Air Fryer Potato Chips: A Healthy, Quick Snack?

Air fryers are a great way to make potato chips that are crispy, crunchy, and golden—but not too brown! They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips, requiring less oil and cooking time. You can use a variety of potatoes, including Russet, Idaho, Yukon gold, and sweet potatoes, and slice them into thin, uniform chips using a mandoline, sharp knife, or vegetable peeler. While soaking the potatoes in water is optional, it can help remove excess starch and ensure a crunchier chip. After drying and seasoning the potatoes, cook them in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Potato Chips in an Air Fryer

Soaking potatoes

The ideal soaking time for potatoes ranges from 10 minutes to 24 hours. Some recipes suggest soaking in hot water, while others recommend cold water or ice water. After soaking, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This can be done using paper towels or clean kitchen towels.

The thickness of the potato slices also impacts the crispness of the chips. Slices that are too thick may not crisp up properly, while slices that are too thin can cook unevenly. The recommended slice thickness is around 1/8-inch to 1/16-inch. A mandoline slicer is a useful tool to achieve uniform slices.

In summary, soaking potatoes helps remove excess starch, and combined with the right slice thickness and thorough drying, it can lead to crispy air-fried potato chips.

Potato types

When it comes to making potato chips in an air fryer, the type of potato you use is important. The best option is to use dry, starchy potatoes such as Russet (also called Idaho potatoes). This is because they contain less moisture than other types of potatoes, which means they will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. They are also rich in fibre and antioxidants.

If you don't have Russet potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes, which are a good middle ground between waxy and starchy. However, they will result in a harder crunch. Other types of potatoes that will work include King Edwards and sweet potatoes.

It is best to avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as these are more likely to be soggy rather than crispy. If you have waxy potatoes that you want to use up, it is recommended that you roast them in the oven instead.

Regardless of the type of potato you use, it is important to slice them thinly and evenly. A mandoline is the best tool for this, as it can cut the potatoes into slices that are about 1/16 of an inch thick (or 2mm). You can also use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, but this will take longer and may result in uneven slices.

Once sliced, it is recommended that you rinse the potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them to crisp up. However, some sources claim that this step is unnecessary and that the potatoes can be cooked straight away. After rinsing, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before cooking.

Oil types

While traditional potato chips are deep-fried in oil, air fryer recipes typically require less oil to cook. Some recipes even offer oil-free alternatives.

If you are looking to use oil, olive oil is a good option as it helps the chips become crispy and keeps them from burning. You can also use olive oil-flavored cooking spray to reduce the grease factor. The spray lightly coats the potato slices and helps them crisp up without burning.

If you are using oil, be sure to use it sparingly as too much oil can make your potato chips less crispy.

Seasoning

There are many ways to season potato chips cooked in an air fryer. The most common seasoning is salt, which can be used on its own or in combination with other spices. For example, smoked cheddar salt, truffle salt, garlic salt, and sea salt are all options. You can also use olive oil, which helps the chips become crispy and keeps them from burning. Other seasonings you can use include:

• Black pepper
• Ranch seasoning
• BBQ seasoning
• Cayenne or chili powder
• Dill
• Parmesan or nutritional yeast
• Sour cream and onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cajun spice
• Curry powder

The possibilities for seasoning are endless, and you can get creative with your favorite spices and flavor combinations. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to their chips for a fresh touch.

Cooking time

The cooking time for potato chips in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the chips, the type of potato used, and the specific air fryer being used. It is important to keep an eye on the chips while they are cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

Most sources recommend cooking the chips for around 15 to 20 minutes, stirring and turning the slices every five to seven minutes to ensure even cooking. It is also important to note that the chips will continue to crisp up as they cool, so it is recommended to let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

For skinny or thin chips, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, around 8 to 10 minutes. It is important to check on them regularly and give them a shake to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

For thicker or chunkier chips, the cooking time may be slightly longer, and it is important to adjust the cooking time as needed. It is recommended to start checking the potatoes at the shortest suggested time and then check back a little later if they are not done yet.

The type of potato used can also affect the cooking time. For example, sweet potatoes may have a slightly different cooking time, so it is important to keep a close eye on them after about 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions