Air Fryer Hand-Cut Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for making crispy and golden homemade chips. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips and can be made with just a handful of ingredients. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chips and the size and type of air fryer used. In this article, we will explore the steps to make delicious hand-cut chips using an air fryer. We will also discuss the different types of potatoes that are best suited for this cooking method and provide tips for achieving the perfect crispiness.

Potato varieties for hand-cut chips

When making hand-cut chips, it's important to consider the type of potato you're using. The best potatoes for homemade chips are those that are high in starch and low in moisture, such as Russets, Idahos, Yukon Gold, King Edward, or Sweet Potatoes. These varieties will crisp up nicely and turn a golden brown colour when fried.

On the other hand, waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or Fingerlings are not ideal for making chips. They are lower in starch and higher in moisture, which means they hold their shape when cooked—a desirable trait for potato salads, but not for crispy chips.

When preparing your potatoes, it is recommended to peel them and cut them into the desired thickness, which can range from skinny to chunky. It is important not to cut them too thin, or they may break, and not too thick, or they won't cook through. If you're going for straight, neat chips, trim the potatoes into rectangular blocks before cutting them into batons.

You can also choose to soak the potatoes in cold water after cutting them. While some people recommend this step to remove excess starch, others find that it is unnecessary and that the chips cook just fine without soaking. If you do decide to soak them, the soaking time can range from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the recipe and your preference. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry before cooking.

Soaking and seasoning chips

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. You can season your chips before or after cooking them in the air fryer, depending on your preference. Before cooking, you can toss the chips in a mixture of cornflour, oil, and your choice of seasonings. Cornflour adds a little extra crispness to the chips. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the chips and also ensures even cooking. As for seasonings, you can use salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Cajun spice, dried herbs (such as rosemary), chilli flakes, curry powder, or a ready-made chip seasoning mix. If you're using dried herbs or chilli flakes, it's best to add them halfway through the cooking process to prevent burning.

If you prefer to season your chips after cooking, simply sprinkle your desired amount of seasoning on top of the hot chips. This way, everyone can customise their chips according to their taste preferences. You can even serve the chips with a variety of dips, such as tomato sauce, aioli, or your favourite sauce, for an added flavour boost.

Remember, the cooking time for your chips will depend on the thickness of your chips and the type of air fryer you are using. Thicker chips will take longer to cook, and it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that air-fried chips are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to soften when left to sit.

Oil types for air-frying

Yes, you can cook hand-cut chips in an air fryer. To make them, peel and cut the potatoes into long strips, approximately 5mm-1cm in thickness. Place the chips into a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then drain and pat them dry. Add seasonings and a light coating of oil, then cook in the air fryer for 20-30 minutes at 180°C/356°F, tossing them a few times to ensure they cook evenly.

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important to use the right type of oil and the right amount. Oils with a high smoke point are best for air frying, as they can withstand higher temperatures without burning and producing smoke. Avocado oil, for example, has a high smoke point of 520°F (270°C) and a mild flavour, making it an excellent choice for air frying. Other oils with high smoke points include peanut oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, and light olive oil.

It's important to note that you should use less oil when cooking with an air fryer than you would when deep-frying. A light coating of oil on your food is usually enough, and too much oil can make your food greasy and soggy. You can also use oil sprays, but avoid non-stick cooking sprays as these can damage the air fryer basket lining.

Some oils have low smoke points and should be avoided when air frying, as they will burn and smoke at low temperatures. These include flaxseed oil, walnut oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, and pumpkin seed oil.

Chip shapes and sizes

When it comes to chip shapes and sizes, the options are endless. You can cut your potatoes into skinny French fries, chunky wedges, crinkle-cut chips, or even bunny shapes! The thickness of your chips will impact the cooking time, with thinner chips cooking faster than thicker ones. Aim for a thickness of around 5mm to 1cm for the best results.

If you're going for a classic chip shape, peel your potatoes and trim away the rounded edges to create rectangular blocks. Cut these blocks into batons that are somewhere between fries and thick chips. If you don't mind a little unevenness, you can skip the peeling and trimming and cut the potatoes into chips directly. For the best cooking results, try to ensure that the chips are of relatively similar thickness.

For those who prefer their chips on the thinner side, skinny chips or French fries are a great option. These will cook faster than thicker cuts and will have that classic crispy texture. On the other hand, if you're a fan of heartier, chunkier chips, go for thick-cut wedges or chips. These will take a little longer to cook but will be deliciously fluffy on the inside.

No matter which shape or size you choose, the key to successful air-fried chips is ensuring they have room to breathe in the air fryer. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will lead to uneven cooking. It's all about giving each chip its own space to turn golden and crispy. So, if you're cooking a large batch, consider cooking in batches or investing in a larger air fryer.

Air fryer settings

Temperature Settings:

Most sources recommend setting your air fryer to 180°C for cooking hand-cut chips. However, for the initial cooking phase, Liana's Kitchen suggests preheating the air fryer to 160°C, then increasing it to 180°C halfway through the cooking process. Adjusting the temperature in this way can ensure even cooking and browning.

Timing:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chips. Thinner chips, such as French fries, will take less time, around 16-20 minutes, while thicker-cut chips may need 25-30 minutes. Check your chips regularly to ensure they don't burn, especially if you're cooking thinner chips. Give the basket a shake or turn the chips with a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking. If you prefer crispier chips, you can cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Batches:

If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook your chips in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your chips from getting crispy. If you do need to cook in batches, toss all the chips back into the air fryer together for 1-2 minutes at the end to ensure they're all crispy and warm before serving.

Oil and Seasoning:

While you can cook chips in an air fryer without oil, adding a small amount of oil will enhance the flavour and texture. You can use a spray bottle or drizzle a tablespoon or two of oil over the chips and toss them to ensure they're well-coated. As for seasoning, you can sprinkle your favourite herbs and spices over the chips after spraying them with oil. Popular choices include paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper.

Potato Varieties:

The type of potato you use can also impact the outcome. Floury potatoes such as Russet, Yukon Gold, King Edward, Maris Piper, or Rooster are recommended for their ability to hold their shape and produce crispy chips.

Soaking:

There is some debate about whether soaking potatoes before air frying is necessary. Some sources claim that soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in potatoes that cook more evenly and brown better. However, others argue that it isn't crucial and doesn't make a significant difference in the final result. If you choose to soak, wash or rinse your potatoes, be sure to pat them dry thoroughly before adding any oil or seasoning.

In summary, achieving the perfect hand-cut chips in an air fryer involves finding the right balance between temperature, timing, oil and seasoning, and potato variety. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the settings to suit your preferences.

Frequently asked questions