Potato chips are a classic snack loved by people of all ages. They are crispy, salty, and incredibly satisfying, but they can also be unhealthy when deep-fried in oil. Fortunately, making potato chips in an air fryer offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to crisp up the chips, resulting in a light and crunchy snack with far less oil than traditional deep-fried chips.
In this recipe, we take simple, everyday ingredients—potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings—and transform them into perfectly crispy, golden chips. The air fryer ensures even cooking, making every chip crisp without the greasy residue you often find with store-bought chips. You can also control the seasonings to match your flavor preferences, whether you enjoy classic sea salt, zesty vinegar, or a more adventurous spice mix. Air fryer potato chips are not only a healthier choice, but they are also incredibly easy to make, and they cook up in just a fraction of the time compared to oven-baked chips.
Potato Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- Optional: pepper garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning mix
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrition. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the potatoes into even rounds. Aim for about 1/16-inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Soak the Slices: Place the potato slices in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, which allows the chips to crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Dry the Potato Slices: After soaking, drain the water and lay the potato slices out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will help them become crispier when cooking.
- Season the Chips: Place the dry potato slices in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat them evenly. Sprinkle with salt and any other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper. Toss again to distribute the seasoning.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the chips cook evenly as soon as they are placed in the basket.
- Cook the Chips: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook the potato slices at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Check the chips towards the end to make sure they don’t overcook. The chips should be golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, transfer the chips to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy, homemade air fryer potato chips!
Video
Notes
- For extra crispy chips, you can increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- If you prefer your chips a little thicker, adjust the cooking time, as thicker slices take longer to crisp up.
- These chips are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Health Benefits of This Recipe
Air fryer potato chips are a healthier snack option compared to their deep-fried counterparts. Traditional potato chips are typically fried in large amounts of oil, which adds unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture with just a small amount of oil—making these chips a more heart-healthy choice. Potatoes themselves are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
In addition, using olive oil or avocado oil to cook the chips provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for overall health. These fats may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Air frying also preserves more of the vitamins and antioxidants in the potatoes compared to deep-frying, offering additional health benefits. This recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for most dietary restrictions.
Making your own potato chips allows you to control the ingredients, so you can avoid additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium that are often found in store-bought chips. By customizing your seasonings, you can further boost the nutritional value of your chips with herbs, spices, or even nutritional yeast for added flavor without extra calories.
1 comment
These chips are so crunchy and flavorful! I was amazed at how easy they were to make. I added a bit of paprika for a smoky flavor, and they turned out perfect. Definitely making these again!