Air-Fried Potato Crisps: A Healthy, Homemade Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make potato crisps, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried crisps. They are also a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack, with many recipes taking less than 20 minutes. The key to getting the perfect crisp is to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before cooking, and to toss them regularly during cooking to prevent burning.

Potato types for air fryer crisps

There are several types of potatoes that can be used to make crisps in an air fryer. Here are some of the best options:

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes, also known as yellow potatoes, are a popular choice for air frying. They have a lower starch and higher sugar content, which allows them to crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides become creamy and full of flavour, although their crisp may be slightly softer than other varieties.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are another excellent option for air fryer crisps. They crisp up wonderfully and turn a pale golden colour. Their insides remain soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy initially but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and roast perfectly in the air fryer while also holding their shape well. They can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they are usually a favourite for air fryer crisps.

Fingerlings, Baby Russets, and Baby Red Potatoes

These varieties of "new" potatoes, which are harvested before they are fully grown, also work well for air fryer crisps. They have thinner skin, which is ideal for achieving a crispy texture.

When choosing potatoes for air fryer crisps, look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. It is also important to wash the potatoes thoroughly, as the skins have the most nutrients.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference, but here are some general guidelines and suggestions to help you make delicious, crispy potato crisps in your air fryer.

Oil

A light coating of oil will help your potato crisps to crisp up and brown nicely. Extra virgin olive oil is a good option, as it adds flavour and helps the crisps to crisp up. Other options include vegetable oil or duck fat.

Seasoning

The possibilities for seasoning your potato crisps are endless, and you can get as creative as you like. Here are some popular options:

• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder/granules
• Black pepper
• Cajun spice
• Smoked paprika
• Chilli powder
• Barbecue rub
• Paprika
• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Lemon and herb (basil, oregano, dill)
• Parmesan

You can also try mixing different seasonings to create your own unique flavour combinations.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure proper air circulation and even crisping.
• Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays, as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in oil before cooking.
• For even distribution of oil and seasoning, use your hands to mix everything together.

Air fryer settings

To make potato crisps in an air fryer, you will need to adjust your air fryer to the correct settings for the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

First, you will need to prepare your potatoes by slicing them thinly. A mandolin or vegetable peeler can help you achieve the desired thickness of 1/8-inch. You can cut the potatoes lengthwise for longer chips or crosswise for a classic chip shape. As you finish slicing, immediately place the potatoes in a bowl of very cold water to remove excess starch and prevent oxidation. Leave them to soak for at least 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Dry the Potatoes

After soaking, remove the potatoes from the water and rinse them again with cold water. Then, place the slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Use additional paper towels to pat them dry until they are as dry as possible. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture will prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to preheat at a temperature between 350–400°F (180–204°C). Different recipes recommend different temperatures within this range, so you may need to experiment to find the ideal temperature for your air fryer and potatoes.

Step 4: Assemble and Air Fry

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to assemble and cook the potatoes. Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the potato slices in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap.

Now, you can air fry the potatoes. The cooking time and temperature will depend on your specific air fryer and the desired crispness of your crisps. A general guideline is to air fry at 350–400°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping or tossing the potatoes halfway through. If needed, you can increase the temperature to 400°F and continue air frying for a few more minutes to achieve the desired crispness.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and immediately season with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can also sprinkle on some chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for extra flavour. Serve the crisps with your favourite dip and enjoy!

Troubleshooting:

If your first attempt doesn't yield perfect results, don't be discouraged. Making potato crisps in an air fryer may require some experimentation to find what works best for your particular air fryer and potatoes. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common issues:

• If your potatoes are burning, try lowering the temperature or reducing the cooking time.
• To prevent sticking, ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before placing them in the air fryer, and use oil or cooking spray generously.
• If the potatoes are not crisping properly, ensure they are sliced thinly and evenly, soaked to remove excess starch, and thoroughly dried before air frying.
• For more even cooking, cook the potatoes in smaller batches, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap in the air fryer basket.
• Different types of potatoes may yield different results. Russet potatoes tend to brown quickly, while Yukon Gold potatoes offer a good balance of starchiness and waxiness.

With some adjustments and experimentation, you should be able to master the art of making potato crisps in your air fryer!

Soaking and drying potatoes

First, thinly slice your potatoes using a mandoline. Then, place the slices into a bowl of ice-cold water and leave them to soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Soaking the potatoes helps to release some of the starch contained within, preventing them from becoming mushy while cooking. It is also a great way to remove the starch from the cut sides, allowing them to crisp up even more in the air fryer.

After soaking, pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with a clean tea towel. This step is crucial as any remaining water will prevent the potatoes from crisping up. It also prepares them for the next steps of coating with oil and seasoning. Oil and water do not mix, so if you try to toss your potatoes in oil while they are still wet, the oil will instantly separate.

Once the potatoes are dry, you can proceed with coating them in oil and seasoning before placing them into the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

Homemade potato crisps are a great snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack

You can serve potato crisps as a snack on their own. They are a great alternative to shop-bought crisps and allow you to be creative with your choice of seasonings. For example, you could try using Cajun spice, chilli lime, barbecue rub, garlic granules, paprika, or your favourite spice blend.

With a Dip

Potato crisps can be served with a dip for dunking. Some dip ideas include sour cream and onion, healthy ranch dressing, homemade BBQ sauce, spicy jalapeno dipping sauce, or healthy tomato ketchup.

As a Side Dish

Air-fried potato crisps can be served as a side dish with various meals. They go well with meat dishes such as pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, or juicy pork tenderloin. They also pair well with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus.

On Soup

You can also use potato crisps as a topping for soup, similar to a crouton. This adds a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour to your soup.

In a Sandwich

For an indulgent treat, you could make a crisp sandwich with your homemade crisps. This combination is a classic for a reason!

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover crisps, you can store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a couple of days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer to crisp up again.

Frequently asked questions