Air Fryer Potato Chips: Can You Use Raw Potatoes?

Air fryers are a fantastic, healthier alternative to deep fat frying, and can be used to make crispy, crunchy, and addictive potato chips. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can enjoy homemade potato chips that are healthier than store-bought options, but taste just as good.

The best type of potatoes for air fryer chips

There are several types of potatoes that are suitable for making air fryer chips. The best option is to use medium-sized Russet potatoes, as they are starchy, which helps them to crisp up perfectly. However, other types of potatoes can also be used, such as Idaho, Yukon Gold, and sweet potatoes.

Russet potatoes are a good choice because they contain less moisture than other types of potatoes, making them ideal for frying. They are also dry and starchy, which helps them to become crispy. If you are using a mandoline to slice the potatoes, it is important to rotate the potato 180 degrees every 8 to 10 slices to ensure even slicing.

Yukon Gold potatoes are an all-purpose potato that can be used as a substitute for Russet potatoes. They will also crisp up well in the air fryer, but they may have a slightly harder crunch.

Idaho potatoes are another good option for air fryer chips as they have a high starch content. They will crisp up perfectly and have a creamy flavor.

Sweet potatoes can also be used to make air fryer chips, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted to avoid burning. Sweet potato chips will not be as crispy as russet potatoes.

In general, it is best to avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes when making air fryer chips, as they can turn chewy instead of crisp.

How to slice potatoes for air fryer chips

To make potato chips in an air fryer, you'll need to slice your potatoes thinly and evenly. This can be done with a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. A mandoline is the best way to ensure your slices are even, but if you don't have one, you can try using a knife and cut the potatoes to a similar thickness. Aim for slices that are around 1/16 of an inch (or 2 mm) thick.

It's important to note that the thickness of your slices will affect the cooking time and crispiness of your chips. Slices that are thinner than 1/4 of an inch will cook faster and be crispier, while thicker slices may take longer and not get as crispy.

Once you've sliced your potatoes, you'll want to rinse and soak them in cold water to remove the starch. This will help them crisp up during cooking. Rinse and drain the potatoes until the water runs clear, then dry them thoroughly before adding any oil and seasonings.

After your potatoes are sliced, rinsed, and dried, you can add your desired oil and seasonings, and then cook them in your air fryer!

How to season air fryer chips

Preparation

Before seasoning your chips, you'll need to prepare your potatoes. First, cut your potatoes into very thin slices. A mandoline is the best tool for this, as it will help you achieve super-thin slices with a uniform thickness, which is key to ensuring your chips cook evenly. You can also use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Aim for slices that are around 1/4-inch thick, or even thinner if you can manage it—the thinner the slice, the crispier the chip.

Once you've sliced your potatoes, soak them in ice water for 15-30 minutes. This draws out the potato's natural starches, which will give them a great crunch when they cook. It also helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to each other in the air fryer basket. Drain the potatoes and then place them on towels and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crunchy chip.

Seasoning Options

Now it's time for the fun part—seasoning! There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your air fryer chips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and Pepper Chips: This classic combination is a must-try. Sprinkle your chips with salt and add a few grinds of fresh black pepper for a kick.
• Ranch Chips: For a creamy, tangy flavor, add some ranch seasoning mix to your chips. Try 1 1/2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix to start, and adjust to your taste preferences. You can also sprinkle additional ranch seasoning over your cooked chips if you prefer a stronger flavor.
• Spicy Chips: Turn up the heat with this seasoning blend. Use 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Sour Cream and Onion Chips: For a sour cream and onion flavor, toss your chips with 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Barbecue Chips: These chips have a delicious BBQ seasoning flavor. Use 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/8 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Dill Chips: For a dill pickle spin on chips, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Cheese Chips: Use a Microplane grater to add finely grated Parmesan to your cooked chips. For a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast instead. If you're having trouble getting the powder to stick, try spritzing the chips with a little water first.
• Salt and Vinegar Chips: Sprinkle your cooked chips with distilled white vinegar powder for a salty and tangy flavor.

Cooking and Storing Your Chips

Once you've seasoned your chips, it's time to cook them. Spread the potatoes in the bottom of your air fryer basket in a single layer, or with no more than two layers of potatoes overlapping. Air fry at 325°F for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are dark golden and crisp, tossing them with tongs every 5 to 7 minutes to ensure even cooking.

If you have any leftover chips, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze leftover chips in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat your chips, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to warm them through and restore their crispness.

How to store air fryer chips

Air fryer chips are best stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week, but they will gradually lose their crispness. To re-crisp them, put them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes. You can also freeze the chips in an airtight container for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to prevent soggy air fryer chips

Yes, you can put raw potato chips in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent soggy air fryer chips:

Preheat the air fryer

When cooking raw potatoes, preheating the air fryer is essential to ensure the food doesn’t end up soggy. This way, the potatoes will start to cook and crisp immediately.

Soak the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in water draws out their natural starches, which will give them a great crunch when they cook. It also helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to each other in the air fryer basket.

Dry the potatoes

Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crunchy chip. After soaking, place the potatoes on towels and pat them dry.

Don't overcrowd the basket

The food inside an air fryer needs space for the air to circulate and create a crisp outside. If there is too much food in the basket, the air fryer will steam the food, leading to uneven cooking and soggy areas. Cook the potatoes in batches or purchase a larger air fryer if you have a smaller model.

Shake the basket

Chips need a good shake to ensure they get golden and crispy on all sides. Some air fryers have a programmed setting that beeps to remind you to shake the food. If yours doesn't, set a timer for every 5-10 minutes.

Don't use too much oil

Using too much oil can make your potato chips less crispy. A light amount of oil spray can encourage browning and crispiness.

Frequently asked questions