Making Chunky Chips In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

If you're craving crispy, golden, and fluffy chips, then look no further than your air fryer! Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make delicious chunky chips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients and around 20-30 minutes to make this tasty treat. So, get your potatoes ready and let's fry!

Choosing the right potatoes

Type of Potato

Go for floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, Rooster, or Russet. These varieties will ensure your chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you can't find these, any floury potato will work, and you can even use sweet potatoes for a different flavour.

Amount of Potatoes

For a generous serving of chunky chips, aim for around 200g of potatoes per person. This will give you a good portion size, but you can adjust the amount depending on your appetite and how many people you're serving.

Potato Preparation

Whether you peel the potatoes or leave the skin on is a matter of personal preference. If you do peel them, use a potato chipper to speed up the process. Cut the potatoes into thick chip shapes, similar to the size of your index finger. Rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean towel.

Seasoning

Before cooking, season your potatoes with salt and black pepper, and a little olive oil or cooking spray oil. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even Chinese five spice for a kick of flavour.

Preparing the potatoes

Selecting the Potatoes:

Choose floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, Desirée, Rooster, or Russet. These varieties will ensure your chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Peeling and Cutting:

You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for a more rustic look. Cut the potatoes into thick chip shapes, about the size of your index finger. Try to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Rinsing and Drying:

Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove any excess starch. You can also soak them in hot or salted water for a few minutes to help remove the starch. After rinsing, pat the potatoes dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. This step is important to ensure the potatoes don't end up soggy.

Seasoning:

You can season your potatoes with a variety of spices and herbs. A simple option is to use salt and pepper. You can also add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you like. If you want to add some extra crispness, toss the potatoes in cornflour before seasoning.

Seasoning

Before seasoning, it is recommended to peel and cut your potatoes into thick chip shapes, similar to the size of your index finger. Rinse the chips in cold water to remove any excess starch, and then pat them dry with a clean towel. This will ensure that your chips are not soggy and will cook evenly.

The type of oil you use is important. A cooking spray oil or olive oil can be used, but if you want a drier chip, opt for a cooking spray oil. Drizzle or spray the oil over the chips, ensuring they are well coated.

Now it's time to add your seasonings. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other spices and herbs to boost the flavour of your chips. Some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, rosemary, and Chinese five spice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.

After seasoning, give the chips a good mix to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. You can now proceed to air fry your chips, following the instructions provided by your air fryer for the best results.

Remember to shake the basket regularly during cooking to prevent the chips from sticking and to ensure even cooking. With these seasoning tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, flavourful chunky chips in your air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making chunky chips in an air fryer will depend on the type of potato you are using, the size of your chips, and the model of your air fryer.

For example, if you are using a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, you should cook your chips for 12 minutes at 160C, and then turn up the temperature to 200C for another 10 minutes. If you are making chunky chips, you may want to cook them for around 10% more time than you would normally. It is also recommended to parboil your potatoes before air frying to ensure they cook evenly.

If you are using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp air fryer, you should adjust the time and temperature to 180C and 18 minutes. Remember to turn your chips halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

If you are using a Ninja Max air fryer, cook your chips at 190C/375F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

If you are using a basic drawer-style air fryer, heat the air fryer to 180C/350F. Cook your chips for 15 minutes, give them a mix, and then return them to the air fryer for another 15 minutes, or until golden.

Serving suggestions

Chunky chips made in an air fryer are a delicious treat and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some mouth-watering serving suggestions to elevate your chunky chips:

Classic Chip Butty

For a classic British treat, serve your chunky chips in a buttered bread roll or brioche bun. This hearty snack is perfect for satisfying those carb cravings.

Dipped in Sauces

Take your chunky chips to the next level by dipping them in various sauces. Try spicy bang bang sauce, BBQ sauce, or classic burger sauce. For an indulgent option, smother your chips in homemade gravy or try the Canadian classic, poutine, by topping them with cheese curds and gravy.

Loaded Fries

Transform your chunky chips into a hearty meal by loading them with toppings. Try chilli con carne, smoked cheddar, and soured cream, or simply grate some cheese and douse your chips in gravy.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets and More

If you're looking for a complete meal, pair your chunky chips with air fryer chicken nuggets, frozen chicken burgers, or prawn toast. For a healthier option, try air fryer carrot fries or sweet potato chips.

Herbs and Spices

Enhance the flavour of your chunky chips by adding herbs or spices. Try rosemary, garlic salt, chilli flakes, curry powder, or even Chinese Five Spice for an exotic twist. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations.

Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftover chunky chips, fear not! You can easily reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Simply pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, and they'll be hot and crispy again.

Frequently asked questions