Air Fryer Jalapeno Chips: Spicy, Crispy, Easy!

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make crispy, crunchy, and delicious potato chips with minimal oil and mess. This article will focus on how to make jalapeno potato chips in an air fryer, a fun and spicy twist on the traditional potato chip.

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the potato chips, you will need potatoes (russet or Idaho potatoes are recommended), olive oil or cooking spray ,and salt. For the jalapeno element, you will need fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices or ingredients like black pepper, parsley, or bread crumbs for an extra crispy texture.

To make the potato chips, start by thinly slicing the potatoes using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Rinse and drain the potato slices until the water runs clear to remove the starch, then dry them thoroughly. This step is crucial for achieving crispy chips. Next, toss the potato slices with olive oil and salt, ensuring an even coating. Preheat your air fryer to around 325-370°F, and arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, tossing the potatoes occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.

While the potato chips are cooking, you can prepare the jalapeno topping. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices to taste. Scoop the cream cheese filling into the hallowed-out jalapeno halves. If desired, you can dip the stuffed jalapenos in breadcrumbs or crushed chips for an extra crispy texture.

Once the potato chips are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Top the potato chips with the stuffed jalapeno halves, and enjoy! You can also get creative with your toppings and try different combinations of spices, herbs, or cheeses.

How to cut the potatoes

To make jalapeno potato chips in an air fryer, you'll want to start by thinly slicing your potatoes. The recommended tool for this is a mandoline slicer, which will help you achieve super-thin, uniform slices. If you don't have a mandoline, you can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, aiming for slices that are about 1/8-inch or 2 mm thick.

Once you've sliced your potatoes, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water. This helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent your chips from sticking together and ensures they come out extra crispy. Soak your potato slices for at least 15 minutes, or until the water runs clear, then dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer.

If you're making jalapeno potato chips, you'll also want to slice up some jalapenos. Wear plastic gloves when handling jalapenos to protect your skin, and be sure to remove the seeds and membranes. You can then stuff the jalapeno halves with a cream cheese mixture and coat them with breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer alongside your potato slices.

How to prepare the jalapenos

Preparing the jalapenos is a simple process, but it's important to be careful and thorough. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, put on a pair of plastic gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno's heat. Using a small, sturdy spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes from each jalapeno. This step is important, as the seeds and membranes are particularly spicy. You can also cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise before scooping out the seeds, which will make it easier to get them all out.

Next, you'll want to prepare the jalapeno slices for breading. Set up a small assembly line with three bowls: one containing all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with panko bread crumbs. You can also add some spices to the bread crumbs for an extra kick. Carefully coat each jalapeno ring first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the bread crumb mixture. Make sure they're thoroughly coated.

Now you're ready to start air-frying! Place the jalapeno rings in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops with cooking spray and cook for 4 minutes. Then, flip the jalapeno rings over, spray the other side with cooking spray, and cook for another 4 minutes. Repeat this process with any remaining jalapeno rings.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy air-fried jalapeno slices. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, and enjoy!

How to season the chips

There are many ways to season your jalapeno potato chips. Here are some ideas:

Salt and Pepper Chips

Add a few grinds of fresh black pepper and sprinkle with salt.

Ranch Chips

Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix to the potatoes. For a stronger ranch flavor, sprinkle with more ranch seasoning straight after cooking.

Spicy Chips

Turn up the heat with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Sour Cream and Onion Chips

Toss your chips with 1 tablespoon of buttermilk powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Barbecue Chips

For a delicious BBQ flavor, season with 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 chili powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Dill Chips

Craving something tangy? Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.

How to cook the chips in the air fryer

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. You will need potatoes, olive oil, salt, and, optionally, black pepper. For the potatoes, Idaho or Russet potatoes are best, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes.

Prepare the Potatoes

Slice the potatoes into very thin rounds, about 1/8- to 1/16-inch thick. You can use a mandoline, a vegetable peeler, or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes. If you want to remove some of the starch from the potatoes, rinse the potato slices in cold water until the water runs clear, then dry them thoroughly.

Add Oil and Seasonings

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt and black pepper, if using, and toss to coat the potatoes evenly.

Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to between 325°F and 370°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single or double layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing the potatoes every 5 to 7 minutes, until they are dark golden and crisp. If some chips are done before others, remove them from the air fryer so they don't burn. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.

Season and Serve

Once the chips are done, season them with additional salt if desired. You can also get creative with seasonings like ranch, barbecue, or spicy flavours. Serve the chips with your favourite dip and enjoy!

How to store the chips

Storing your jalapeno potato chips is an important step to ensure they stay fresh and crispy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your chips:

Storing Chips at Room Temperature

If you plan on eating your chips within a week, you can store them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and crispy for up to seven days.

Freezing Chips

If you want to keep your chips for longer, consider freezing them. Place the chips in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them on the counter and then pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to warm them through and regain their crispiness.

Storing Uncooked Chips

If you've made a big batch of uncooked chips, you can store them in the freezer for future use. Follow the same steps as above for freezing cooked chips. When you're ready to cook them, you don't need to thaw them first. Just place them straight into the air fryer and cook according to your recipe instructions.

Tips for Sealing Chip Bags

If you're storing your chips in their original bag, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can use chip clips, rubber bands, or even fold the bag in a specific way to create an airtight seal. This will help to prolong the freshness of your chips.

Storing Jalapeño Poppers

If you're making jalapeño poppers, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. Wrap them with plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your jalapeno potato chips or jalapeño poppers stay crispy and delicious!

Frequently asked questions