Frying Chips: Air Fryer Tips And Tricks

Air fryers are a great way to make potato chips with minimal effort and grease. The cooking time for potato chips in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the potato slices and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to fry potato chips in an air fryer. The key to getting crispy potato chips is to slice the potatoes thinly, soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, and ensure they are thoroughly dried before placing them in the air fryer.

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

Soaking potatoes in water is a crucial step in the process of making potato chips in an air fryer. This step not only removes excess starch from the potatoes but also ensures a crispier end product. By soaking the potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes, you can effectively wash away the surface starch. This process also helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to each other in the air fryer basket during cooking.

The presence of starch in potatoes can make them soft and mushy, especially when frying or baking. By removing the starch, you can achieve a crispier and crunchier texture, which is ideal for dishes like fries, potato chips, hash browns, and crispy potatoes. The process of removing starch is simple and only requires a few tools and ingredients.

To start, cut your potatoes into thin slices using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will become. Once you have your potato slices, place them in a large bowl or vessel filled with cold water. Soak the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. During this time, much of the starch will be released into the water, and you may notice the water turning cloudy and whitish.

After the soaking process, drain the potatoes and rinse them again with clean water. Repeat this process if needed, ensuring that you replace the water each time. This helps to remove any remaining starch sediment. Finally, pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or clean cloth towels. Removing the excess moisture is crucial to achieving the desired crunchiness in your potato chips.

Once the potatoes are dry, you can proceed to the next steps of air-frying. Season the potatoes with salt, black pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add a tiny bit of olive oil to enhance the flavor. Then, place the potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer or two layers, depending on their thickness. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature and cooking time, typically around 200°F for 20 minutes, and then adjust the temperature to 400°F for an additional 5 minutes.

By following these steps, you will end up with delicious, crispy, and crunchy potato chips that you can enjoy as a snack or side dish. Soaking the potatoes in water is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and ensuring that your potato chips don't stick together during the cooking process.

Dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels

After soaking the potato slices in cold water, it's important to dry them thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness of your potato chips. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Drain the Potatoes

Start by draining the water from the potato slices using a colander. It is essential to remove as much water as possible during this step.

Step 2: Pat the Potatoes Dry

Place the drained potato slices on paper towels and pat them gently to absorb any remaining moisture. Make sure to pat them dry individually, ensuring that each slice is thoroughly dried. It is crucial to remove as much moisture as possible during this step.

Step 3: Repeat as Needed

Depending on the amount of potatoes you are working with, you may need to repeat the process by placing the slices on a fresh set of paper towels and patting them dry again. The goal is to ensure that the potatoes are as dry as possible before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Seasoning (Optional)

Once the potatoes are thoroughly dried, you can choose to season them with a small amount of olive oil and sea salt. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor of your potato chips.

The drying process is crucial because it removes excess moisture from the potato slices. This step is essential because any remaining moisture can prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly during the air frying process. By ensuring that the potatoes are thoroughly dried, you are setting the foundation for achieving that perfect crunch when you bite into your homemade potato chips.

Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and fresh herbs

Seasoning Air Fryer Chips

Once you've sliced your potatoes, you'll want to soak them in cold water for around 20 minutes to remove excess starch. This will help them crisp up nicely. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. The more moisture you remove, the crispier they will get.

Now it's time to season! Place the potato slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray. Toss to coat the slices evenly. You can also add salt and pepper at this stage, sprinkling and tossing the slices until they are well-coated.

Some recipes suggest adding the salt after the chips have been cooked, so they don't burn. However, others recommend adding the salt before cooking to infuse every bite with salty goodness.

You can also experiment with different seasonings. For example, try adding ground black pepper to give the chips a little kick. Or, for a dill-pickle flavour, swap out the parsley for some fresh dill. If you're feeling cheesy, use a Microplane grater to add finely grated Parmesan to the cooked chips.

Finally, don't forget to taste and adjust your seasoning as needed!

Cook in the air fryer for 10-20 minutes at 200-400°F

Cooking your chips in the air fryer at a lower temperature first, such as 200°F, for a longer period of time, such as 20 minutes, is a good way to ensure they cook through. This initial stage also helps to dehydrate the potatoes, which is key to achieving a crunchy chip.

However, it's important to note that air-frying times and temperatures can vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For example, if your air fryer's lowest temperature is 300°F, you could try cooking the chips at this temperature for 12 minutes and then raising the temperature to 400°F for the final few minutes.

After the initial cooking stage at a lower temperature, you can then increase the temperature to 400°F for a shorter period of time, such as 5 minutes, to get the chips nice and brown and crispy. This two-stage cooking process helps to prevent the outside of the chips from browning too quickly while the inside remains undercooked and soggy.

It's also important to note that potatoes can easily overcook, so be sure to monitor them closely to prevent this from happening.

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks

Storing your freshly fried chips properly is essential to ensure they stay crunchy and delicious. Here are some tips to store your chips in an airtight container for up to two weeks:

Choose the Right Container:

Select an airtight container made of opaque materials like plastic or stainless steel. Glass jars also work well. Ensure the container has a tight-sealing lid to block moisture and air, keeping your chips fresh.

Prepare the Chips:

Before placing the chips in the container, it is crucial to let them cool down completely. If you fried the chips, blot them with absorbent paper to remove any excess oil. It is important to store the chips completely dry to maintain their crispness.

Store in a Controlled Environment:

Place the airtight container with the chips in a dry, dark, and cool location, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near heat sources or placing them by the pantry door, where they are exposed to more light and airflow. Aim for a consistent temperature of around 60-75°F and low humidity below 65%.

Check for Freshness:

Before storing, inspect the chips for any signs of staleness, such as moisture damage or a sour odour. Only store chips that look and smell fresh. During storage, check on your chips every couple of weeks to ensure they remain crisp and tasty.

Consume within the Recommended Timeframe:

Even with proper storage, chips have a limited shelf life. Consume the chips within one to two weeks for the best quality and flavour.

Frequently asked questions