Air Fryer Chips: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Air fryer chips are a quick and easy dish to make, and they taste delicious. They are also healthier than deep-fried chips as less oil is used. You can make air fryer chips in around 20 to 30 minutes, and there is minimal mess as you don't need to parboil the potatoes or use trays of oil. All you need is some vegetable oil, salt, and potatoes, and you'll have perfectly crispy, golden chips. The length of time it takes to cook the chips will depend on the thickness of the chips and the type of air fryer you are using.

How to cut potatoes for air fryer chips

There are a few different ways to cut potatoes for air fryer chips, depending on the type of chip you want to make.

Straight, Neat Chips

To make straight, neat chips, first peel the potatoes. Then, trim away all the rounded edges so that they become rectangular blocks. Cut these blocks into batons – aim for something between fries and thick chips. If they're too thin, they might break; if they're too thick, they won't cook through. You can save the offcuts to make mash or add to soups.

Chips Without Trimming

If you're not bothered about neatness, you can cut the unpeeled potatoes into chips without trimming.

Chunky, Skinny or Crinkle-Cut Chips

You can also make these chips chunky, skinny or crinkle-cut. Skinny chips will take a few minutes less to cook, and chunky chips will take a few minutes more – just check on them and give them a shake a couple of extra times to ensure they don't burn.

Thinly Sliced Chips

For thinly sliced chips, use a handheld mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler. A mandoline slicer will ensure your slices are super-thin and have a uniform thickness, so that all the chips will cook evenly. If you're using a vegetable peeler, cut the potatoes as thin as possible, as thicker slices may take longer to cook and won't get as crispy.

Other Types of Chips

You can also make sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, zucchini, yellow squash and other types of chips in your air fryer.

The best potatoes for air fryer chips

There are several types of potatoes that work well for air fryer chips, and the best option may depend on your personal preferences. Here are some recommended potato varieties for air fryer chips:

• Russet potatoes: Also known as Idaho potatoes, these are starchy and contain less moisture than other types of potatoes, making them ideal for air fryer chips. They are also rich in fibre and antioxidants.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have a slightly waxy skin and an ultra-creamy flavour. They are a good middle ground between waxy and starchy potatoes.
• Maris Piper or Rooster potatoes: These are floury potatoes that ensure a fluffier chip interior and a crispier exterior. The edges of these potatoes tend to get a little crispier.

When preparing potatoes for air fryer chips, it is recommended to slice them thinly and evenly. A mandoline slicer can help achieve this. It is also important to remove excess starch by soaking or rinsing the potatoes before cooking. Additionally, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer to ensure crispiness.

Air Fryer Chips Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, Maris Piper, or Rooster)
• Olive oil or another neutral-tasting oil (avocado oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil)
• Salt
• Black pepper or other seasonings (optional)

Instructions:

• Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, preferably using a mandoline slicer.
• Soak or rinse the potato slices to remove excess starch.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly.
• Toss the potatoes with oil, salt, and any desired seasonings.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer in a single or two layers, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry at a temperature between 325°F and 400°F for 20 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool to room temperature before serving.

Tips for Customization:

You can experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour to your air fryer chips. Here are some ideas:

• BBQ seasoning: Combine paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
• Sour cream and onion: Toss the chips with buttermilk powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Spicy: Season the chips with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
• Ranch: Add ranch seasoning mix to the potatoes.
• Dill: Add fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder for a pickle-inspired flavour.

Do you need to soak potatoes before air frying?

Soaking potatoes before air frying is not necessary, but it can help remove excess starch, which may improve crispness. However, some people find that the outcome does not warrant the extra time and effort of soaking, drying, and tossing the potatoes in oil before air frying.

How to Soak Potatoes for Air Frying

If you choose to soak your potatoes before air frying, there are a few steps you should follow:

• Wash and peel the potatoes (optional).
• Cut the potatoes into your desired shape and size.
• Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water.
• Toss the potatoes in the water and then drain. Repeat this process 5-6 times or until the water runs clear.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly with a paper towel or clean tea towel.
• Drizzle the potatoes with oil and add any desired seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
• Cook in the air fryer at the desired temperature and time, tossing or flipping the potatoes occasionally for even cooking.

Tips for Air Frying Potatoes

Whether you choose to soak your potatoes or not, here are some additional tips for achieving the best results when air frying potatoes:

• Use the right type of potatoes. Floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or Rooster, will result in a fluffier interior and crispier exterior. Russet potatoes are also a good option for crisping due to their lower moisture content.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
• Start cooking at a lower temperature and then increase the heat to achieve a crispy texture.
• Dry the potatoes completely before adding oil to ensure the oil adheres properly.
• Use a small amount of oil when air frying. This will help crisp up the potatoes while using less oil than deep frying.
• Season the potatoes before or after cooking, depending on your preference. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs and spices.
• For extra crispness, toss the potatoes in cornflour or cornstarch before adding oil and seasonings.
• Shake or toss the potatoes occasionally during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of your potato slices.

How long do air fryer chips take to cook?

Air fryer chips are a quick and easy dish to make, with most recipes suggesting a cooking time of around 20 to 30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chips and your desired crispiness. For example, thinner French fries will only need about 10 minutes, while thicker chips may need up to 25 minutes or more. It's important to keep an eye on your chips during cooking and give them a shake or turn to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Preparation:

Before cooking, you'll need to prepare your potatoes. Start by peeling them, or you can leave the skin on for a more rustic look and a slightly quicker preparation time. Next, cut the potatoes into chip shapes—thinner for French fries or thicker for regular chips. If you want perfectly straight chips, trim the potatoes into rectangular blocks before cutting them into batons. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which can cause them to burn, and then pat them dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen roll.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C to 200°C (350°F to 400°F). Add oil and your chosen seasoning to the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Place the potatoes in the air fryer and set the timer for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on their thickness. It's a good idea to check on them regularly and give them a shake or turn to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your chips on the crispier side, you can add a little more oil and increase the cooking time.

Serving:

Air fryer chips are best served fresh and crispy, straight out of the fryer. You can sprinkle them with salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like smoked paprika, curry powder, or dried herbs. Enjoy them as a side dish or a snack on their own.

How to prevent air fryer chips from turning soggy

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for cooking crispy and healthy alternatives to traditionally deep-fried foods. However, achieving the perfect texture can be challenging. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer chips from turning soggy:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Inadequate preheating can lead to poor circulation of hot air, resulting in unevenly cooked and soggy chips. Always preheat your air fryer at the recommended temperature for a few minutes to create the ideal cooking environment for achieving crispiness. This step ensures that hot air circulates efficiently, and your chips cook evenly.

Avoid Excessive Moisture on Ingredients

Excess moisture on ingredients can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Before placing them in the air fryer, thoroughly pat dry ingredients with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture, especially for starchy vegetables like potatoes. Also, consider using ingredients with lower water content, such as firmer vegetables and lean meats, to minimize moisture release during cooking.

Ensure Proper Basket Placement

Incorrect basket placement can hinder air circulation and lead to soggy chips. Arrange the chips in a single layer with space between each piece. Additionally, adjust the basket to the correct distance from the heating element according to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal cooking results.

Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Overcrowding the basket prevents hot air from reaching all surfaces of the food, resulting in uneven cooking and soggy chips. Reduce the amount of food in the basket, allowing enough space for proper air circulation. Cook in smaller batches or multiple batches if you have a large quantity of chips to ensure perfectly crispy results.

Use the Right Type of Oil

Using the right oil is crucial for achieving crispy and crunchy results. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil, as they can withstand high temperatures without burning, preventing soggy chips. Additionally, choose oils with lower saturated fat content, as those with higher fat content can contribute to sogginess.

Shake or Flip the Chips During Cooking

Remember to shake or flip the chips during the cooking process. This ensures even exposure to hot air and prevents moisture accumulation, resulting in crispier and evenly cooked chips.

Use the Correct Temperature Setting

Using the correct temperature setting is essential. If the temperature is too high, the chips may cook too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside, leading to sogginess. Conversely, if the temperature is too low, the chips may not crisp up properly. Follow the recommended temperature settings for the specific type of chips you are making.

Check and Adjust Cooking Time

Keep a close eye on the cooking process and adjust the time as needed. Air fryer recipes provide suggested cooking times, but factors like potato slice thickness and type can affect this. Periodically check the progress, and if the chips are not browning evenly or are still limp, extend the cooking time in small increments. On the other hand, reduce the time if they are browning too quickly to prevent them from turning soggy.

Frequently asked questions