Air Fryer Chips: Can You Make Them?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make crispy, crunchy, and addictive chips with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as russet, sweet, or even sweet potatoes, and the preparation is simple. There is no need to soak, parboil, or pre-cook the potatoes. Simply cut them into the desired shape, season with oil and your choice of spices, and cook in the air fryer for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chips. The result is golden, crispy chips that are soft on the inside and perfect for any meal or as a snack on their own!

How to cut potatoes for air fryer chips

To cut potatoes for air fryer chips, start by peeling the potatoes. If you prefer skin-on chips for a more rustic feel, you can skip this step.

Next, trim away all the rounded edges of the potatoes so that they become rectangular blocks. Then, cut these blocks into batons. They should be somewhere between fries and thick chips. If they're too thin, they might break, and if they're too thick, they won't cook through. If you like, you can save the offcuts to make mash or add to soups. Alternatively, you can cut the unpeeled potatoes into chips without trimming if you're not bothered by neatness.

If you want to make skinny chips, cut the potatoes into thin slices using a mandoline or vegetable peeler. For uniform slices, a mandoline slicer is the perfect tool to make super-thin slices with a uniform thickness, ensuring all the chips will cook evenly.

Once you have cut your potatoes into the desired shape, you can proceed to rinse and dry them before placing them in the air fryer.

How long to cook air fryer chips

Yes, you can put chips in an air fryer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook chips in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, decide whether you want to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. If you are peeling the potatoes, you can save the skin to make air fryer potato peels, a perfect snack! Next, slice the potatoes into chips. You can use a vegetable slicer/chipper or a sharp knife to cut them into thin or thick chips, depending on your preference.

Rinsing and Drying:

Transfer the sliced potatoes into a bowl or saucepan and fill it with cold water. Give them a good rinse to remove any excess starch. You can also choose to soak the potatoes in water for about 10 minutes to further remove the starch, but this is not necessary. Once rinsed, use a clean tea towel or kitchen roll to pat them dry.

Oil and Seasoning:

Add a tablespoon of oil to the potatoes and use your hands to ensure that all the chips are covered. You can also use a spray bottle to distribute the oil. Then, sprinkle your favourite seasoning over the chips. You can experiment with different spices and herbs, such as paprika, curry powder, chip seasoning, or just salt and pepper.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Place the chips in the air fryer basket and set the timer for 20 to 25 minutes. Check on the chips at the 10-minute mark and give them a good shake to ensure even cooking. If you want them extra crispy, you can add a little more oil. Depending on the thickness of your chips and your desired level of crispness, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer.

Serving:

Your air fryer chips are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chips.

Tips:

• It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent the chips from turning soggy.
• Remember to shake the basket or turn the chips during the cooking process for even cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Always keep an eye on the chips during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.
• For thinner chips, check on them sooner to ensure they don't burn.
• You can also make sweet potato chips in the air fryer, but note that they will not be as crispy as russet potatoes.

Now you know how to make perfect air fryer chips! Enjoy your crispy, golden treats!

Air fryer chip seasoning ideas

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, using less oil to create super-crispy chips. You can use a variety of seasonings to add flavour to your chips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy

• Cayenne pepper
• Chilli powder
• Chilli flakes
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Cajun spice

Herby

• Dried herbs, such as rosemary
• Garlic granules or garlic salt
• Garlic powder
• Grated parmesan
• Onion powder

Other

• Sea salt
• Curry powder

You can add your chosen seasoning(s) to your chips either at the start or halfway through the cooking process.

Dips for air fryer chips

Air fryer chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips, using less oil and requiring less preparation time. They are a great side dish and can be served with a variety of dips. Here are some dip ideas to accompany your air fryer chips:

Spicy Bang Bang Sauce, BBQ Sauce, or Classic Burger Sauce

These dips are perfect for those who like a bit of a kick with their chips. The spicy bang bang sauce will add a nice punch of heat, while BBQ sauce adds a smokey, sweet flavour. For a more traditional option, classic burger sauce is always a good choice.

Homemade Gravy

For a hearty, comforting dip, try making a homemade gravy. This is a great option if you're serving the chips as a side with meat, or even with a meat pie.

Poutine, Salt and Pepper Chips, or Pizza Fries

These dips are ideal if you want to create a unique and indulgent snack. Poutine is a Canadian dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, while salt and pepper chips offer a spicy kick. For pizza lovers, why not try pizza fries, where the chips are topped with pizza sauce and cheese?

Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip, Homemade Garden Salsa, Loaded Hummus, or Cottage Cheese Garlic and Herb Dip

These dips are great healthier options to accompany your air fryer chips. They add flavour without the added fat and salt of some other dips.

Guacamole or Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

Avocado lovers can enjoy their chips with a side of guacamole, while Greek yogurt ranch dip is a healthier alternative to regular ranch dip, with the tang of Greek yogurt.

Parmi Sauce

This is a great option for those who want a dipping sauce with a bit of extra flavour. It's a perfect combination of creamy and savoury, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Can you make air fryer chips without an air fryer?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use less oil. They're also a quick and easy way to make crispy, crunchy, golden-brown chips. But what if you don't have an air fryer? Is it possible to make air fryer chips without one?

The short answer is yes, you can make air fryer chips without an air fryer. However, it may take a little longer and require a bit more effort. Here are a few methods you can try:

Oven-baked chips

Some recipes suggest that you can use your oven instead of an air fryer to make chips. Simply follow the same preparation steps as you would for air frying, such as peeling, washing, and slicing the potatoes, and then tossing them in cornflour, oil, and seasoning. Place them on a baking tray and cook in the oven at a high temperature, such as 190°C/375°F, for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pan-fried chips

Another option is to pan-fry your chips. After preparing the potatoes, heat a pan with oil on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes to the pan and cook for several minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. This method may require more oil and attention to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Deep-fried chips

If you're looking for a more traditional approach, you can deep-fry your chips. Fill a deep pot or fryer with oil and heat it to around 190°C/375°F. Carefully place the prepared potatoes in the hot oil and cook for a few minutes until golden and crispy. This method will give you a classic, greasy chip, but it uses a lot more oil than air frying.

No matter which method you choose, always be careful when handling hot oil and cooking at high temperatures. It's important to monitor your chips closely to avoid overcooking or burning. Additionally, ensure that your potatoes are thoroughly washed, peeled, and dried before cooking to remove any excess starch, which can affect the crispness of your chips.

While an air fryer is a convenient and healthier option for making chips, you can still achieve delicious results without one by using your oven, stovetop, or deep fryer. Just remember to adjust your cooking times and temperatures accordingly, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and seasonings to find your perfect chip!

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