Making Crispy Chips With Tower Air Fryer

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook food with a crispy outer shell similar to that of traditionally deep-fried food. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying as they use less oil and can reduce the fat content of food by up to 80%. Here is a guide on how to make chips in a tower air fryer.

Choosing the right potato

Idaho or Russet potatoes, also known as Russets, are ideal for air fryer chips because they contain less moisture and have a starchier texture. This results in chips that are crispier and less soggy. Additionally, these potatoes are rich in fibre and antioxidants, making them a healthier option.

Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice for air fryer chips. They have a slightly waxy skin and an ultra-creamy flavour. While they are not as starchy as Idaho or Russet potatoes, they still crisp up well and have a delicious taste.

When selecting potatoes for air fryer chips, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you need. Larger potatoes will yield more chips, but they may not fit as well in a smaller air fryer. It is recommended to choose potatoes that are uniform in size and have a longer shape, as this will result in more evenly sized chips.

The quality of the potatoes is also important. Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin and no sprouting or green discolouration. Avoid potatoes that are shrivelled, soft, or have bruises or cuts.

In terms of preparation, it is generally recommended to peel the potatoes before cutting them into thin slices. However, leaving the skin on is also an option if you prefer a more rustic look and texture. If you do decide to peel the potatoes, consider saving the skins to make tasty air fryer potato peels as a snack.

To ensure crispy chips, it is crucial to remove excess starch from the potatoes. This can be done by soaking the potato slices in cold water for around 20 minutes or simply rinsing them thoroughly. After washing, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry using paper towels or a clean tea towel.

Overall, choosing the right potato for air fryer chips involves selecting a starchy variety such as Idaho, Russet, or Yukon Gold, considering the size and quality of the potatoes, deciding whether to peel them or leave the skin on, and properly preparing them by removing excess starch and drying them thoroughly before air frying.

Preparing the potatoes

Once you have prepared your potatoes, rinse them in cold water to wash them. After rinsing, dry the potatoes using a clean dishcloth, paper towels, or kitchen roll. You can also let the potatoes air-dry naturally, but this will take longer.

Next, cut the potatoes into chip-like shapes. You can use a vegetable slicer, a sharp knife, or a chipper to get evenly sized chips. The thickness of the chips will depend on your preference. Thinner chips will cook faster and are ideal if you are short on time, while thicker chips will result in a chunkier, crispier texture.

Once your potatoes are cut into the desired shape and thickness, it is time to season them. You can use salt, pepper, flour, or Cajun seasoning. You can also experiment with other flavours like paprika, mixed herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese. If you are using an oil-based seasoning, make sure the potatoes are coated evenly.

After seasoning, your potatoes are now ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches to ensure even cooking. Place the chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to allow proper air circulation.

Adding oil and seasoning

Before adding oil to your chips, make sure they are thoroughly dry. You can use a tea towel, kitchen roll, or paper towels to pat them dry.

You can air fry chips without using oil, but adding a little oil will make them taste better. Use a tablespoon of oil and toss the chips in a bowl until they are evenly coated. You can also use a spray bottle to distribute the oil evenly.

Once the chips are coated in oil, add your chosen seasoning. You can experiment with different spices and herbs such as paprika, curry powder, chip seasoning, salt, pepper, or mixed herbs. You can also add flavourings like garlic granules, grated parmesan, or dried herbs either at the start or halfway through the cooking process.

If you want your chips to be extra crispy, you can add a little more oil during the cooking process.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your chips will depend on the type of potato you use, how thick or thin you cut them, and the model of your Tower air fryer.

For the temperature, you should preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. This is the same temperature you will use to cook the chips.

For the cooking time, you should first cook the chips for 10 minutes at a lower temperature. Then, adjust the temperature to 200°C/400°F and cook for another 10 minutes. Check on the chips after 5 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 20 minutes. However, you may need to cook the chips for a little longer if they are not crispy enough for your liking. Remember to keep an eye on them during the cooking time and adjust accordingly.

If you are using a Tefal ActiFry Genius XL 2-in-1 air fryer, you should cook your chips for 30 minutes using the paddle. Check if the chips are tender and cooked through. If not, cook for another 5 minutes.

If you are using a Tower T14001HT Halogen Airwave Air Fryer, cook the chips for 12 minutes at 160°C. Then, increase the temperature to 200°C and cook for another 10 minutes, checking after 5 minutes.

Cleaning your air fryer

It is important to keep your air fryer clean to prevent any greasy build-up. You should clean your air fryer after every use or every few uses. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug the air fryer

Safety first! Turn off and unplug your air fryer. Allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

Step 2: Clean removable parts

Remove the basket, tray and pan. These air fryer accessories can be washed just like any other dish: with soap and warm water. If you don't want to wash them by hand, you can place them in the dishwasher. Most air fryers have dishwasher-safe pieces, but check the instruction manual for your specific model.

Step 3: Clean the main unit

The main unit of your air fryer should never be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit and the control panel to get rid of any food splatters or grease residue. If you notice any food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft dish brush to remove it.

Step 4: Check the heating coil

Check the heating coil of your air fryer after each use (usually located at the top of the unit). If there is oil or residue on the heating coil, let the unplugged machine cool, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or dish brush, just like you would with the heating element on an electric stove.

Step 5: Dry and reassemble

Towel-dry or air-dry all of the parts completely before reassembling the air fryer.

Air fryer cleaning tips:

• If the basket or pan has baked-on grease, soak it in hot water and soap for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, remove the softened gunk with a scrub brush.
• If there is a stinky odour coming from your air fryer, there are probably food particles trapped somewhere in or on it. Mix together baking soda and water to form a paste. Then, use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to thoroughly scrub the interior of the air fryer.
• Never use metal utensils to remove crumbs or baked-on grease from the fryer, as this can damage the non-stick coating and prevent your fryer from working properly.
• To keep your air fryer clean, cover the basket's cooking surface with foil or an air fryer liner. Air fryer liners are disposable pre-cut parchment papers made to fit perfectly at the bottom of your basket. However, they should not be used for cooking foods at temperatures higher than 450°F. For higher temperatures, try a silicone air fryer liner, which is reusable and can withstand higher temperatures.

Frequently asked questions