Make Perfect Chips With Philips Air Fryer

Philips Air Fryers can be used to make a variety of chips, including sweet potato, tortilla, zucchini, kale, and avocado fries. To make chips in a Philips Air Fryer, start by peeling and slicing your potatoes into your desired thickness. Next, soak the potatoes in cold water for 15-30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain the potatoes and add seasonings and oil to your bowl. Mix well, until the potatoes are nicely coated. Preheat your Philips Air Fryer to 160-190°C, depending on the model. Finally, load the potatoes into the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to prevent the chips from burning.

Soak potatoes in water for 30 minutes to remove starch

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying is an important step in achieving the perfect chip. By soaking your potatoes in water for 30 minutes, you are removing excess starch from the surface of the potatoes. This is crucial because, when frying, excess starch and water are the enemies of crispy, golden-brown chips.

Potatoes are essentially balls of starch and water. When peeled and cut, potatoes develop a sticky white coating on their surface, which is potato starch. Peeled and sliced potatoes have a larger surface area, and therefore more exposed starch, than unpeeled potatoes. If the excess starch is not removed, it will block the evaporation of moisture from the potato during frying, resulting in soft, dark brown chips.

To effectively remove the starch, cut your potatoes into your desired shape and size, and then soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. You will notice that the water becomes cloudy at the bottom of the bowl, indicating the presence of starch. For best results, replace the water as needed, rinsing between changes to eliminate any remaining starch sediment.

After soaking, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the potatoes before frying. If the potatoes are still wet, it means that not all of the excess starch has been removed, and the water can also impair the oil during the frying process. So, be sure to drain the potatoes and pat them dry with kitchen paper before proceeding to the next steps of your air-fried chip recipe.

Pat potatoes dry with kitchen paper

Pat the potatoes dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. This is a crucial step in achieving the desired crunchiness of your chips. Make sure to blot the potatoes thoroughly to absorb any remaining water droplets. The potatoes should be as dry as possible before proceeding to the next step of the air-frying process.

The process of drying the potatoes with kitchen paper is an essential step in preparing them for air frying. By removing the moisture from the surface of the potatoes, you are creating the ideal conditions for the oil and seasonings to adhere effectively. This step also helps to prevent the potatoes from sticking to each other or to the air fryer basket during cooking.

Additionally, removing the excess moisture contributes to the overall texture and crispiness of the final product. It ensures that the potatoes will not end up soggy or greasy. The dry surface allows the oil to distribute evenly and promotes the formation of a crispy exterior during the air frying process.

Furthermore, by patting the potatoes dry, you are also enhancing the flavour of the chips. Excess moisture can dilute the taste and affect the overall sensory experience of biting into a perfectly cooked chip. A dry surface allows the seasonings and oil to come together harmoniously, resulting in a more intense and satisfying flavour profile.

By taking the time to pat the potatoes dry with kitchen paper, you are ensuring that your air-fried chips will have the right texture, taste, and appearance. This simple step sets the foundation for achieving the desired crunch and golden-brown exterior that makes air-fried chips so appealing and delicious. So, don't skip this step and give those potatoes a good pat down!

Preheat Airfryer to 160°C

Preheating your Philips Airfryer to 160°C is a crucial step in making perfect chips. It ensures the appliance reaches the optimal temperature for cooking your potatoes, promoting even cooking and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your Airfryer to 160°C:

Step 1: Prepare the Airfryer

Before preheating, ensure your Airfryer is set up correctly and plugged into a power source. Familiarize yourself with the controls, including the temperature and timer settings, as you will need to adjust these accordingly.

Step 2: Set the Temperature

Locate the temperature control on your Philips Airfryer. Adjust the setting to 160°C. This temperature is ideal for starting the cooking process and achieving the desired texture for your chips.

Step 3: Allow Time to Preheat

Give your Airfryer sufficient time to reach the set temperature. Depending on the model and its features, this process can take a few minutes. Refer to your user manual for specific information about preheating times.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Once the preheating time has elapsed, confirm that the Airfryer has reached 160°C. Some models may have an indicator light or a notification to let you know when the desired temperature is reached. If your model does not have this feature, you can use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature inside the cooking chamber.

Step 5: Prepare the Potatoes

While the Airfryer is preheating, you can use this time efficiently by preparing your potatoes. Peel and cut the potatoes into your desired shape and thickness. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes is recommended to remove excess starch, preventing burning and ensuring crispiness. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel or kitchen paper.

Step 6: Seasoning and Oil

After drying the potatoes, place them in a large bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. You can use a neutral-tasting oil, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, or experiment with infused oils like garlic oil for added flavor.

Step 7: Load the Airfryer Basket

Once your potatoes are prepared and the Airfryer has preheated to 160°C, it's time to load the potatoes into the Airfryer basket. Ensure the potatoes are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking and crispiness.

Step 8: Set the Timer

Now that your potatoes are in the Airfryer, it's time to set the timer for the initial cooking phase. Depending on your recipe, this can range from 15 to 20 minutes. Refer to your specific recipe for the ideal cooking time.

Remember, preheating your Airfryer to 160°C is just the first step in making delicious chips. Following your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking times, temperatures, and any additional steps will ensure you achieve the best results. Enjoy experimenting with different types of potatoes, oils, and seasonings to find your favorite combinations!

Drizzle potatoes with oil and toss to coat

Drizzling potatoes with oil and tossing them to coat is an important step in making chips in a Philips air fryer. This step ensures that the potatoes are evenly coated in oil, which will help them to crisp up and achieve the desired golden brown colour.

To start, peel and slice your potatoes into the desired thickness of chips. For French fries, aim for a thickness of about 8mm. You can use a French fry cutter to get uniform-sized fries. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the skin on the potatoes.

Once you have your potatoes sliced, it's time to drizzle them with oil. You can use a neutral-tasting oil such as rapeseed, sunflower, or vegetable oil. Add the oil to a large bowl and then add the potatoes. Toss the potatoes in the oil until they are evenly coated. You can use your hands to ensure each potato is well coated.

At this stage, you can also add any desired seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, Cajun spice, or curry powder. If you want to get creative, you can try using infused oils such as garlic oil or a combination of pepper, garlic, and herb-infused oil. Just be mindful that some stronger spices, like chilli flakes or dried herbs, may burn during the cooking process, so it's best to add them halfway through cooking.

After your potatoes are coated in oil and seasoned to perfection, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the model of your Philips air fryer, the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly. For example, the Airfryer Viva models cook fries at 190 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, while the Avance XL model cooks at 185 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes.

Remember to shake the basket periodically during cooking to prevent the chips from sticking together and to ensure even cooking. With the right amount of oil, the perfect seasoning blend, and a little patience, you'll be rewarded with delicious, crispy chips from your Philips air fryer!

Place in Airfryer for 16 minutes

Now it's time to cook the chips! Place them in the air fryer and set the timer for 16 minutes.

During this time, the air fryer will hit the potato slices with a blast of high heat, starting the cooking process. The air fryer's powerful fan may cause lightweight items to get whisked up, so listen out for any weird noises. If something goes wrong, simply open the drawer and give the basket a shake.

After the first 6 minutes, slide out the basket and give the chips a shake to stop them from sticking together. Then, slide the basket back into the air fryer for the remaining 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions