Air-Fried Crisps: A Healthy, Homemade Snack?

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, crunchy, and addictive homemade potato chips with less grease and fat than their store-bought counterparts. They are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and following a few key steps. First, thinly slice your potatoes, preferably using a mandoline. Then, soak the slices in cold water to remove the starch and prevent them from sticking together during cooking. Dry the slices thoroughly before coating them with a small amount of oil and seasoning with salt and any other desired spices. Finally, arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 350-400°F until golden and crispy. With an air fryer, you can enjoy healthier, homemade potato chips anytime!

How long to soak potatoes

Soaking the potatoes is an important step in making air fryer crisps as it removes the starch, helping them to crisp up and preventing them from sticking together. The potatoes should be sliced and then submerged in a bowl of very cold water for at least 20 minutes. Some recipes recommend rinsing the potato slices in cold water until the water runs clear, rather than submerging them.

After soaking, the potatoes should be dried thoroughly before cooking.

Best type of potatoes for air-frying

There are several types of potatoes that work well in an air fryer, and the best type for you will depend on your desired outcome. Here are some of the most popular options:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a great option for air frying because they contain less moisture and are starchier than other types of potatoes. This means they will crisp up nicely and have a drier texture on the inside. They are also rich in fibre and antioxidants. When cooked in an air fryer, they will turn a pale golden colour.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are a good choice if you want your potatoes to have a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp. This is because they have lower starch and higher sugar content. The inside of the potato will still be creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the fryer but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and will hold their shape when cooked in an air fryer. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can also be used in an air fryer, although they will not be as crispy as russets.

Idaho Potatoes

Idaho potatoes are another name for Russet potatoes, and they are a great option for air frying. They will crisp up perfectly and have a drier texture on the inside.

Other Options

Other types of potatoes that can be used in an air fryer include yellow potatoes and baby golden potatoes.

How to ensure the crisps don't burn

How to Ensure Your Crisps Don't Burn

Making crisps in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy homemade crisps without the excess grease. However, it's important to follow certain steps to ensure your crisps don't burn. Here are some tips to prevent burning and achieve the perfect crispy texture:

Dry the potatoes thoroughly:

Before placing the potatoes in the air fryer, ensure they are completely dry. Use paper towels or clean kitchen towels to pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket:

Cook the potatoes in small batches to allow for proper airflow. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and increase the chances of burning. It's best to cook in multiple batches to ensure consistent results.

Use the right amount of oil:

Too much oil can make your crisps soggy and increase the risk of burning. Use just a small amount of oil or cooking spray to coat the potatoes lightly. This will help them crisp up without burning.

Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly:

Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible. Thicker slices may require longer cooking times and may not crisp up as well, increasing the risk of burning.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer for about 10 minutes before adding the potatoes. This ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking, reducing the chances of burning.

Keep an eye on the crisps:

Air fryers can cook quickly, so it's important to monitor the crisps closely. Check on them frequently and give the basket a shake or toss the crisps with tongs to ensure even cooking. Remove any crisps that are done early to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your crisps turn out perfectly crispy and golden brown without burning. Enjoy your homemade treat!

How to season the crisps

There are many ways to season homemade crisps. Here are some ideas:

Salt and Pepper Crisps

Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper to a paper bag. Put a handful of crisps into the bag, then shake to coat them evenly. Alternatively, sprinkle salt and pepper over the crisps before baking.

Salt and Vinegar Crisps

Cover the crisps with vinegar and a teaspoon of sea salt. Leave for 20 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Put the crisps into a plastic bag with a teaspoon of sea salt. Shake the bag gently, then lay the crisps on a baking tray. Bake for around 30 minutes. Sprinkle with more sea salt when they come out of the oven.

Cheese and Onion Crisps

Use ready-grated Italian hard cheese and some onion granules. Put a handful of crisps into a paper bag, add a pinch of cheese and onion seasoning, then shake to coat.

Barbecue Crisps

Before cooking, coat the crisps with barbecue seasoning or a dry rub. You can also add extra cayenne or chilli powder.

Dill Crisps

Add a pinch of finely chopped fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder to a paper bag. Put in a handful of crisps, then shake to coat.

Sour Cream and Onion Crisps

Toss the crisps with buttermilk powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Ranch Crisps

Add ranch seasoning mix to the crisps. For a stronger flavour, sprinkle additional seasoning over the crisps when they come out of the air fryer.

Spicy Crisps

Season the crisps with chilli powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.

Paprika Crisps

Sprinkle paprika and a pinch of salt over the crisps.

Parsley Crisps

Sprinkle a light dusting of minced parsley over the crisps for a fresh finish.

How to store the crisps

Once your crisps are cooked, it's important to let them cool completely before storing them. This is to prevent any residual heat from turning into moisture, which will make your crisps soggy.

The best way to store your homemade crisps is to keep them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. Make sure to remove as much excess air from the bag as possible before sealing. You can also use bag clips to help seal the crisps in their original packaging.

If you want to store your crisps for longer, you can place them in a freezer bag and pop them in the freezer for up to a year. However, this is not necessary as homemade crisps can last for up to a week when stored properly.

Frequently asked questions