Air Fryer Crisps: Quick, Easy, And Crunchy!

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make crispy, crunchy, and addictive homemade potato chips with less grease and fat than traditional methods. They are a healthier alternative to conventional potato chips, which are fried and packed with excess fat. With an air fryer, you can make delicious, golden brown chips with just a few simple ingredients and a fraction of the oil. This article will introduce you to the world of air-fried potato chips and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own.

Choosing the right potato

Type of Potato

The best potatoes for air fryer chips are those with high starch content, such as Idaho and Russet potatoes. These varieties have a lower moisture content, making them ideal for achieving that desired crispiness. Russet potatoes are also rich in fibre and antioxidants, offering some nutritional benefits to your snack.

If you don't have access to Idaho or Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a suitable alternative. They have a creamy flavour and can crisp up nicely in the air fryer. However, they are not as starchy as the other two varieties, so the resulting chips may not be as crunchy.

Potato Size

When choosing your potatoes, opt for larger ones. Larger potatoes provide more surface area for slicing, allowing you to make more chips at once. This is especially important if you're cooking for a group or simply want a bigger batch.

Freshness

Always choose fresh potatoes that are firm and free from any sprouting or greening. Older potatoes tend to have higher moisture content, which can affect the crispiness of your chips. Look for firm potatoes with smooth, unshrivelled skin.

Peeling

Whether or not to peel your potatoes is a matter of preference. Peeling the potatoes will give your chips a more uniform appearance, but it's not necessary. Leaving the skin on can add some extra texture and flavour to your chips, and it also reduces preparation time.

Slicing

Once you've chosen your potatoes, it's essential to slice them thinly and uniformly. A mandoline slicer is the best tool for achieving super-thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of around 1/16 of an inch (2 mm). If you don't have a mandoline, you can use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, but it will be more challenging to get consistent slices.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer chips is choosing the right type of potato, considering its size and freshness, deciding whether to peel it, and slicing it thinly and evenly. With the right potatoes and preparation, you'll be well on your way to crispy, delicious air fryer chips.

Slicing the potatoes

Once you have your thin potato slices, you'll need to rinse them in cold water. This removes the starch from the potatoes, which will help them to crisp up when cooking. Keep rinsing and draining the potatoes until the water runs clear. You can also soak the potato slices in water for around 30 minutes, or even up to an hour, to help draw out the starch. After rinsing or soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a tea towel.

If you want to make your crisps a little fancier, you can also add some seasonings to the potatoes before cooking. For example, you could try smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, or even a spice blend like Cajun seasoning. Simply sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the potato slices after they've been dried, and use your hands to rub the spices into both sides.

Soaking the potatoes

First, use a mandoline or a vegetable peeler to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. Aim for slices that are around 1/16 of an inch, or 2mm thick. If you don't have a mandoline or vegetable peeler, you can use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes as thinly as you can.

Once you have your potato slices, place them in a bowl of cold water. You can also add ice to the water if you like. Leave the potatoes to soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have the time. This will help to draw out the starch and ensure your crisps are extra crispy.

After the initial soak, drain the potatoes and rinse them with fresh, cold water. Then, return the potatoes to the bowl and add more cold water (and ice, if using) to cover them. Soak the potatoes for a further 15 minutes.

When the potatoes have finished soaking, drain them and place them on a clean towel or some kitchen paper. It's important to make sure the potatoes are as dry as possible before cooking them, so use the towel or kitchen paper to pat them dry.

Drying the potatoes

Removing the excess moisture is essential to achieving the desired crunchy texture. Any remaining water can prevent your crisps from crisping up properly and may lead to sogginess. Make sure you take the time to dry each slice, as this step forms the foundation for the rest of the cooking process.

Once the potatoes are dry, return them to a clean, dry bowl. At this point, you can add seasonings and a small amount of oil to coat the potatoes. Ensure that all slices are evenly coated before proceeding to the air-frying stage.

By taking your time with this step and ensuring the potatoes are adequately dried, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy homemade crisps.

Seasoning the potatoes

The seasoning is the secret ingredient that takes your homemade crisps from bland to bold. It's time to get creative and experiment with different flavour combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and pepper

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This classic combination will give your crisps a savoury kick.

Ranch

For a tangy twist, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix to the potatoes before cooking. If you're a ranch lover, sprinkle some extra seasoning on the crisps as soon as they come out of the air fryer.

Spicy

Turn up the heat with 1 teaspoon of chilli powder, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This combination will give your crisps a spicy kick.

Sour cream and onion

For a creamy and savoury flavour, toss your chips with 1 tablespoon of buttermilk powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Barbecue

For a classic BBQ flavour, use 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/8 teaspoon of chilli powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. This seasoning is perfect for a crowd, as it has a broad appeal.

Dill

If you're craving something tangy, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. This combination will give your crisps a pickle-like flavour.

Cheese

Use a Microplane grater to add finely grated Parmesan cheese to your crisps after cooking. For a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast instead. If you're using nutritional yeast, you may need to spritz the crisps with water first to help the powder stick.

Sweet and spicy

For a unique flavour profile, combine sweet and spicy ingredients. For example, you could use a hibiscus-chile salt or a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

Keep it simple

If you're not feeling adventurous, you can stick to plain salt or a flavoured salt like truffle salt or garlic salt. A little salt brings out the flavours of the potatoes and helps them crisp up in the air fryer.

Tips for seasoning

• After slicing the potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least 20 minutes to remove the starch and prevent oxidation.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding any seasonings or oil.
• Use your hands to rub the seasonings into both sides of the potato slices to ensure an even coating.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes in batches if needed.
• If you're making multiple batches, repeat the seasoning process with each batch to ensure consistent flavour.

Frequently asked questions