Make Crisps In A Fryer: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making crisps in a fryer is a healthier alternative to frying them in oil, and they are just as tasty! You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold, and slice them into thin rounds using a mandoline, vegetable peeler, or knife. Soak the slices in cold water to remove excess starch, and then dry them thoroughly. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray, and your choice of seasoning—salt is a classic, but you can also try smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even truffle salt. Place the crisps in the air fryer in a single layer, and cook at around 350-400°F for 10-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Soak the potatoes in water for 15-30 minutes

Soaking the potatoes in water is an important step in making homemade crisps. This process helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which will give them a great crunch when they cook. It also helps to prevent the potatoes from sticking to each other in the air fryer basket.

To soak the potatoes, start by slicing them as thinly as possible using a mandoline, knife or food processor. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. Once sliced, rinse the potatoes under cold running water, then place them in a bowl of cold water for 15-30 minutes. You can also add ice to the water if you like. This will help to slow down the release of starch from the potatoes.

After soaking, drain the potatoes and make sure to pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing the excess moisture is key to achieving a crunchy chip. The potatoes must be as dry as possible before placing them in the air fryer.

Pat the potatoes dry

After rinsing the potato slices, place them on a clean towel or kitchen paper. Gently pat them dry to absorb any remaining water. It is important that you are thorough and patient during this step, ensuring that the potatoes are as dry as possible.

Once the potatoes are completely dry, return them to a clean, dry bowl. At this stage, you can add a small amount of oil and any desired seasonings. Toss the potatoes to ensure that all slices are evenly coated.

The drying process is an important preparation step as it helps the crisps attain the perfect texture. It also removes any remaining starch, which can impact the cooking process and the final result.

Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, olive oil, and other spices

Once your potatoes are dry, it's time to season them. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add a tiny bit of olive oil. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper, and then toss the bowl to ensure all the slices are seasoned. You can also add other spices to the bowl, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, or even a spice blend like Cajun seasoning. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices.

If you want to get fancy, you can also try adding some fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley to your potatoes after they're done cooking in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to getting crispy potatoes is to ensure they are thinly sliced, soaked in cold water to remove excess starch, and thoroughly dried before adding any seasonings or placing them in the air fryer.

Air fry the potatoes for 15-20 minutes at 325-400°F

Now it's time to air fry those potatoes! Place the potato slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in one or two layers. It's best not to stack food in an air fryer, but because the potato chips are so thin, you can get away with air frying two layers at once. Set the air fryer to between 325°F and 400°F and leave them to cook for 15-20 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and toss the potatoes. This will ensure they cook evenly. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until the end of the cycle. If the potatoes are not yet golden and crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F and continue air frying for a few more minutes.

When the potatoes are a light golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with salt. If you want to get creative, you can season them with anything from barbecue seasoning to truffle salt.

Store in an airtight container or plastic bag

Once your homemade crisps have cooled to room temperature, it's time to store them. If you're not planning on eating them all in one go, you can store them in an airtight container or plastic bag. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature.

If you want to freeze your crisps for later, first place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat them, reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until crispy, and then allow them to cool before tucking in.

Frequently asked questions