Air-Fryer Finger Chips: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, using less oil to make your favourite crispy snacks. You can make delicious, crispy finger chips in an air fryer with just a few simple steps. First, cut your potatoes into chip shapes, then soak them in ice-cold water to remove the excess starch. Drain the water, then dry the potatoes with a towel. Next, toss the chips in a little oil and seasoning, before placing them in the air fryer for 20 minutes. You can also add extra flavourings such as Cajun spice, garlic salt, or chilli flakes.

How to cut potatoes for finger chips

To cut potatoes into finger chips, start by placing the potato on its side and using a large chef's knife, cut a thin slice off the edge to create a flat base. This will help stabilise the potato and make it easier to cut.

Next, flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down and cut thin slices, making them the width you want your finger chips to be. For air fryer chips, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into slices between fries and thick chips. If they are too thin, they might break, and if they are too thick, they won't cook through. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Now, stack a few of the slices and cut them in the other direction to create your finger chips. Repeat this process until you have cut through all the slices.

If you are making a large batch of finger chips, you might want to consider investing in a potato press or French fry press, which will cut the potatoes into evenly sized chips for you.

How to get rid of excess starch

When making chips in an air fryer, it is important to remove the excess starch from the potatoes. Excess starch can cause your chips to turn out soft, brown, and mushy, rather than crisp and golden. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to get rid of excess starch when making chips in an air fryer:

Step 1: Soaking

The first step is to cut your potatoes into chips. Once you have your desired chip shape, transfer them to a bowl of cold water and let them soak for an hour. Soaking the potatoes helps to remove the excess starch that forms when potatoes are peeled and sliced. The water should completely cover the potatoes. If you plan to soak them for longer than an hour, place them in the fridge. Do not leave the potatoes in water for more than 8 hours.

Step 2: Rinsing

After soaking, thoroughly rinse the potatoes in cold water. You can do this by placing them under running water or by filling a bowl with cold water and rinsing the chips in batches. This step ensures that any remaining excess starch is washed away.

Step 3: Drying

Once your chips are rinsed, it is crucial to dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer. Excess moisture can affect the cooking process and prevent your chips from becoming crispy. Use a clean tea towel or paper towels to pat the chips dry.

Step 4: Coating

At this stage, you can choose to coat your chips with a small amount of cornflour (or cornstarch). This step is optional but will add a little extra crispness to your chips. Toss the chips in the cornflour until they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Oil and Seasoning

After coating your chips with cornflour, it is time to add oil and seasoning. Use a neutral-tasting frying oil such as rapeseed, sunflower, or vegetable oil. Add your desired amount of oil, salt, and pepper, and toss the chips until they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings like garlic salt, chilli flakes, or dried herbs. However, add these halfway through the cooking process to prevent them from burning.

Step 6: Air Frying

Finally, place your chips in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 190°C/375°F and cook for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the chips every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Your chips are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

By following these steps and properly removing excess starch, you will achieve crispy, golden, and fluffy chips—the perfect side dish or snack!

The best type of potatoes for finger chips

To make the perfect batch of golden finger chips, you should use a maincrop floury potato with a high starch content. This enables a crispy coating to form when fried or roasted, while the potato maintains its original shape. Starchy potatoes are also lower in moisture, which is ideal for frying to get the desired crunchy texture.

Maris Piper is the traditional chip favourite in the UK. Its creamy white flesh and fluffy texture guarantee a tasty crunch on the outside, while remaining light and fluffy in the middle. Other floury potatoes, such as Rooster, will also ensure a crispier exterior. If you're in the US, Idaho and Russet potatoes are the best type of potatoes for air-frying. Their high starch content helps them crisp up perfectly. That said, Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option, as they crisp up nicely and have a creamy flavour.

Waxy potatoes are not ideal for making chips as they don't tend to go fluffy or crispy. They generally have a firmer bite and hold their shape when boiled or steamed, but as they don’t soak up water or oil.

How to season finger chips

The great thing about making finger chips in an air fryer is that you can season them exactly to your taste. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or experiment with spices, herbs, and other flavourings.

Seasoning Ideas

• Salt and pepper
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Chilli flakes
• Cajun spice
• Dried herbs (e.g. rosemary)
• Garlic salt
• Curry powder
• Grated parmesan
• Garlic granules
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Red chilli flakes
• Paprika
• Black pepper

When to Season

You can season your chips either at the start of the cooking process or halfway through. If you are using chilli flakes or dried herbs, it's best to add these halfway through so they don't burn.

How to Season

Toss the chips in a bowl with your chosen seasoning/s and oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add extra seasoning after cooking if desired.

How to reheat finger chips

If you have leftover finger chips, an air fryer is an excellent way to reheat them and give them a fresh-from-the-fryer crunch. Here are the steps to reheat your finger chips to perfection:

Preparation:

First, take your leftover finger chips out of the refrigerator. It's best to consume leftover fries within 3 to 5 days for the best texture. If you're using chilled chips, it's a good idea to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Preheating ensures that your finger chips cook more evenly.

Arrange the Finger Chips:

Spread out the finger chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don't overlap and aren't crowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If you have a large quantity of leftovers, it's best to reheat them in batches.

Reheating Time:

Heat the finger chips for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly. For thicker cuts, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Serving:

Once the finger chips are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as a snack or a side dish. Pair them with your favourite sauces, such as ketchup, garlic aioli, or a mix of ketchup and mayo.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes to ensure the fries cook in high heat for a shorter time, resulting in crispier results without drying them out.
• Always arrange the finger chips in a single layer to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
• Cook thinner fries for a shorter time, and thicker fries for a minute or two longer to ensure they heat up and crisp up evenly.
• If you notice the fries aren't getting crispy enough, adjust the temperature up to 380°F and let them cook a little longer.

Frequently asked questions