Air Fryer Potato Chips: No Oil, No Problem!

Air fryers are a great way to make potato chips at home with minimal oil and all the flavour. The process is simple: slice potatoes thinly and evenly, soak them in water to remove excess starch, dry them, season, and then air fry. The result is a crispy, crunchy, and addictive snack that's perfect for any occasion.

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

The most recommended potato varieties for air fryer chips are Idaho, Russet, and Yukon Gold potatoes. These potatoes have a higher starch content, which helps them crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. Russet potatoes, in particular, are known for their low moisture content, making them ideal for achieving that desired crunch.

However, you can also experiment with other varieties such as sweet potatoes or gold and purple potatoes. Sweet potatoes will require a slightly different cooking time, and they might not get as crispy as russets. Gold and purple potatoes, on the other hand, are floury and will give you a fluffier chip interior with a crispier exterior.

Potato Texture

When choosing potatoes, look for those with a dry and starchy texture. These types of potatoes are ideal for making chips because they will yield a crispier result. Waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, are not the best choice for air fryer chips as they don't crisp up as well.

Potato Thickness

To ensure even cooking and crispy chips, it is essential to slice your potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible. A mandolin slicer is highly recommended for achieving super-thin and consistent slices. If you don't have a mandolin, a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler can be used, but it will be more challenging to get uniform slices.

Soaking and Drying

Before air frying, it is crucial to remove excess starch from the potato slices by soaking them in cold water for about 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps the potatoes crisp up and prevents them from sticking together in the air fryer. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen or paper towel. Any remaining moisture will prevent them from crisping up properly.

In summary, when choosing potatoes for your air fryer chips, opt for varieties like Idaho, Russet, or Yukon Gold, which are known for their high starch content. Select potatoes with a dry and starchy texture, and slice them as thinly and uniformly as possible. Don't forget the important step of soaking and thoroughly drying the potatoes before air frying. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to making perfect, crispy potato chips in your air fryer!

Slicing the potatoes

Once the potatoes are sliced, they should be soaked in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. This helps to remove the natural starch, which allows the chips to become extra crispy. After soaking, the potatoes should be thoroughly dried with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent them from crisping up in the air fryer.

It is also important to note that the potatoes should be peeled and washed before slicing, if needed. Additionally, it is recommended to wear a cut-resistant glove while slicing to protect your fingers.

Soaking the potatoes

To soak the potatoes, first, slice them as thinly and evenly as possible. A mandolin slicer is a great tool to use for this step, as it will help you achieve uniform slices. Then, place the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for around 15 to 30 minutes. You can also add ice to the water to keep it cold. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing any excess moisture is crucial, as it will prevent the potatoes from crisping up in the air fryer.

Some recipes suggest an additional step of double-soaking the potatoes. After the initial soak and rinse, the potatoes are soaked again in ice water for another 15 minutes, drained, and patted dry. This extra step ensures that as much starch as possible is removed from the potatoes, resulting in even crispier chips.

Once the potatoes are thoroughly dried, they are ready to be seasoned and placed in the air fryer.

Drying the potatoes

After slicing the potatoes as thinly and evenly as possible, it's time to remove the excess moisture. Place the potato slices in a colander and drain them well. You can also use paper towels or clean kitchen towels to pat them dry. This step is essential to achieving crispy potato chips. Removing the moisture prevents the potatoes from steaming instead of crisping up during the air frying process.

To ensure that the potato slices are thoroughly dried, you can also use a combination of methods. For example, you can first drain them in a colander and then place them on paper towels or clean kitchen towels to pat them dry. You can even use your air fryer to speed up the drying process. Spread the potato slices on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and place them in your air fryer at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will help evaporate any remaining moisture.

It's important to note that drying the potatoes is just one part of the process of making potato chips in an air fryer without oil. Here are some additional tips to ensure the best results:

• Soaking the potato slices in cold water before drying helps remove excess starch, which can hinder the crispiness of the final product.
• After drying, season the potato slices with your desired spices and a small amount of oil (if desired). Toss them well to ensure an even coating.
• When placing the potato slices in the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, and consider using tongs to separate any slices that stick together during cooking.
• During the air frying process, keep a close eye on the potato slices and remove them from the air fryer once they turn slightly brown. Overcooking can lead to burning and a bitter taste.
• Allow the potato chips to cool on a wire rack before serving. This helps them crisp up even further.

Seasoning the potatoes

Once you've thinly sliced your potatoes, soaked them, and dried them, it's time to season them!

You can season your potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. You can also get creative with your seasonings. For example, you can try:

• Rosemary and garlic powder
• Smoked paprika and sea salt
• Sour cream and onion powder
• Parmesan and black pepper
• Ranch seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Sweet chilli and lime zest
• BBQ seasoning
• Black pepper
• Barbecue seasoning
• Salt and vinegar
• Dill
• Cheese

Toss the dry potato slices with your chosen seasonings and ensure that all the slices are seasoned.

Frequently asked questions