Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the butternut squash evenly. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips.
Place the slices in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash slices.
Sprinkle with seasonings and toss the slices gently until evenly coated.
Lay the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning. Flip the slices halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.
Remove from the oven once the chips are golden and crispy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they'll crisp up even more as they cool. Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
Uniform Slicing: For even cooking and consistent crispiness, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the squash evenly.
Avoid Overlapping: Arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure proper airflow and optimal crisping.
Watch Closely: Baking times can vary based on slice thickness and oven differences; start checking for doneness around 20 minutes.
Flavor Adjustment: Feel free to modify the spices, if you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper, or add other herbs like rosemary for extra flavor.
Cooling Benefits: Allowing the chips to cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up and become even crunchier.