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

Air fryers are a great way to make potato chips. They are healthier, quicker, and easier than deep-fried chips, and you can make them in big batches. The key to getting them crispy is to slice the potatoes thinly, soak them in water to remove the starch, dry them thoroughly, and then cook them in the air fryer. You can also add olive oil and salt to taste, and there are lots of other seasonings you can experiment with.

Soak the potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes to remove starch and prevent burning

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect French fry. While it may seem like an unnecessary extra step, soaking potatoes can help prevent burning and sticking, and improve the overall texture of your chips.

When you cut potatoes, you break open the cells inside, releasing starch. This excess starch can cause potatoes to stick together when frying, as it gelatinises on the surface of the potatoes. Soaking potatoes in water draws out this natural starch, preventing the potatoes from sticking together in the air fryer basket. The removal of starch also helps to prevent burning, as it is the starch that burns and turns an undesirable black colour.

To soak your potatoes, start by cutting them into your desired shape and size. Then, place the potatoes in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover them completely. Leave the potatoes to soak for 15-20 minutes, or even up to 24 hours if needed. If you're short on time, simply rinse the potatoes in water until the water runs clear, rather than soaking. This will still help to remove excess starch.

Once the potatoes have soaked, it is important to dry them thoroughly. Remove the potatoes from the bowl and lay them out on paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Make sure to pat them completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

By soaking your potatoes, you'll be one step closer to achieving crispy, golden, and fluffy chips that are perfect as a side or a snack!

Dry the potatoes thoroughly before air frying

After soaking your potatoes, it is important to pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel. This is a crucial step in achieving the desired level of crispiness for your chips. Not only will this step help to remove any excess starch and water, but it will also ensure that the oil and seasonings adhere properly to the potatoes.

The process of soaking potatoes in cold water helps to release some of the starch contained within, resulting in crispier potatoes after cooking. However, if you skip the drying step, the oil and seasonings will not coat the potatoes effectively. This is because oil and water do not mix, and the water will repel the oil from the potatoes. As a result, your potatoes may turn out mushy and under-seasoned.

Therefore, it is essential to allow enough time for the potatoes to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next steps of coating them in oil and seasonings and placing them in the air fryer. This extra step will ensure that your chips turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.

Use a mandolin slicer to cut the potatoes into thin slices

Mandolin slicers are a great kitchen utensil to have when you want to cut perfect, even slices of potatoes. They can cut slices as thin as paper, which is perfect for making potato chips. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a mandolin slicer to cut potatoes safely and effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Before you start slicing, make sure your potatoes are clean and dry. If they need to be peeled, use a vegetable peeler or a small knife to remove the skin. You can also cut a small slice off one side of the potato to create a flat surface for stability when slicing.

Step 2: Set Up the Mandolin Slicer

Most mandolin slicers come with safety features like a guard and a food holder. Set up your mandolin slicer according to the manufacturer's instructions, making sure all safety measures are in place. Place the mandolin on a flat, stable surface, and adjust the settings to the desired thickness for your potato slices.

Step 3: Start Slicing

Secure the potato in the food holder, if your mandolin has one, or use the palm of your hand with your fingers curled up to hold the potato. Gripping the potato firmly, slowly and carefully run it over the blade, applying even pressure as you slice. Continue slicing until you have reached your desired amount of potato slices, being cautious not to slice your fingers.

Step 4: Safety Precautions

Mandolin slicers are sharp and efficient tools, but they can be dangerous if used improperly. Always use the safety features provided, such as guards and food holders, and pay close attention while slicing. It's also recommended to use a cut-resistant glove for added protection. Make sure to stop slicing before your fingers get too close to the blade, and never try to slice the last few bits of the potato. It's better to stay safe and avoid any accidents.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely create thin, even slices of potatoes with your mandolin slicer, perfect for making crispy air-fried chips!

Use a cooking spray to reduce the grease factor

When making chips in an air fryer, it's important to consider the type of oil and the amount used to prevent a greasy mess. Cooking sprays can be convenient, but they may not be the best option for air fryers due to the presence of soy lecithin, which can leave a sticky residue at high temperatures. Instead, opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, sunflower, avocado, or sesame oil.

Choose the Right Oil

Select an oil with a high smoke point that can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer (around 400°F). Oils such as peanut, canola, sunflower, avocado, and sesame oil are suitable choices.

Grease the Air Fryer Basket

Instead of spraying the oil directly into the air fryer, try greasing the basket. Use a paper towel or a silicone brush to add a light layer of oil to the basket before adding the potatoes. This will help prevent a sticky residue from building up.

Toss Potatoes with Oil

Another option is to add a small amount of oil directly to the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. Toss the potato slices with oil until they are evenly coated. This ensures that the potatoes get crispy without using excessive oil.

Use a Cooking Rack or Liner

If you frequently cook greasy foods in your air fryer, consider investing in a cooking rack or tray. These accessories lift the food off the bottom of the basket, allowing it to cook evenly without direct contact with the basket, reducing the amount of grease buildup. Additionally, you can use liners made of parchment paper, aluminium foil, or reusable silicone to protect the basket and reduce cleanup time.

Thinly Slice the Potatoes

For crispier chips, it is essential to slice the potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible. A mandoline slicer is recommended to achieve super-thin slices with a uniform thickness. Thicker slices may require longer cooking times and may not get as crispy.

Soak and Dry the Potatoes

Soaking the potato slices in ice water helps remove excess starch, preventing them from sticking together in the air fryer. After soaking, it is crucial to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry before placing them in the air fryer. Removing the excess moisture is key to achieving crispy chips.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Staggering the layers or cooking in a single layer can help achieve the desired crispness.

By following these tips, you can reduce the grease factor when making chips in an air fryer. Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and delicious treat!

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and other spices of your choice

There are many ways to season your homemade air-fried chips. The most common seasoning is salt, but you can also add black pepper for a little kick. If you want to get creative, you can try different combinations of spices such as:

• Ranch seasoning mix for a stronger flavour.
• Chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder for a spicy kick.
• Buttermilk powder and onion powder for a sour cream and onion flavour.
• Barbecue seasoning, paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder for a BBQ flavour.
• Fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder for a dill-pickle flavour.
• Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
• Cajun spice, dried herbs (such as rosemary), garlic salt, chilli flakes, or curry powder.

You can also experiment with different seasonings of your choice, such as BBQ, sea salt and vinegar, or truffle salt.

Frequently asked questions