Thinly sliced Russet potatoes are air-fried until golden and perfectly crisp with just a touch of oil and seasoning. These homemade chips are light, crunchy, and highly addictive—making them the perfect healthier alternative to traditional fried chips. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side, or party appetizer, they’re sure to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips are not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s why this recipe is worth trying:

• Made with minimal oil for a healthier snack
• No preservatives or artificial ingredients
• Quick and simple to make with just a few ingredients
• Customizable with your favorite seasonings
• Perfect for parties, lunches, or everyday snacking

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 medium Russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or garlic powder for flavor

Directions

1. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Slice them very thinly—about 1/16 inch thick—using a mandoline or sharp knife.
2. Soak the potato slices in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch.
3. Drain and pat the slices completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. In a bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, sea salt, and any optional seasoning.
6. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in multiple batches.
7. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
8. Transfer cooked chips to a wire rack to cool and crisp further. Repeat with the remaining slices.
9. Serve immediately, or let cool completely before storing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Soaking Time: 20–30 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
• Herbed Chips: Toss with dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley after frying.
• Cheesy Flavor: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast or fine Parmesan after cooking.
• Vinegar Chips: Toss with a dash of vinegar powder before serving.
• Sweet Potato Option: Use sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.

Reheating: To restore crispiness, place chips back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I skip soaking the potatoes?

Soaking is essential for removing excess starch, which helps the chips crisp up properly. Skipping this step may result in soggy chips.

What type of potato works best?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which yields the crispiest results.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/16 inch thick. A mandoline slicer provides the most consistent results.

Why did my chips burn?

They may have been sliced too thin or cooked too long. Watch them closely toward the end of the cooking time.

Can I use other types of oil?

Yes, any high smoke point oil such as avocado oil or sunflower oil can be used instead of olive oil.

Can I make these chips without oil?

You can, but a small amount of oil enhances crispiness and flavor. If avoiding oil, increase the soaking and drying steps for best results.

Can I season the chips after air frying?

Yes, you can season after cooking, especially with dry spices like chili powder or vinegar powder. Use while the chips are still hot for better adherence.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.

Can I double the recipe?

You can, but you’ll need to cook in batches. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking.

How do I keep the chips crispy?

Allow chips to cool completely before storing and keep them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips offer all the crunch and flavor of traditional chips with a fraction of the oil and none of the guilt. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for snacking any time of day. Once you make these at home, store-bought chips may never compare.

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