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!