Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe
Hey friend, if you’ve ever craved perfectly crispy, golden potato chips but wanted to skip the mess of deep frying, this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Honestly, making homemade chips with an air fryer is a game changer—the chips come out crunchy and light without all the grease, and you can customize the seasoning exactly how you like it. It’s ridiculously satisfying to pop open a bag of these chips that you made yourself!
What I love most about this recipe is how it fits into busy days or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re craving a snack while binge-watching your favorite show or need a quick app for friends dropping by, these air fryer potato chips feel so much fresher and more indulgent than store bought ones. Plus, once you learn the tricks I’m about to share, you’ll never want to go back.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Just potatoes, a little olive oil spray, and seasoning make it easy and accessible.
- Healthier Crispy Snack: Air frying uses minimal oil but still yields that irresistible crunch you want in chips.
- Customizable Flavor: You control the seasoning, so you can keep it classic or get creative.
- Fast and Foolproof: With clear steps and built-in tips, you avoid sogginess and burning—every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe really comes down to straightforward, quality ingredients. Russet potatoes give you that perfect crisp when sliced thin, and soaking them in ice water is the secret sauce that removes excess starch for chips that crisp up beautifully instead of turning soggy.
- Russet potatoes: Their high starch content makes for crispier chips once air fried.
- Ice water: Soaking the potato slices in cold water pulls out starch to prevent chips from sticking and helps achieve that golden crunch.
- Olive oil cooking spray: Using a non-aerosol spray ensures even coverage with less mess, keeping the potato chips lightly coated but not greasy.
- Seasoned salt (Lawry’s recommended): It adds a familiar, balanced flavor boost that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
- Optional fresh herbs (parsley or chives): These add a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates simple chips to something special.
Make It Your Way
One of the joys of this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. I like to switch up the seasoning based on my mood—sometimes going classic with just seasoned salt, other times adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for a little extra kick. You’ll find your own favorite combos before you know it.
- Variation: I added a sprinkle of parmesan and Italian herbs for a cheesy, savory twist once — so good for game nights!
- Dietary tweaks: The recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it’s a great snack for lots of diets.
- Thickness adjustment: Thinner slices crisp better but require more careful handling, while slightly thicker ones are heartier if you like a little bite.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe
Step 1: The All-Important Slice
Start by slicing your Russet potatoes as thinly as you can—aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. I use a mandoline slicer for quick, even slices, but a sharp knife works if you’re careful. The thinner you slice, the crisper your chips will be, but be gentle so the slices don’t break.
Step 2: Soak and Rinse
Place the slices into a big bowl of ice-cold water for 15-20 minutes. This soaking step removes excess starch, which is key to getting those chips crunchy. After soaking, drain the water and give the potatoes a good rinse with fresh cold water to wash away any remaining starch.
Step 3: Dry and Oil
Lay the slices out single layer on a couple of layers of paper towels and pat them super dry. This drying is crucial—you don’t want any water messing with the crispiness. Once dry, lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray. This light coating helps the chips brown nicely in the air fryer without any grease puddles.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the potato slices in a single, non-overlapping layer in the basket. If your basket is small, plan on a couple of batches for even cooking. Air fry the chips for around 15 minutes total, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure they crisp evenly. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Once your chips are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate and sprinkle immediately with seasoned salt. Toss gently if you want an even covering. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Use a Mandoline if You Have One: It saves so much time and ensures all slices are even thickness, which helps with consistent cooking.
- Don’t Skip Soaking: I once rushed this step and got soggy chips; soaking and rinsing are game changers for crispiness.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Give each chip space so the hot air can circulate well; otherwise, they steam instead of fry.
- Check Frequently at the End: Air fryers vary, so watch carefully in the last few minutes to avoid burning your batch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these chips with fresh chopped parsley or chives—it not only makes them look prettier but adds a fresh herby note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I’ll also sprinkle just a hint of smoked paprika powder or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe without dairy.
Side Dishes
These homemade potato chips go fantastic alongside classic sandwiches, burgers, or even dipped in a creamy garlic aioli. I often pair them with a tall glass of iced tea or a crisp lemonade for a simple, crowd-pleasing snack combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these chips in little paper cones or small bowls lined with parchment for guests to grab easily. Another fun idea is layering chips with little bowls of different dipping sauces—like spicy ketchup, ranch, or blue cheese—so everyone can customize their snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store your chips in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Avoid refrigerating because moisture makes them go limp faster.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing these chips, but honestly, they don’t freeze well and tend to get soggy on thawing. I recommend making fresh batches as needed for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you want to revive leftover chips, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to crisp them up again. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning—they’ll taste nearly fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe?
You definitely can, though Russet potatoes are my favorite because their high starch content crisps up best. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold might not get as crunchy but can still be tasty if sliced thin and cooked carefully.
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Do I really need to soak the potato slices?
Yes! Soaking removes excess surface starch, which is crucial for preventing your chips from sticking together and becoming soggy. It’s a small extra step that makes a big difference in crispiness.
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How do I prevent the chips from burning in the air fryer?
Keep your air fryer at the recommended temperature and shake or stir the chips halfway through cooking. Also, keep a close eye during the final minutes and remove chips as soon as they turn golden brown.
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Can I use flavored sprays or different oils?
I recommend sticking to a simple olive oil spray without propellants to keep flavor clean and avoid chemical residues. If you want to experiment, light sesame or avocado oil sprays could work but test a small batch first to ensure taste and texture.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! This Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe uses just potatoes, oil, and seasonings with no animal products or gluten-containing ingredients, making it safe and delicious for both diets.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little luxury snack you made yourself—every chip homemade, crispy, and bursting with flavor. I love how the air fryer makes it so hands-off and foolproof, and I’m betting you’ll enjoy this crispy treat just as much as I do. Next time you want potato chips, skip the bag and make your own—I promise it’s worth it!
Print
Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and golden air fryer potato chips made from thinly sliced Russet potatoes, soaked to remove excess starch, lightly sprayed with olive oil, and seasoned with Lawry’s seasoned salt for a delicious homemade snack.
Ingredients
Potato Chips
- 2 large baking potatoes Russet potatoes, sliced into 1/8-inch slices
- 6 cups ice water
- Non-Aerosol olive oil cooking spray no propellants and no additives
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt Lawry’s brand
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Soak Potatoes: Place the thinly sliced potatoes into a large bowl with the ice water and allow them to soak for 20 minutes to remove as much of the potato starch as possible.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the starchy water and rinse the potato slices under fresh cold water to clean away residual starch.
- Dry Potatoes: Lay the potato slices onto a large baking sheet lined with paper towels in an even layer; use another paper towel to pat the slices very dry, then remove the paper towels from the tray.
- Oil the Slices: Spray the dried potato slices evenly on both sides with the non-aerosol olive oil cooking spray to prepare them for frying.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure a hot cooking environment for crisp chips.
- Arrange in Basket: Place a single layer of the olive oil-coated potato slices into the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding or overlapping; cook in batches if needed.
- Air Fry: Air fry the potato slices for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking; monitor during the last 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season: Transfer the cooked chips to a serving plate and immediately sprinkle with seasoned salt while still hot for maximum flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Soaking the potato slices in ice water is essential to remove excess starch and achieve crispy chips.
- Patting the potatoes dry thoroughly before spraying oil prevents soggy chips.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; you can use other spices like paprika or garlic powder as alternatives.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture as chips may lose crispiness when stored.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
