Air-Fryer Chips: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, requiring less oil and resulting in a crispier texture. You can make potato chips in an air fryer by slicing potatoes thinly, soaking them in water, drying them, and then cooking them in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes. The chips can be seasoned with salt, paprika, garlic salt, or even barbecue seasoning.

How to cut potatoes for air fryer chips

To cut potatoes for air fryer chips, you'll want to aim for slices that are as thin and uniform as possible. This will ensure that your chips cook evenly and come out crispy. A mandoline slicer is the best tool for achieving this level of thinness and consistency. If you don't have a mandoline, you can try using a knife or a potato peeler, but it will be more challenging to get evenly thin slices.

When cutting your potatoes, you have the option to peel them first or leave the skin on for a more rustic look. You can also trim the edges to create straight, neat chips, or cut them into wedges for a more rustic shape.

Once you've sliced your potatoes, it's important to rinse and soak them in cold water to remove excess starch. This will help the potatoes crisp up during cooking and prevent them from sticking together in the air fryer. Soak the potatoes for at least 15 minutes, or until the water runs clear.

After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding them to the air fryer. This step is crucial for achieving crispy chips. Place the potatoes on paper towels or clean kitchen towels and pat them dry.

Now you're ready to season and cook your chips!

How to season air fryer chips

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use less oil. You can make chips in an air fryer in a few simple steps, and there are many ways to season them.

Preparation

First, peel and slice your potatoes into chip shapes. If you want straight, neat chips, trim the potatoes into rectangular blocks, then cut them into batons. If you don't mind about neatness, you can cut the unpeeled potatoes into chips without trimming.

Seasoning

There are many ways to season your chips. You can use olive oil, salt, and black pepper for a basic seasoning. For something more adventurous, you could try ranch seasoning, spicy seasoning, barbecue seasoning, or dill seasoning. You can also add flavouring to your chips either at the start or halfway through cooking. Garlic granules, paprika, grated parmesan, or dried herbs all work well.

Cooking

After seasoning, place the chips in the air fryer and cook at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. You may need to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

Serving

Air fryer chips are best served warm, as they are crispiest when hot. They are perfect with a small bowl of ketchup or other dipping sauces.

Air fryer chip cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chips can vary depending on the type of potato, the thickness of the slices, and the specific air fryer being used. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you achieve the perfect crispy chip.

Firstly, it is important to note that different types of potatoes will have different cooking times. For example, Idaho or Russet potatoes are recommended for air fryer chips because of their high starch content, which helps them crisp up. These potatoes should be cooked at a temperature between 325°F and 360°F for 15 to 20 minutes. On the other hand, if you are using a floury potato such as Maris Piper or Rooster, a temperature of 190°C/375°F for 20 minutes is recommended.

The thickness of the potato slices will also affect the cooking time. For even cooking, it is important to ensure that the slices are of uniform thickness. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful in achieving this. If the slices are too thick, they may need a longer cooking time, and if they are too thin, they may cook too quickly and burn.

When cooking chips in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in two or more batches. This will also affect the cooking time, as you will need to allow time for each batch to cook.

Additionally, some air fryers have different settings or programs that can be used for cooking chips. For example, some air fryers have a paddle that helps to toss and turn the chips during cooking, which can affect the cooking time and temperature. It is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model.

Finally, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your preferred level of crispiness. For crispier chips, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. However, it is important to keep a close eye on the chips to avoid burning them.

Air fryer chip storage

Air fryer chips are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to two weeks.

If you want to freeze your chips, first place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the chips to a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until crispy, then allow them to cool before serving.

Air fryer chip troubleshooting

Choosing the right potato

Selecting the right type of potato is essential for achieving crispy air fryer chips. Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper, as they contain less moisture and more starch, which helps in achieving a crispy texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they have a higher water content and lower starch content, making them less suitable for achieving a crispy texture.

Cut the potatoes to the right size

To achieve crispy air fryer chips, it’s important to cut the potatoes to the right size. Slicing the potatoes too thick or too thin can result in uneven cooking and an undesirable texture. Aim for uniform, thin slices, roughly around 1/4 inch thick. This size allows for even cooking and ensures that the chips crisp up nicely.

Prepare the chips for cooking

Before cooking, soak the potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry thoroughly. Lightly coat the potato slices with a small amount of oil, and toss with any desired seasonings to ensure even coverage before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Use the correct temperature and cooking time

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for the type of chips you are making. Different types of chips may require different temperatures, so refer to the recipe or the packaging for guidance. Adjust the cooking time as needed, keeping in mind that thicker chips may require more time. Shake or flip the chips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crisping on all sides.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

When making chips in an air fryer, it’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket. Spread the chips out in a single layer to allow adequate space for the hot air to circulate around each chip. If you have a large batch of chips, cook them in separate batches rather than trying to fit them all in at once.

Use the right cooking oil

Choosing the right cooking oil is key to achieving crispy air fryer chips. Opt for oils with a higher smoke point, such as avocado, peanut, or canola oil. Use a minimal amount of oil to prevent the chips from becoming greasy, and consider using oils with a neutral flavour to allow the natural taste of the potatoes to shine through.

Sprinkle with cornstarch or seasonings

Sprinkling your chips with cornstarch can help create a thin, crispy coating. Toss your sliced potatoes in a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying to create a delicate, crunchy exterior. Adding seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to the cornstarch will enhance the flavour and help the cornstarch adhere better.

Frequently asked questions