Making Chips With An Instant Pot Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, crispier chips with less fat and calories than deep-fried chips. You can use any type of potato, but for the best results, it's recommended to use floury potatoes such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or King Edward. The first step is to cut the potatoes into thin slices or fries, then soak them in water to remove excess starch. After drying the potatoes, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 375°F for 10–20 minutes, tossing halfway through. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or cajun seasoning to spice up your chips. Enjoy your homemade chips as a snack or a side!

Choosing the right potatoes

Type of Potato

The type of potato you choose will impact the crispiness and taste of your chips. Russet potatoes, also known as large brown potatoes, are a popular choice for chips as they have a dry texture that allows them to get extra crispy. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option, offering a slightly different flavour profile. If you're in the UK, Maris Piper, King Edward, or Desirée potatoes are recommended for making chips.

Texture

Look for potatoes with a slightly dryer texture, as these will give you the crispiest results. Avoid potatoes that are too waxy, as they won't get as crispy. The texture of the potato is more important than the specific variety, so feel the potatoes and choose the ones that feel driest.

Size

For the most part, bigger potatoes are better for making chips as they are easier to cut into uniform slices. Look for potatoes that are medium to large in size.

Starch Content

The starch content of the potatoes can impact the crispiness of your chips. Soaking potatoes in water before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make them crisper. If you want to skip the soaking step, look for potatoes that are naturally lower in starch, such as russet or Yukon Gold varieties.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best potato for chips is the one you like the taste of! If you're unsure, buy a small quantity of a few different types of potatoes and experiment to see which one you prefer.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, follow the steps outlined in the recipe to cut, season, and cook your chips to perfection!

Preparing the potatoes

Choosing the Right Potatoes:

Select large Russet potatoes, also known as Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes, for the best French fries. These potatoes have a slightly drier texture, which allows them to get super crispy. Avoid using waxy potatoes as they won't get as crispy.

Peeling and Cutting the Potatoes:

You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into uniform-sized slices or strips, preferably about 1/10th to 1/4th of an inch thick. The uniform size ensures even cooking.

Soaking the Potatoes:

Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, which is key to making crispy French fries. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl or pan of cold water for at least 15-30 minutes. You can also add salt to the water. This step can be skipped if you are short on time, as air fryers can still crisp the fries without soaking.

Drying the Potatoes:

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel. Spread them out and allow them to air dry completely for a few minutes. This step is important to ensure crispy chips.

Seasoning the Potatoes:

In a bowl, toss the potatoes with your choice of seasoning. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or any other spices you like. Add a drizzle of olive oil or another oil of your choice to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes. Toss well to coat the potatoes evenly.

Now your potatoes are ready to be placed in the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions specific to your air fryer model for the best results. Enjoy your homemade crispy French fries!

Seasoning the potatoes

Soaking the Potatoes:

Before seasoning, it is recommended to soak the potato slices in cold water for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This process helps to remove excess starch, ensuring crispier chips. It is important to note that hot or warm water should not be used as it can cause the potato slices to turn soggy and gummy.

Drying the Potatoes:

After soaking, it is essential to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel. This step ensures that the potatoes are completely dry, which is crucial for achieving crispy and crunchy chips.

Choosing the Right Oil:

When it comes to oil, olive oil is a popular choice for air fryer chips. However, you can also use other high-heat oils or cooking sprays. The amount of oil used can vary depending on your preference, but it is important to ensure that the potatoes are well-coated.

Seasoning Options:

Now comes the fun part—seasoning your potatoes! You can keep it classic with just salt and pepper, or get creative with various combinations. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Parsley
• Cayenne pepper
• Chilli lime seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme

Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect combination. You can also try adding a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese or dried parsley after cooking for an extra flavour boost.

Coating the Potatoes:

Once you have selected your seasonings, it's time to coat the potatoes. Place the dried potato slices in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Then, using your hands or a spoon, toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. Make sure to use just enough oil to ensure the seasonings stick without making the potatoes soggy.

Layering in the Air Fryer:

When placing the potatoes in the air fryer basket, it is best to arrange them in a single layer if possible. This allows for even cooking and crispiness. If needed, cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cooking and Seasoning:

Follow the recommended cooking instructions for your air fryer, typically cooking at around 350-375°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through. Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a serving bowl. At this point, you can add any final seasonings, such as an extra sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your favourite spice blend.

Serving:

Air fryer chips are best served fresh and crispy. You can serve them as a side dish or a snack, pairing them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or a yogurt dip. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Cooking the chips

Ingredients

To make chips in an instant pot air fryer, you will need potatoes, oil, and seasoning. You can use any type of potato, but Russet, Yukon Gold, or Maris Piper potatoes are best for chips as they have a slightly drier texture, which allows them to get super crispy. For the oil, olive oil is a good option, and for seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other spices you like.

Preparation

First, cut the potatoes into thin slices or fries, ideally about 1/10th to 1/4-inch thick. If you want to peel the potatoes first, you can, but it's not necessary. Then, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 15-30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step will help ensure that your chips are crispy. After soaking, drain the potatoes and dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

Next, season the potatoes. Place them in a bowl and toss with oil and your desired seasonings. You can also add the seasonings after cooking, if you prefer.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C). Then, place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, if possible, to ensure even cooking. If you need to cook a large batch, you can place them in multiple layers, but be sure not to overcrowd the basket.

Cook the potatoes for a total of 20-30 minutes at 350-375°F (180-190°C) , tossing or flipping them halfway through so that all sides cook evenly. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, they're ready to serve! You can enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Storing the chips

Now that you've made your delicious homemade chips, you'll want to make sure they stay fresh and crispy. Here are some tips for storing your chips:

Use an airtight container: To maintain the freshness and crispiness of your chips, it's best to store them in an airtight container. This will help keep out moisture and air, which can make your chips soggy.

Store at room temperature: The chips can be stored at room temperature for 10-12 days. There's no need to refrigerate them.

Use within a few days: While your chips can last up to 12 days, they are best enjoyed fresh. For the ultimate crispiness and flavour, try to eat them within a few days of making them.

Avoid overcrowding the container: When placing the chips in the container, make sure they have some space around them. Overcrowding can cause them to soften or break.

Add a silica gel packet: If you want to keep your chips extra crispy, you can add a silica gel packet to the container. This will help absorb any moisture and extend the shelf life of your chips.

Make sure the chips are completely cool before storing: Don't store your chips while they're still warm. This can create condensation in the container, leading to soggy chips. Let them cool completely before sealing them in the container.

With these tips, you can enjoy your homemade chips for days! Just make sure to keep an eye on them, as they might not last long with everyone digging into this delicious snack!

Frequently asked questions