips may still be packed with more fat, calories and sodium than you may realize. That’s why we suggest making your own. Simply slice up a sweet potato and coat it with canola oil. The right mix of seasonings can then be tossed together for that smoky barbeque flavor that you love. Get the full recipe here! >

2. Crispy Nacho Cheese Chips >

If it’s nacho chips that you’ve got a hankering for, then you’ll want to try these simple, healthy chips. These diet-friendly nacho cheese chips are easy to make and will help you feel like you’re splurging when you’re really keeping your diet right on track. All it takes is some mini corn tortillas, yeast and a variety of spices to make some crispy golden chips. Click here for the full recipe! >

3. Air Fryer Salt and Vinegar Chips >

Salt and vinegar chips tend to bring out strong emotions in people—either they love them, or they hate them. If you’re someone that falls into the “love” category, then you’ve got to try this tangy healthy chip. It has all the tang (which comes from the acidity of the vinegar mixed with the briny salt flavor) but without all that excess fat of a store-bought chip. Instead, this easy recipe uses just four ingredients—russet potatoes, white vinegar, cooking spray and kosher salt. If you’ve already got an air fryer, then you can prepare the chips there. But don’t worry if you don’t—we also explain how to make these chips in the oven. Check out the full recipe right here! >

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4. Crispy Brussel Sprout Chips with Garlic Aioli >

Brussel sprouts are another vegetable that can be crisped to satisfy your crunchy craving. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—and they have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. The “chips” are made using four simple ingredients—brussels sprouts, olive oil, and salt and pepper—which are crisped in the oven. The accompanying garlic aioli dip can be whipped up while the chips are baking. A Serving of these crispy vegetable chips is just 89 calories. Get the full recipe here! >

5. Spinach Dip with Shamrock Tortilla Chips >

Chips and dip always sound—and taste—like such a splurge. But with this healthy recipe, it doesn’t have to be one that derails your healthy diet. These homemade crispy tortilla chips are made using green spinach wraps, cooking spray, garlic powder and sea salt. And the healthy spinach dip replaces fatty ingredients like mayonnaise and full-fat sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt and Neufchatel cheese, for a creamy dip without so much fat and excess calories. Click here for the full recipe! >

6. Balsamic Eggplant Chips >

Rich in fiber, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, the eggplant is a wonderful vegetable when it comes to a healthy diet. And now, with this simple recipe, you can turn an eggplant into some crispy chips that also satisfy your urge to snack. The eggplant is thinly sliced and coated with a balsamic vinegar mixture that contains flavors like garlic, onion powder and oregano. It’s so flavorful that you just may never need a store-bought chip again. Check out the full recipe right here! >

7. Air Fryer Apple Chips >

Ready for a sweet chip? Then this is the recipe for you. In fact, this apple chip could be a snack—or a dessert—and either way, it’s a healthy choice. It’s so simple to make, using just three ingredients—an apple, some cinnamon and some nutmeg. The entire apple is one serving but clocks in under 100 calories! Get the full recipe here! >

8. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips >

If you’ve ever been to a Mexican restaurant, then you know just how delicious tortilla chips are when they’re hot and fresh. With an air fryer, you can have hot and fresh tortilla chips whenever the urge strikes—but without excess fat or sodium.  Just a light coating of olive oil on some corn tortillas—plus the seasoning of your choice—is all it takes to whip up some fresh and healthy tortilla chips. Click here for the full recipe! >

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9. Crunchy Kale Chips >

When it comes to snacking, kale chips are a choice that you never have to feel guilty about eating. After all, kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants and makes an excellent source of Vitamin C. In this simple recipe, all you have to do is spray a large bunch of kale with zero calorie cooking spray and sprinkle it with seasonings. We suggest garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper—but you can try any mix of seasonings you desire. Check out the full recipe right here! >

10. Air Fryer Potato Chips >

Of course, if it’s a good, old-fashioned potato chip that you’re after, then there is still a way to make a healthier version—using an air fryer. In this simple recipe, potato chips are made from a medium potato, some olive oil and the seasonings of your choice—and then air-fried. The result is a serving of chips that clocks in at only 114 calories. Get the full recipe here! >

11. Root Vegetable Chips >

Kick your crunchy cravings to the curb with a healthier chip alternative. These Root Vegetable Chips pack in the nutrition while still retaining the crispy texture and delicious taste that you love about classic potato crisps. We use a medley of different root vegetables to create these colorful chips. The beautiful hues come from two types of beets (golden and red beets) and sweet potatoes. We also add parsnips and turnips. Click here for the full recipe! >

12. Air Fryer Protein Pasta Chips >

Your pasta dinner has transformed into a protein-packed snack! Learn how to make Air Fryer Pasta Chips, a popular TikTok recipe trend. We’ve made the appetizer a little healthier with high-protein pasta and a tasty topping, all perfectly portioned for weight loss. Check out the full recipe right here! >

13. 4-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Churro Pasta Chips >

All you need is four ingredients to make this healthy snack! Another tasty twist on the trendy air fryer pasta chips, our sweet version of this viral TikTok recipe features a buttery, cinnamon sugar flavor that will remind you of freshly made churros. A serving is 176 calories. Get the full recipe here! >

14. Rosemary Kale Chips >

These Rosemary Kale Chips have the texture and flavor you love without the unhealthy ingredients. Enjoy this entire recipe for just 87 calories and check off a daily veggie serving while you’re busy snacking! Click here for the full recipe! >

15. Crispy Zucchini Chips >

Take your Nutrisystem Crisps to the next level by using them as a crispy coating in this delicious veggie chip recipe. Whether you love our Sweet Jalapeno Crisps or our Smoky BBQ Crisps, either option would be delicious in this tasty snack. Each serving contains 232 calories. Check out the full recipe right here! >

Looking for more easy snack ideas?Check out hundreds of other snack recipes on The Leaf or explore the Nutrisystem snack menu!