Air Fryer Homemade Chips: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, using less oil to create irresistibly crispy potatoes. Homemade chips in an air fryer can be made in 20-25 minutes, with a simple recipe of potatoes, oil, and salt. However, there are a few tricks to ensure the perfect chip. Firstly, the type of potato matters; floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or Rooster are recommended, as well as starchy varieties like Russet potatoes. Secondly, the shape of the chip is important; chips should be cut uniformly to ensure even cooking, with a thickness between fries and thick chips to prevent breakage and undercooking. Thirdly, the use of cornflour, oil, and seasoning can add crispness and colour to the chips. Finally, shaking the basket during cooking ensures even browning and cooking.

Characteristics and Values Table for Making Homemade Chips in an Air Fryer

Potato types and preparation

The type of potato you use for homemade chips in an air fryer is important. Some sources recommend using starchy potatoes such as Russet potatoes, as the starch helps the chips crisp up. Other sources suggest using floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or Rooster, as the edges go a little more crispy.

When preparing the potatoes, you should first scrub them and then decide whether to peel them or leave the skin on for a more rustic feel. Next, cut the potatoes into the desired shape and size. For straight, neat chips, trim away all the rounded edges to create rectangular blocks, then cut these into batons. If you want skinny chips, cut the potatoes into thin slices, as these will cook faster. For chunky chips, cut them into thicker slices or batons. Try to make the slices or batons of even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

After cutting the potatoes, you can place them in a bowl of cold water for around 30 minutes to remove some of the starch. This step is optional, as some sources claim that it is unnecessary and not worth the time and effort. If you do soak the potatoes, drain them and pat them dry before cooking.

Oil and seasoning

While making homemade chips in an air fryer, you can use oil to coat the potatoes and give them a crunchy texture. You can use any type of cooking oil spray, such as olive oil, or even a thin layer of oil before freezing. You can also add a few sprays of oil to the air fryer basket to prevent the chips from sticking. If you don't use any oil, the chips may turn out too dry.

The amount of oil used can vary depending on your preference. Some recipes suggest using up to 4 tablespoons of oil, while others recommend just a thin layer of oil or a few sprays of cooking spray. You can also choose to add the oil halfway through the cooking process to add flavour and texture.

When it comes to seasoning, you can use salt to taste, or get creative with spices and herbs such as garlic, basil, thyme, red pepper, or paprika. You can also try adding parmesan cheese or truffle oil for a gourmet touch. It's best to season the chips after they are cooked, but you can also add seasonings halfway through the cooking process or even at the beginning.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for homemade chips in an air fryer depend on the type of potato, the thickness of the chips, and the desired level of crispiness.

For regular thick-cut chips, the cooking time will be between 20 to 25 minutes at a temperature of 180°C (350°F). It is recommended to adjust the cooking time instead of the temperature if you prefer crispier chips. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer.

For thin-cut French fries, the cooking time will be shorter, around 15 minutes. It is important to cut the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Skinny chips will take a few minutes less, while chunky chips will take a few minutes more.

To achieve the perfect level of crispiness, it is crucial to shake the air fryer basket every few minutes to ensure even distribution and prevent burning. This is especially important if you are cooking a large batch of chips, as air fryers typically work best with a single layer of food.

Additionally, the type of potato used can impact the cooking time and temperature. Floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or Rooster, are recommended for a crispier texture. Soaking the potatoes in water before cooking can also help remove excess starch and improve the crispiness of the chips. However, some people prefer to skip this step as it adds time and effort to the preparation process.

Calorie-saving methods

Air fryers use less oil than deep-frying methods, making them a healthier alternative. Here are some ways to save calories when making homemade chips in an air fryer:

Use a small amount of oil

A thin layer of oil is all you need to coat the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. You can also spritz the potatoes with oil using a cooking spray. This will ensure an even coating without adding excess oil.

Choose the right potato

Floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or Rooster, are recommended for their crispy edges. However, if you want to reduce the calories, you can opt for a less starchy potato. Russet potatoes, for example, are starchy and will help the chips crisp up, but you may want to experiment with lower-starch varieties to reduce the calories and achieve a similar effect.

Cut the potatoes thinly

The thinner the potato, the crispier it will become in the air fryer. This will help you avoid having to add more oil to achieve the desired crispness. Aim for a uniform size so they cook evenly.

Soak the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in water before cooking helps to remove excess starch. This will prevent the potatoes from burning before they are fully cooked. However, some people find that this method is not worth the time and effort, as the potatoes can be cooked without soaking. If you choose to soak them, be sure to dry them completely before placing them in the air fryer.

Season with herbs and spices

Add flavour to your chips with herbs and spices such as rosemary, garlic, chilli flakes, or curry powder. These ingredients will enhance the taste of your chips without adding many calories.

Serving suggestions

Homemade air fryer chips are a versatile side dish and can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

Classic Combinations

For a classic British roast dinner, serve your chips with roast meat, such as chicken or beef, and a variety of roasted vegetables. You can also pair them with traditional pub grub like fish and chips or a hearty steak pie.

Comfort Food

Chips are a great side for comfort food favourites like lasagne, meat pies, or a ham and cheese quiche. They also go well with a variety of sausages, such as bangers and mash or a classic sausage roll.

Snack Options

For a snack or lighter meal, chips can be served in a chip butty, dipped in sauces like spicy bang bang sauce, BBQ sauce, or classic burger sauce. Alternatively, smother them in gravy or go for the ultimate upgrade with poutine, salt and pepper chips, or pizza fries!

Hearty Meals

For a more substantial meal, chips pair well with chicken dishes, such as baked parmesan chicken or chicken wings with a variety of sauces. They are also a good side for dishes like chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks.

Vegetarian Options

To make it a vegetarian option, serve your chips with vegetarian-friendly dishes like an air fryer jacket potato or roast potatoes. They also go well with vegetarian sausages or a vegetable quiche.

Gourmet Touch

To add a gourmet touch to your chips, try sprinkling them with fresh minced garlic and parmesan cheese, or drizzling with truffle oil. Other spices and herbs such as basil, thyme, or red pepper can also be used to elevate the flavour.

Frequently asked questions