Homemade Air Fryer Chips Recipe (Super Easy)

Cooking potatoes in an air fryer may seem simple, but with all the recipes and advice, it’s easy to end up with unsatisfactory results. 

In this recipe, I’ll share my tried and tested recipe for the ultimate air fryer chips. Get ready to enjoy crispy, golden perfection that’s just right – not too oily, not too dry, but simply sublime.

What Do We Need?

Ingredients:

• 2 baking potatoes (approx 250-300g each)
• Water (for soaking)
• 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Which potatoes to choose?

I’ve been through this trial and error process and learned that the variety of potatoes can make a huge difference. 

My Top pick: Russets. These are my personal heroes. Their high starch content means they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

I remember the first time I tried them, I was amazed at the golden crunch. If you’re after that classic chip texture, Russets are your best bet.

Let’s explore even more options:

No soaking is needed! Their lower starch content ensures natural crispness	Flavor	Texture	Best For	Cooking Tip
Russet	Mild, slightly earthy	High starch content creates fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors	Classic French fries, wedges, and thick-cut chips	Soak them in cold water for 5-10 minutes to remove excess starch for extra crispness
Yukon Gold	Buttery, slightly sweet	Creamier flesh than Russets, with a delicate crisp and fluffy center	Skin-on fries, crinkle-cut chips, and smaller, bite-sized pieces	Creamier flesh than Russets, with a delicate crisp, and fluffy center
Maris Piper	Rich, complex, with a hint of nuttiness	Creamier flesh than Russets, with a delicate crisp, and fluffy center	Steak fries, wedges, and chunky chips	Pre-cook them slightly by boiling for a few minutes to achieve extra-crispy exteriors

Equipment We Will Need:

While the air fryer is all you really need, there are a few optional tools that can upgrade your chip-making game. 

A mandoline slicer is a fantastic addition to your kitchen arsenal. It effortlessly slices potatoes into consistent thicknesses, ensuring even cooking and that perfect crispy texture every time.

Other essentials? A sharp kitchen knife for any prep work, and a mixing bowl. I love tossing my potato slices in the bowl with a dash of olive oil and my favorite seasonings. Speaking of which…

Alternative Seasoning and Flavoring

One of the joys of making air fryer chips is the endless possibilities for seasoning and flavoring. 

Start with the basics: good quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. These two staples enhance the natural potato flavor and are perfect for those who love their chips simple yet delicious.

One of my favorite twists is adding paprika. It brings a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous color that makes your chips look as good as they taste.

Fancy a Greek-style chips? Try a blend of dried oregano, dill, garlic, and onion powder

Additionally, here are some personal experiments that turned out to be crowd-pleasers:

• Cajun Spice: This brings a lively kick to your chips.
• Sour Cream and Chive: A classic flavor combo that never fails. Mix dried chives and a hint of onion powder for that beloved potato chip taste.
• Sweet and Spicy: For those who like a bit of adventure, try a dash of cinnamon with a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s an unexpectedly delicious mix that balances sweet warmth with a spicy kick.

Homemade Air Fryer Chips Directions

Step 0 (Optional): Peel the potatoes

I often skip peeling potatoes for my air fryer chips. Why? Because the skin adds a delightful crunch, enriches the flavor, and packs in more nutrients. 

Plus, it’s a time-saver and reduces food waste! But, if you love them peeled, go for it – your chips, your rules.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes:

Slice each potato into slices, aiming for approx. a centimeter in thickness. Adjust thickness for your preference – thinner for fast-food-style fries or thicker for a heartier chip.

Step 2: Pre-Cook Soak:

Boil your kettle and pour the boiling water over the potatoes in a bowl, fully submerging them.

Leave the potatoes in the hot water for about 5 minutes. This step washes off some starch and begins the cooking process.

Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry to ensure they’re not too wet, which can affect the result.

Step 3: Coat with Oil:

Now, toss those potatoes in a bowl with your favorite oil (I usually go for three or four tablespoons) and any other spices or herbs you love. 

A good oil coat is the secret to achieving that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer:

Get your air fryer ready by preheating it to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures your chips start cooking immediately, locking in that perfect texture.

Step 5: Air Frying

Transfer the oiled potatoes to the air fryer basket.

Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, adjusting the time as needed depending on your desired crispiness.

Around halfway through, open the air fryer and shake or flip some of the chips for even cooking.

Step 6: Final Touch:

Once the chips are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them in a clean bowl lined with paper towels.

Pat the chips to remove excess oil.

Allow them to sit covered for about 60 seconds to achieve that perfect balance between soft and crispy.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Delights

Now it’s time to think about serving your chips up with style. The good news is that chips are versatile and can be paired with a wide range of dips and dishes.

Classic Pairings

You can’t go wrong with the classics. Ketchup and mayo are the tried-and-true companions for chips, offering a sweet and creamy contrast to the crispy potatoes. 

For cheese lovers, a warm, gooey cheese sauce is a match made in heaven. 

Get Creative with Dips

If you are up for something bolder, here are some exciting options I’ve tried and can recommend:

• Hummus: This rich, savory dip isn’t just delicious – it’s also a healthier option. It pairs wonderfully with the crispiness of the chips.
• Honey Mustard: For a sweet and tangy twist, honey mustard is a lively choice that adds an exciting zing.
• Spicy Yogurt Sauce: Combine yogurt with a dash of hot sauce or chili powder for a fiery, creamy dip.
• Guacamole: Fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor, guacamole is a refreshing and indulgent choice for chip-dipping.
• Tzatziki: Light and zesty, this Greek yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill brings a delightful freshness to your chip experience.

Beyond Dips

Your air fryer chips can also play a starring role in other dishes. Use them as a crunchy topping for salads, adding texture and flavor. They make a fantastic addition to nachos, providing a base for all your favorite toppings like melted cheese, jalapeños, and salsa. 

Or, for a fun twist, create a deconstructed burger bowl and use the chips as a bed for your favorite burger toppings – think ground beef or veggie patties, cheese, tomatoes, and pickles.

Troubleshooting

Even with a great recipe, you might encounter some common issues when making air fryer chips. Here’s how I tackle them for better results:

Soggy Chips

If your chips aren’t as crispy as you’d like, it might be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each chip for that perfect crunch.

Cook in smaller batches if necessary. Also, ensure your potatoes are dry before cooking; excess moisture can lead to fogginess.

Uneven Cooking

To avoid unevenly cooked chips, cut your potatoes into uniform thickness. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful here. Don’t forget to shake the basket or turn the chips halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

Remember, every air fryer is different. It may take a few tries to find the perfect temperature and cooking time for your specific model. Don’t be discouraged – practice makes perfect!

Why Choose Air Frying For Your Chips? (Health and Nutrition)

Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. By using significantly less oil, air fryer chips have fewer calories and less fat. 

This cooking method reduces the risk of unhealthy side effects associated with consuming large amounts of oil, such as increased cholesterol levels and heart-related issues. (source)

Nutritionally, potatoes are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamins C and B6, and they are also high in potassium and dietary fiber (source)

While air frying doesn’t drastically change the nutritional profile of potatoes, it does help maintain these beneficial nutrients better than deep frying.

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