Air Fryer Chips: Perfectly Crispy, Golden Treats

Air fryers are a great way to make chips that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are healthier than deep-fried chips as they use less oil and there is no need to parboil the potatoes first. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster, and cut them into thin French fries or thicker chips. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chips and your preferred crispiness, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes. You can also experiment with different seasonings like paprika, curry powder, or garlic salt to add extra flavour.

The best types of potatoes to use

There are several types of potatoes that are great for making air fryer chips. The best options are Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster. The number of potatoes you use will depend on the size of your air fryer and how many people you are cooking for. If you don't have any of these varieties, you can also use common potatoes such as Yukon Gold.

For a more rustic feel, you can leave the skin on your potatoes. If you do decide to peel them, save the skins to make tasty air fryer potato peels, perfect for snacking!

Once you've chosen and prepared your potatoes, the next step is to slice them into chip-like shapes. You can make them thin for crispy chips or thicker for chunky chips. Just try to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

After slicing, give the potatoes a good rinse in cold water to remove any excess starch. You don't need to soak them unless you want to; a simple wash will do. Then, pat them dry with a clean tea towel or some kitchen roll.

Now you're ready to start cooking!

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in making the best air fryer chips. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. Floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, Rooster, or King Edward, are ideal for achieving a fluffier interior and crispier exterior. The number of potatoes you need will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings.

Next, decide whether you want to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Peeling the potatoes will give them a neater appearance, but leaving the skin on is also an option if you prefer a more rustic look. If you do peel them, you can save the skins to make crispy snacks. After peeling or scrubbing the potatoes, rinse them in cold water to remove any dirt or excess starch.

Now it's time to cut the potatoes into chip shapes. You can use a vegetable slicer/chipper or a sharp knife. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into thin slices for crispy chips or thicker slices for chunky chips. Try to make the slices uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If you prefer straight, neat chips, trim away the rounded edges to create rectangular blocks before cutting them into batons.

Once your potatoes are cut, transfer them to a bowl or saucepan of water and give them a good rinse. Soaking the potatoes is not necessary, but a quick wash will help remove any remaining starch. After rinsing, use a clean tea towel or kitchen roll to pat them dry.

At this point, you can season the potatoes with your desired spices and herbs. Experiment with different flavours like smoked paprika, curry powder, garlic salt, rosemary, or good old salt and pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of oil and use your hands to coat the chips evenly.

Finally, place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Set the air fryer to cook at a temperature between 180°C/350°F and 205°C/400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chips. Remember to shake the basket or toss the chips every so often during cooking to ensure even browning.

How much oil to use

The amount of oil you use for your air fryer chips will depend on the type of oil you're using, the quantity of chips you're making, and the desired crispiness of your chips.

For a single batch of chips, you'll need around 1-2 tablespoons of oil. If you're using a spray oil, a few sprays should be sufficient. If you want crispier chips, you can always add a little more oil during the cooking process.

It's best to use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed, sunflower, or vegetable oil. Olive oil is also a good option, especially if you're looking for maximum crispiness.

When coating your chips with oil, it's important to ensure they are evenly coated. This can be done by tossing or shaking the chips in a bowl with the oil, or using your hands to distribute the oil evenly.

Remember, air frying uses less oil than deep frying, so it's a healthier alternative, and you can still achieve delicious, crispy results!

The ideal temperature to cook at

The ideal temperature to cook your air fryer chips at is between 180°C and 205°C. The higher the temperature, the crispier your chips will be. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chips and the model of your air fryer. For example, thinner chips will cook faster and thicker chips will take longer.

Most air fryers will have a temperature range that allows you to cook at different temperatures. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the chips. This will help ensure even cooking and reduce the chances of soggy chips.

When cooking, it is important to keep an eye on your chips and adjust the temperature as needed. If you find that your chips are not crisping up, you can increase the temperature slightly or add a little more cooking time. On the other hand, if your chips are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature or shorten the cooking time.

Additionally, it is worth noting that different types of potatoes may also affect the ideal cooking temperature. For example, floury potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster are commonly used for air fryer chips and tend to cook well at temperatures between 180°C and 205°C. However, you may need to experiment with different temperatures when using other types of potatoes.

In summary, the ideal temperature for cooking air fryer chips is between 180°C and 205°C, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on the type of potato, the thickness of your chips, and the model of your air fryer. Always remember to preheat your air fryer and keep an eye on your chips during the cooking process to ensure perfect results.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for air fryer chips depends on the thickness of the chips and the model of the air fryer. The average cooking time is 20 to 25 minutes for regular-sized chips. For skinny chips, the cooking time is slightly shorter, while chunky chips will take a few minutes longer. It's important to keep an eye on the chips during the cooking process, as different air fryer models may have varying cooking times.

For fries or thin French fries, the cooking time is reduced. One source recommends cooking them for 10 minutes, mixing them, and then cooking for another 15 minutes. Another source suggests a total cooking time of 30 minutes, but this may be too long for thin fries and could result in burning. It's important to monitor the chips to ensure they don't overcook.

When cooking air fryer chips, it's crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket. This can cause the chips to turn soggy and prevent them from crisping up. It's recommended to shake the basket or turn the chips during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispness.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 200°C/400°F before adding the chips. This step can help reduce the overall cooking time.

Frequently asked questions