Air Fryer Potato Chips
Making potato chips in the air fryer is kind of like discovering the secret song hidden in a ’90s CD—unexpectedly awesome. It’s as easy as slicing up a few potatoes, giving them a quick spray with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, and then letting the air fryer turn out some stupid, simple, and seriously delicious chips. Honestly, this air fryer potato chips recipe is so straightforward that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with bags of store-bought chips that are filled mostly with air anyways.
And here’s the kicker by making potato chips in the air fryer, not only do you end up with a snack that’s way cheaper, especially when you’ve got a crew to feed, but you also get to dodge all those extra ingredients they toss into the bagged stuff. Plus, playing around with the air fryer means you get all the crispy without the greasy aftermath. The first time I pulled a batch of these chips out and let my family dive in, the reaction was priceless. Eyes went wide, and it was like, “Wait, you made these?” Yep, just potatoes, a bit of oil, and a sprinkle of salt. So if you’re sitting on the fence about turning those spuds into chips, hop off and give it a go.
Storebought VS Air Fryer Potato Chips Cost Breakdown
- Average price of an 8oz bag of salted potato chips – $4.50 (depending on location)
- Average price of a 3-pound bag of organic russet potatoes – $4.50 (depending on location). Makes around 26oz of chips after cooked
You’re looking at paying $4.50 for around 3 bags of regular potato chips, instead of $13.50 for storebought chips full of junk. And for those of you saying “What about party size?”, party size is only 13oz and usually around $6 bucks so you’re still saving money. Not to mention I was able to buy organic potatoes, for the math above I did not use organic potato chips that cost even more, with the same crap in them.
Air Fryer Potato Chips Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of servings: 13 (2oz portions)
Number of Ingredients: 3
Average Cost of Ingredients: $4.50
Average cost per serving: $0.35
Total Cook Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes of cooking per batch)
Primary Cooking Method: Air Frying
Dietary Info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Fat
Key Flavor: Crunchy, savory potato with a hint of freshness from the parsley
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Perfect for Air Fryer Newbies: If you’ve just unboxed your air fryer and are itching to try it out, this air fryer potato chips recipe is your perfect starting line. It’s straightforward and essentially foolproof!
- Store-Bought Crunch, Homemade Health: Ever crave that satisfying crunch of store-bought chips but not the guilt that comes with it? These air fryer potato chips nail that crispy, crunchy texture so well, you’ll do a double-take to make sure you didn’t just open a bag of Lays.
- A Hit with Picky Eaters: Convincing the kiddos to snack on healthier options can be a challenge. But these chips are so tasty and fun to eat that even the fussiest snackers won’t realize they’re munching on something that’s actually good for them.
- Customizable Flavors: One of the best parts about making your potato chips is the freedom to experiment with flavors. This recipe keeps it classic with salt and parsley, but you can add a dash of smoked paprika, garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and more!
Ingredients to make Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Potatoes: Yukon gold or Russet potatoes are your best bet here. They have a high but not too high starch content, and that’s the secret weapon for achieving that perfect crispiness. Plus, they’re pretty easy to find in any grocery store. I like to buy organic, but you don’t have to.
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray: A little spritz of olive oil cooking spray goes a long way. It helps the salt stick to the chips and gives them that golden color without drowning them in oil. If you’re out, you can lightly brush them with a thin coat of olive oil using a pastry brush.
- Sea Salt: To sprinkle over your chips for that essential salty bite. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: The perfect garnish! Adds a fresh touch that makes your air fryer potato chips look as good as they taste.
How to make Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline.
- Submerge the potato slices in a bowl of iced water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes. Then, drain and refill the bowl with new ice water, letting the slices soak for another 15 minutes.
- Dry the potato slices well by spreading them out on a layer of paper towels, then patting them dry with additional paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Lightly spray the potato slices with olive oil spray and sprinkle them with salt.
- Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook them in batches. Cook each batch for around 15 minutes, and gently toss every 5 minutes until they reach a golden brown and crispy.
- Continue with the remaining potato slices until all are cooked. Once each batch is done, let the chips cool and garnish them with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Seasoned Salt: Swap out the fine sea salt for garlic salt or a blend of smoked salt and cracked black pepper. It’s a simple change that can bring a whole lotta flavor to the table!
- Spicy Chips: For those who like it hot, a dash of smoked paprika over your chips before they hit the air fryer adds a smoky heat. You can also go with cayenne pepper or chili lime for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Chips: After spraying your potato slices with olive oil, sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan cheese on top before air frying. The cheese will melt and crisp up, creating a cheesy, crispy layer that’s SO addictive.
- Sweet and Salty Chips: Want a sweet twist? Lightly sprinkle your oiled potato slices with a mix of cinnamon and sugar instead of salt. It’s a surprisingly yummy snack that hits both sweet and salty notes the right way!
Tips for making the best air fryer potato chips
- Don’t Skip the Ice Water Bath: Trust me on this – soaking your potato slices in ice water is the secret to the ultimate crunch. It washes away excess starch, which can prevent your chips from achieving that perfect, crispy texture.
- Slice ‘Em Thin: The thinner your potato slices, the crispier your easy air fryer potato chips will be. If you’re using a knife, just keep a steady hand and aim for uniform thinness.
- Drain and Dry Well: After their ice bath, lay the slices out on a clean kitchen towel or layers of paper towels and pat them dry gently but firmly. Any lingering moisture can steam the chips while cooking, making them soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It might be tempting to cook as many chips as possible at once, but overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and, worse, soggy chips. So just cook in batches!
How to store Air Fryer Potato Chips
If you’ve managed to not eat all your homemade air fryer chips in one go, store them in an airtight container. Choose a container that’s just big enough to hold your chips without too much extra space (it helps to keep them crispy), and place them in the pantry or on the counter, away from direct sunlight or any heat sources.
How long will Air Fryer Potato Chips last?
These chips will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week when stored properly. However, the fresher, the better!
Can I freeze homemade air fryer chips?
If you’re thinking ahead or just ended up with a mountain of chips, you can freeze them! Spread the chips out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. If they lost a bit of their crunch after thawing, just toss them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to warm through and bring back that crispiness.
What to serve with Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Dive Into Dips: From a classic creamy onion dip to crack chicken, slow cooker buffalo chicken and Jarlsberg Cheese Dip the options are endless.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: Elevate your sheet pan burgers or sandwiches by stuffing them with these crispy bad boys. Not only do they bring an extra crunch, but they also make every bite more satisfying.
- Salads: Who says salads need to be boring? Top your greens with a handful of these air fryer potato chips! They add a delightful crunch that goes well with just about any dressing.
- Snack Platter: Hosting a movie night or just chillin’ with friends? These potato chips are the perfect addition to any snack platter. Surround them with an assortment of nuts, cheeses, and fruits for a feast that everyone can dig into.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my air fryer chips soggy?
A few things might be causing this. First, ensure you’re drying your potato slices thoroughly after their ice water bath. Any leftover moisture can steam the chips in the air fryer instead of crisping them. Also, check if you’re overcrowding the basket – good heat circulation is key for that perfect crunch. Lastly, your cooking temperature and time might need a tweak. Sometimes, a slightly higher temp or a few more minutes can make all the difference.
How do I know when my potato chips are perfectly cooked?
Your chips are done when they reach a golden brown color and have a crispy texture. Since every air fryer can vary a bit in power, start checking on your chips a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends.
Do I need to flip the chips halfway through cooking?
While it’s not mandatory, giving the chips a gentle shake or a flip halfway through cooking can help them crisp and brown more evenly.
Forget about those bags of chips loaded with stuff you can’t pronounce – with just 3 pantry staples, you’re all set to create a snack that’s not only delicious but also has a homemade touch. Trust me, after trying these Air Fryer Potato Chips, you might just forget about reaching for a bag of Lays ever again!
More Easy Snack Recipes:
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Air Fryer Potato Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes thoroughly washed
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash 3lbs of potatoes. Using a mandoline, thinly slice each potato into chips.
- Submerge the potato slices in a bowl of salted ice water. Let the potatoes soak for about 20 minutes.
- Drain and refill the bowl with new ice water, add more salt and let the slices soak for another 15 minutes. The longer they soak the more starch is removed you can soak for up to an hour.
- Remove the potatoes from the ice water bath, dry the potato slices well by spreading them out on a layer of paper towels, then patting them dry with additional paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Let sit for 5 minutes to air dry.
- While the potatoes are drying, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lightly spray the potato slices with olive oil spray and sprinkle them with salt.
- Apply a coat of non-stick olive oil spray to the air fryer basket. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook them in batches if neccessary. Cook for around 15 minutes, gently toss every 5 minutes until they reach a golden brown and crispy texture.
- Spirnkle with salt immediatly after air fryer and let the chips cool on a wire rack or a plate to maintain their crispiness. Continue with any remaining potato slices until all are cooked. Garnish the potato chips with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Ice Water Bath: Trust me on this – soaking your potato slices in ice water is the secret to the ultimate crunch. It washes away excess starch, which can prevent your chips from achieving that perfect, crispy texture.
- Slice ‘Em Thin: The thinner your potato slices, the crispier your easy air fryer potato chips will be. If you’re using a knife, just keep a steady hand and aim for uniform thinness.
- Drain and Dry Well: After their ice bath, lay the slices out on a clean kitchen towel or layers of paper towels and pat them dry gently but firmly. Any lingering moisture can steam the chips while cooking, making them soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It might be tempting to cook as many chips as possible at once, but overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and, worse, soggy chips. So just cook in batches!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
