As a baker who spends countless hours in the kitchen, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating simple snacks that deliver big flavor. One of my all-time favorite go-to treats? Crispy air fryer potato chips. They’re that perfect combination of crunchy, salty, and fresh-from-the-fryer goodness – except, there’s no deep fryer involved. I’ve always loved potato chips, but the store-bought versions often leave me reaching for a glass of water and questioning the long list of additives on the back of the bag. That’s exactly why I decided to make my own.
This recipe came to life on a lazy afternoon when I wanted a quick snack without the mess or grease. I sliced up a few potatoes, tossed them with a little oil and seasoning, popped them into the air fryer, and just like that – I had golden, crisp chips that tasted fresher and better than anything I’d ever pulled from a bag. Since then, I’ve made them for movie nights, game day spreads, lunchbox treats, and as a lighter side for sandwiches and wraps.
Why you will love this recipe:
What makes these air fryer potato chips so special is their irresistible texture – crisp on the outside with just the right amount of bite. They’re healthier than deep-fried options because they use minimal oil, and they’re made with real ingredients you already have in your kitchen. No preservatives, no artificial flavors – just good, honest food.
Versatile:
The base of the recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can use russet, Yukon Gold, or even red potatoes. Want a smoky twist? Add smoked paprika. Craving a tangy finish? Try vinegar seasoning. You can slice them thinner or thicker depending on your texture preference. And the flavor combinations are endless – from garlic parmesan to BBQ or sea salt and rosemary.
Affordable:
This recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly. Potatoes are inexpensive and widely available. A single large potato can yield a generous bowl of chips. Plus, since the air fryer uses less energy than an oven and no frying oil is required, it’s cost-effective to prepare.
Ingredients for the recipe:
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2–3 medium russet potatoes
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
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Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, vinegar powder, or any seasoning you love
How to prepare this recipe
Preparing crispy air fryer potato chips at home is easier than you might think. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps, but each one is important to achieve that perfect crunch and flavor. I will guide you through every detail, ensuring you can replicate these chips anytime with great results. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and customizable.
Step-by-step instructions for preparation
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Choose and prepare your potatoes
Start with 2 to 3 medium russet potatoes. Russet potatoes work best for chips because of their high starch content, which helps them crisp up nicely. Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like to keep the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. -
Slice the potatoes evenly
Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the potatoes into thin, even slices, about 1/16 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure that all chips cook evenly and crisp up at the same rate. Be careful with the thickness — too thick and they’ll be soft inside, too thin and they may burn. -
Soak the slices in cold water
Place the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps prevent the chips from sticking together and promotes crispiness. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the slices under cold running water. -
Dry the slices thoroughly
Spread the potato slices out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry. Removing as much moisture as possible is crucial because water slows down crisping and can cause the chips to steam instead of fry. -
Season and coat with oil
Transfer the dried potato slices to a large bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them, then sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Toss everything gently to coat the slices evenly. You can add optional seasonings at this stage — garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, or any spice you like. -
Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and preheat it for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chips start cooking immediately when placed inside, which helps with even browning and crispiness. -
Arrange the slices in the air fryer basket
Place the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; air circulation is key to crisping the chips. If needed, cook them in batches. -
Air fry the chips
Cook the slices for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them near the end to prevent burning, as cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and slice thickness. -
Cool and serve
Once golden brown and crispy, remove the chips from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes — this allows them to crisp up even more. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Quick and easy
The entire process takes under an hour, with most of that time spent soaking and air frying. The hands-on prep takes about 15 minutes, making this a perfect snack to whip up quickly when craving something crunchy and satisfying.
Customizable
Feel free to experiment with different potato varieties and seasonings. You can create sweet potato chips by swapping the potatoes, or try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a spicy kick, sprinkle on some cayenne or chili powder before cooking. The beauty of this recipe is that it adapts to your taste perfectly.
Popular with many people
These homemade air fryer potato chips are a crowd-pleaser. They make great snacks for kids and adults alike, perfect for parties, movie nights, or even as a side dish. Because they are healthier and fresher than store-bought chips, many people appreciate the homemade touch and natural flavors.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe | Homemade Snack
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips are a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought snacks. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer, these chips are crunchy, flavorful, and customizable to your taste.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
- 2–3 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, vinegar powder, herbs
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Peel if desired.
- Slice potatoes evenly about 1/16 inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Soak slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and rinse the slices, then dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place potato slices in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle sea salt and optional seasonings, and toss gently to coat.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Remove chips and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let cool briefly before serving.
Notes
Uniform slicing is key for even cooking.
Soaking removes starch to improve crispiness.
Avoid overcrowding the basket for proper air circulation.
Customize seasonings to your preference.
Chips can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for crispiness, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just note that waxier potatoes may yield slightly less crispy chips.
Q: How thin should I slice the potatoes?
A: Aim for about 1/16 inch thick slices. Thin slices crisp up better, but be careful not to slice too thin to avoid burning.
Q: Do I need to soak the potato slices?
A: Yes, soaking removes excess starch and helps the chips become crispy rather than soggy.
Q: Can I make these chips without an air fryer?
A: You can bake them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet, flipping halfway, but the air fryer gives a quicker, crispier result.
Q: How do I store leftover chips?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
Q: Can I add different seasonings?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Try garlic powder, paprika, vinegar powder, or herbs for different flavor profiles.