Making Slap Chips In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

South African slap chips are chips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are thicker than French fries and are usually seasoned with salt and vinegar. To make slap chips in an air fryer, start by peeling and slicing your potatoes into the desired thickness. Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 15 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and dry them thoroughly. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and toss to coat them evenly. Preheat your air fryer to around 160-200°C and place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for around 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to prevent the chips from sticking together. Once the chips are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served!

Choosing the right potato

When making slap chips in an air fryer, the type of potato you choose is crucial. You want a potato that will give you that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture. So, what are the best types of potatoes for air-fried chips?

First, let's talk about the characteristics of a good chipping potato. A high starch content is key, as this is what gives chips their crispy texture. You also want a potato that will hold its shape during frying and has a low moisture content.

With these factors in mind, here are some of the best potato varieties for making slap chips in an air fryer:

• Russet potatoes: These potatoes are known for their high starch and low moisture content, making them ideal for frying. They have a thick skin that can be removed before cooking, and they give a light and fluffy texture.
• Maris Piper: This variety is a great all-rounder, widely available across the UK. It has a creamy, yellow texture and yellow-brown skin. Maris Piper potatoes are firm, starchy, and low in sugar, making them perfect for deep frying.
• King Edward: These potatoes are also widely available and are a good size for chips. They have light tan skin with pink blush spots and a delicious flavour. Like Maris Piper, they are firm, starchy, and low in sugar.
• Rooster: A heritage variety with beautiful red skin and creamy yellow flesh. Rooster potatoes are popular for making chips, as well as mashing and roasting. They are loved for their earthy flavour.
• Pentland Dell: These potatoes are longer and more oval-shaped, making them great for getting even-sized chips. They have a firm texture and a white skin with waxy flesh.

When choosing your potatoes, look for ones that are approximately uniform in size so that they cook evenly. Avoid any with green spots or sprouts, as these can make your chips taste bitter. You also want potatoes that feel firm to the touch, as softer potatoes tend to have a higher moisture content, which can make your chips mushy.

So, if you're making slap chips in an air fryer, these are some of the best potato varieties to choose from. Now you can get started on making those perfect, crispy chips!

Preparing the potato

Firstly, select the right type of potato. Floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or russet potatoes, are best for air fryer chips as they result in fluffier middles.

Next, peel the potatoes. You can leave the skin on for a more rustic look, but peeling will give you a more consistent result.

Then, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized chips. For air fryer chips, a thickness of around 8mm (or 1cm) is ideal. The length can be around 8cm. Remember, the smaller and thinner the chips, the faster they will cook.

Now, place the chips in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Soak the potatoes for at least 15-30 minutes to remove excess starch, which can make the chips soggy. Change the water if it becomes cloudy, and keep doing so until the water runs clear.

Once the potatoes have soaked, drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry with kitchen paper or a clean kitchen towel. This step is important, as any remaining water will affect the cooking process.

Finally, add flavour to the chips. Place the dried chips in a bowl and drizzle with oil (around 1 tablespoon for 500g of potatoes). Olive oil is recommended for the best flavour, but other types of oil will also work. Toss the chips to ensure they are evenly coated. Add salt to taste, and mix again. Other seasonings, such as your favourite dried herbs, can also be added at this stage.

Your potatoes are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Oil type and amount

The type and amount of oil you use for your slap chips will depend on the flavour you want to achieve, as well as the crispiness of the chips.

For the best flavour, olive oil is recommended. However, if you don't have olive oil, you can use vegetable, sunflower, or rapeseed oil. The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of air fryer you have. If you have a basket-style air fryer, such as the Philips Air Fryer, you will need to use more oil than if you have a Tefal Actifry. For a basket-style air fryer, you will need to use about 2 cups of oil. For a Tefal Actifry, you will need to use less oil, as these air fryers tend to produce less crispy chips.

When coating your chips in oil, it is important to use your hands to ensure that all the chips are well coated. You can also drizzle or spray the oil over the chips, but this may result in a less crispy chip. It is also important not to use too much oil, as this can make the chips soggy and greasy.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making slap chips in an air fryer depend on the type of potato used, the thickness of the chips, and the desired crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect slap chips:

Soaking and Drying:

First, prepare your potatoes by peeling and cutting them into the desired thickness. For slap chips, a thickness of around 8 mm to 1 cm is recommended. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 15 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy middles and preventing sogginess. Drain the potatoes and ensure they are thoroughly dried with kitchen paper or a kitchen towel.

Seasoning:

Before cooking, it is essential to season the potatoes. Place the dried potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or another preferred cooking oil. Toss or mix the potatoes until they are evenly coated. You can also add sea salt or regular table salt at this stage for extra flavour and texture. Mix again to ensure an even coating of salt.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 160°C and 200°C. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer and the desired crispiness of your chips. Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overfilling the basket may result in uneven cooking and sogginess. Set the timer for 15 to 16 minutes for the initial cooking.

Shaking and Adjusting Temperature:

When the timer rings, slide out the air fryer basket and give it a good shake. This step helps prevent the chips from sticking together and ensures even cooking. Adjust the temperature to a higher setting, between 180°C and 200°C, and set the timer for another 12 to 15 minutes.

Final Cooking and Crisping:

After 6 minutes, slide out the basket again and give the chips another shake. This will help them crisp up evenly. Allow the chips to cook until the timer rings, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For extra crispy chips, you can finish them off at a higher temperature of 200°C for the last 2 to 5 minutes of cooking.

Serving:

Once the chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a platter or serving dish. Sprinkle with additional salt to taste, and optionally, add a dash of vinegar for that classic slap chip flavour. Serve and enjoy!

Seasoning

Slap chips are seasoned with salt and vinegar, which is what makes them soft and floppy. You can also add some chilli powder or crushed chillies for an extra kick. If you're making the chips in an air fryer, you can season them with olive oil and sea salt before cooking.

Other Seasoning Ideas:

• Your favourite dried herb (oregano, basil, etc.)
• Black pepper
• Other spices of your choice

How to Season:

After washing and drying the chips, put them back into a dry bowl and pour over the olive oil and sea salt. Mix until every chip is evenly coated.

Frequently asked questions