Crunchy, salty, and impossibly satisfying—there’s really nothing like homemade chips that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crispness. This Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe is my go-to when I want that perfect snack without all the fuss or the extra oil of traditional frying methods.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly couldn’t believe how easy and delicious these chips turned out the first time I tried this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe. No fryer mess, no heavy oil soaking, but all the crispy goodness you crave. Plus, it’s totally customizable.
- Healthier Crunch: Uses minimal oil but still delivers that crisp, crunchy texture you want in chips.
- Super Simple Prep: Just thinly slice, soak, dry, and air fry—no complicated steps or fancy gadgets required.
- Quick Batch Cooking: You can whip up a batch of fresh chips in about 40 minutes, perfect for snacks or parties.
- Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite seasonings right after cooking to make them your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients helps make this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe a winner every time. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Baking Potatoes (Russet): Their starchy texture is perfect for getting that ultimate crisp without sogginess.
- Ice Water: Soaking your slices in cold water helps remove excess starch, which means crispier chips.
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray: A light coating gives just enough fat to brown and crisp the chips without making them greasy.
- Seasoned Salt: I love Lawry’s, but whatever seasoned salt you prefer will add that perfect pop of flavor right after frying.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Parsley or chives bring a fresh, vibrant touch if you want to fancy things up a bit.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can really make it your own by playing with seasoning or potato types.
- Try Different Seasonings: I once made a batch with smoked paprika and garlic powder – so good for game day snacking!
- Swap Potatoes: Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor, while red potatoes offer a different texture—both work great.
- Control the Crispness: Want them extra crispy? Just air fry a couple minutes longer, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Make It Spicy: A sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder right after the air fryer adds a fun kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe
Step 1: Thinly Slice Your Potatoes
I use a mandoline slicer whenever I can because it gives those perfectly even ⅛-inch slices every time. Uneven slices just won’t crisp right and you’ll end up with some burnt bits. If you don’t have one, a very sharp knife works — just take your time!
Step 2: Soak the Slices in Ice Water
Pop your potato slices in a big bowl of ice water for 15-20 minutes. This step is a game changer. I’ve skipped it before and ended up with soggy chips. This removes excess starch, helping the chips turn crispy and golden.
Step 3: Dry and Oil the Potatoes
Drain and rinse well, then spread the slices on paper towels. I usually pat each slice dry with another towel because wet chips won’t crisp properly. Then spray both sides lightly with olive oil—this gives them that lovely golden crunch without heavy grease.
Step 4: Air Fry in Batches
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay potato slices in a single layer with no overlap. I usually need 2-3 batches with my air fryer. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to help them cook evenly. Keep a close eye the final few minutes to avoid burn spots.
Step 5: Season While Hot and Serve
Once out of the air fryer, sprinkle the seasoned salt on right away—it sticks best while chips are still warm. If you want to up the freshness factor, a bit of chopped parsley or chives is a nice touch. Then dig in and enjoy!
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned how small details make a huge difference in nailing the perfect chip. Here are my best tips from those “aha!” moments.
- Even Slices: Using a mandoline not only speeds things up but guarantees chips will crisp evenly without burning.
- Patience in Drying: Don’t rush drying your potato slices after soaking—moisture is the enemy of crispness.
- Single Layer Counts: Overlapping your potato slices in the air fryer is the quickest way to end up with floppy chips.
- Watch the Clock at the End: The last few minutes are critical—check often because chips can go from perfect to burnt fast.
How to Serve Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives—they brighten up the salty, crispy chips wonderfully. A dash of smoked paprika or a tiny drizzle of truffle oil also works if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic dips like homemade ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. I also like serving these chips alongside my favorite sandwiches or as a crunchy contrast to a creamy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes arrange the chips in a decorative bowl lined with parchment paper and top with colorful herb sprigs. You can also layer them in small individual cups with a dollop of dip on the side for easy grab-and-go finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature—not in the fridge, because humidity makes them lose their crunch fast. They keep okay for about 1-2 days, but honestly, they taste best fresh.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing these chips since they tend to lose their texture. It’s definitely better to make them fresh, since the total cook time is so quick.
Reheating
If you want to reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F to refresh the crispiness. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy, and keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content and crispiness, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used. Just keep in mind they might have a slightly different texture and flavor.
No peel necessary! Scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt, but the skins add a lovely texture and nutrition to the chips when left on.
The key steps are soaking the slices in ice water to remove excess starch, drying them thoroughly before air frying, and making sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket so each chip gets enough air circulation.
I love using seasoned salt like Lawry’s for that perfect balance of salt and flavor, but feel free to get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne. Just sprinkle after they’re done air frying for the best adherence.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Potato Chips Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, healthier, and ridiculously tasty. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—it’s a simple joy that feels totally special. Grab your air fryer, give it a try, and you’ll never look back on store-bought chips the same way again.
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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: Low Fat
Description
Crispy and golden air fryer potato chips made from thinly sliced Russet potatoes, perfectly seasoned with a touch of seasoned salt and optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives. These homemade chips are healthier than traditional fried chips, made with minimal oil and prepared quickly in an air fryer for a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes (Russet potatoes), sliced into ⅛-inch slices
- 6 cups ice water
- Non-aerosol olive oil cooking spray (no propellants and no additives)
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (Lawry’s brand)
- Optional garnish – fresh chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Slice and soak potatoes: Place the thinly sliced potatoes into a large bowl with the ice water. Allow the potato slices to soak for 20 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Rinse and dry potatoes: Drain the starchy water and rinse the potato slices under fresh cold water. Spread the slices evenly on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and pat very dry with another paper towel, removing all moisture.
- Oil the slices: Spray both sides of the dried potato slices evenly with the olive oil cooking spray.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure perfect cooking temperature.
- Air fry in batches: Place a single layer of the oiled potato slices into the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry the chips for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Monitor closely during the last 3 minutes to prevent burning. Cook remaining slices in 2-3 batches as needed.
- Season and serve: Remove the cooked chips and immediately sprinkle with seasoned salt while still hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, then serve immediately for best crispness.
Notes
- Store chips in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Serve chips immediately for optimal crispness as they don’t keep as well as store-bought chips without preservatives.
- Wash potatoes thoroughly with cool water; peeling is not necessary.
- If making large batches, keep some slices soaking while cooking others to prevent browning.
- Using two baking sheets—one for drying and one for spraying oil—helps speed up prep when working in batches.
- Seasoned salt adds great flavor, but fine sea salt can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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