Make Crispy Potato Chips With An Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make potato chips that are crispy, crunchy, and golden brown. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips as they require less oil and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. The process is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients and an air fryer.

Choosing the right potatoes

• Potato Variety: The best potatoes for air fryer chips are those with high starch content, such as Idaho and Russet potatoes. Their starchiness helps them crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
• Texture: Look for potatoes with a firm texture, avoiding any that feel soft or squishy. Russet potatoes, for example, are known for their dry and starchy texture, making them ideal for chips.
• Appearance: Opt for clean, smooth potatoes without any cuts, bruises, or discolouration. Green spots on potatoes indicate the presence of solanine, a chemical that makes them taste bitter. While not harmful in small amounts, it's best to cut away any green portions before using them.
• Size: Choose potatoes that are large or medium in size. This will give you more surface area to work with when slicing, ensuring you have plenty of chips to enjoy!
• Storage: When storing potatoes, keep them in a dark, well-ventilated area, ideally between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Perforated plastic bags or paper bags are ideal for extending their shelf life.
• Freshness: Always check the freshness of your potatoes before using them. Avoid potatoes that have started to sprout or show signs of deterioration.
• Soaking: Before cooking your chips, soak the potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness. Aim for a soaking time of around 15-20 minutes.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer chips is choosing the right type of potato, ensuring they are fresh and firm, and following the proper preparation steps like soaking and drying. Happy cooking!

Slicing the potatoes

When slicing the potatoes, it is important to cut them as thinly as possible. Thicker slices may take longer to cook and may not get as crispy. Russet potatoes are a good variety to use for air fryer chips because they are starchy, which helps them crisp up well. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a balance of starch and waxiness.

Once you have sliced your potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Soaking the potatoes helps to remove excess starch, which will give them a better crunch when cooked and prevent them from sticking together in the air fryer. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Soaking the potatoes

To soak the potatoes, start by thinly slicing them using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. Once you have your potatoes sliced, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water or ice water. Soak the potatoes for around 15-20 minutes.

After soaking, drain the potatoes and add more ice water to the bowl. Soak the potatoes for an additional 15 minutes. This extended soaking time will help ensure that as much starch is removed as possible, resulting in crispier chips.

Once the potatoes have soaked for the second time, drain them again and place them on towels or paper towels. Pat the potatoes dry to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as removing the moisture is key to achieving a crunchy potato chip.

Once the potatoes are dry, they are ready to be seasoned and placed in the air fryer.

Drying the potatoes

After slicing your potatoes into thin, uniform slices using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, it's time to remove the excess moisture. This step is essential because it ensures that your chips will become crispy and not soggy. Place the potato slices in a colander and drain the water. Then, use paper towels or clean kitchen towels to pat them dry thoroughly. It is important to be gentle yet thorough during this step to absorb as much moisture as possible. Make sure to get each slice dry.

Some recipes recommend an additional step of rinsing the potato slices before drying. This involves repeatedly rinsing and draining the potatoes with water until the water runs clear, not white. This step helps remove excess starch from the potatoes, which can hinder the crisping process.

Once your potatoes are dry, it's time to move on to the next step of assembling and air frying!

Seasoning the potatoes

Now that your potatoes are sliced, soaked, and dried, it's time to season them! This is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and pepper chips

Add a dash of salt and coarsely ground black pepper to your potatoes. You can also try using smoked Cheddar salt or truffle salt for a unique flavour.

BBQ chips

Toss the potatoes in BBQ seasoning or a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and chilli powder. This combination will give your chips a sweet and smoky flavour.

Ranch chips

Sprinkle some dry ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes. If you prefer a stronger ranch flavour, you can add more seasoning after cooking.

Dill pickle potato chips

Add some fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder to your potatoes. For an extra tangy kick, spritz them with vinegar.

Sour cream and onion chips

After cooking, dust the chips with a mixture of buttermilk powder and onion powder. You can also use ranch dressing and dip mix, but it will add a more assertive flavour.

Sea salt and vinegar chips

Sprinkle the chips with distilled white vinegar powder or lightly spritz them with white vinegar after cooking. This will give them a sharp and tangy flavour.

Cheese chips

Use a Microplane grater to add finely grated Parmesan cheese to the cooked chips. For a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast instead. You may need to spritz the chips with water first to help the powder stick.

Spicy chips

If you like your chips with a kick, try seasoning them with cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or garlic powder. You can also add some smoked paprika for a smoky spice.

Once you've seasoned your potatoes, it's time to air fry them! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, or two layers if they are very thin. Cook them at a temperature between 325°F and 400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions