Air Fryer Chips: Making Fresh, Crispy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to make fresh, crispy, crunchy, and fluffy chips with minimal oil. You can use a variety of potatoes, including floury potatoes like Maris Piper or Rooster, or Russet and Idaho potatoes, which are starchy and help the chips crisp up. The preparation is simple: cut the potatoes into thin slices or batons, soak them in water to remove the starch, dry them, add oil and seasoning, and then cook in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes. You can also get creative with seasonings like paprika, garlic salt, chilli flakes, or even BBQ seasoning. So, if you're looking for a healthier, homemade chip, give air-frying a go!

The best types of potatoes to use

When making fresh chips in an air fryer, the type of potato you use is important. The best options are starchy potatoes, such as Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties have a higher starch content, which helps them crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. Russet potatoes, in particular, are ideal because they contain less moisture than other types of potatoes.

If you want to use a different type of potato, you can also try Yukon Gold potatoes, which are a good balance of starchy and waxy. They have slightly waxy skin and an ultra-creamy flavour. However, keep in mind that waxy potatoes like red potatoes are not ideal for air fryer chips as they won't get as crispy.

How to cut the potatoes

Step 1:

First, peel the potatoes. If you prefer a more rustic style, you can leave the skin on. If your potatoes are dirty, rinse them in cold water, then pat them dry.

Step 2:

Place the potato on its side. Using a large chef's knife, cut a thin slice off the edge to create a flat base.

Step 3:

Flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down. Cut thin slices, making them the width you would like your chips to be. For even cooking, aim for a thickness of 1/4- to 1/2-inch. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips, while thicker ones will be softer.

Step 4:

Stack a few of the slices, then cut them lengthwise to create chips. Repeat this process with the remaining slices.

Tips:

• If you are making a large batch of chips, consider investing in a potato press, which will cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces for you.
• For straight, neat chips, trim away the rounded edges of the potato before cutting it into slices.
• If you want to prepare the potatoes ahead of time, you can cut and peel them, then place them in a bowl of cold water for up to an hour. For longer than an hour, store them in the fridge. Do not leave them in water for more than 8 hours.

The importance of drying the potatoes

Drying the potatoes is an important step in the process of making fresh chips in an air fryer. This is because potatoes contain starch, and when they are washed, they tend to retain some of it on the surface. Drying the potatoes ensures that this excess starch is removed, preventing the potatoes from burning before they are fully cooked.

Moreover, drying the potatoes after washing them also helps to prevent them from becoming mushy while cooking. This is because the water can be absorbed by the potatoes, making them softer. By drying them thoroughly, you can achieve a crispier texture.

Additionally, drying the potatoes before adding oil and seasoning is crucial. Oil and water do not mix, so if you try to toss your potatoes in oil while they are still wet, the oil will separate. This will result in uneven coating and potentially lead to soggy potatoes. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before adding oil and seasoning to achieve the desired crispiness.

Finally, drying the potatoes can also enhance the flavour of the final product. By removing the excess water, more surface area on the potatoes is exposed, allowing for better absorption of the seasonings. This results in chips that are not only crispy but also packed with flavour.

The best oils to use

When making chips in an air fryer, the type of oil you use is important. The best oils to use are those with a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke. If you use an oil with a low smoke point, it will start smoking before you reach the target temperature, giving off a burnt smell that can affect the taste of your food.

• Avocado oil (520°F or 570°F smoke point)
• Peanut oil (450°F smoke point)
• Sunflower oil (450°F smoke point)
• Light olive oil (465-470°F smoke point)
• Grapeseed oil (421°F or 420°F smoke point)
• Canola oil (400-450°F smoke point)
• Vegetable oil (400°F smoke point)
• Extra virgin olive oil (375°F smoke point)

When cooking chips in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a neutral-tasting oil, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil. You can also use olive oil, but it is best to use a light or extra light variety as these have a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil.

It's important to note that the amount of oil you need when air frying is significantly less than when deep frying or sautéing. A light coating of oil on your food is usually enough. You can brush or spray the oil onto your food or the air fryer basket. However, avoid using non-stick cooking sprays as these can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. Instead, use a refillable oil sprayer or mister filled with a high smoke point oil.

How long to cook the chips for

The cooking time for your air fryer chips will depend on the type of potato you use, the thickness of your chips, and the temperature of your air fryer.

If you're using a floury potato, such as a Maris Piper or Rooster, your chips will take around 20 minutes to cook at 190C/375F. It's important to shake the air fryer every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

For thinner chips, you may only need to cook them for 15-20 minutes at 325°F. Again, remember to toss the chips every 5 to 7 minutes to ensure even cooking.

If you're using an air fryer with a paddle, you may need to cook your chips for up to 30 minutes to ensure they are tender and cooked through.

For thicker chips, you may need to increase the cooking time to 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your air fryer.

Remember, it's important to keep an eye on your chips and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid burning or undercooking.

Frequently asked questions