The Best Air Fryer Chips: Crispy, Golden, and Totally Irresistible 🍟

Introduction

Nothing beats the comfort and crunch of a bowl of freshly cooked chips. Whether you call them chips, fries, or frites, these golden sticks of goodness have long been a universal favorite, accompanying everything from burgers and fish to sandwiches and grilled meats. But while traditional deep-fried chips are undeniably delicious, they come with their fair share of oil, mess, and guilt.

Enter the air fryer—a revolutionary kitchen gadget that has changed the way we approach fried food. With the ability to crisp up foods using a fraction of the oil, the air fryer offers a healthier way to enjoy the foods we love without compromising on flavor or texture.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best air fryer chips at home—light, crisp, perfectly seasoned, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving classic thick-cut chips, skinny fries, or chunky wedges, this recipe can be adapted to your preferences.

We’ll also cover:

• The best type of potatoes to use

• How to cut and soak them for optimal crispiness

• Seasoning ideas to elevate your chips

• Tips to avoid soggy results

Ready to discover how to make air fryer chips that rival any fast-food joint or pub grub? Let’s dive in.

Why Make Chips in the Air Fryer?

There are plenty of reasons why chips made in the air fryer outshine oven-baked or deep-fried alternatives:

✅ Healthier Alternative

Air fryer chips use 85–90% less oil than traditional deep frying, making them a lighter option with fewer calories and less fat.

✅ Faster Cooking

No need to preheat an oven or deep fryer. Air fryer chips cook in just 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.

✅ Crispy Texture

Thanks to rapid air circulation, air fryers achieve perfect crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

✅ Less Mess

No bubbling oil. No greasy smell. No messy cleanup. Just a quick spray and you’re good to go.

Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Chips

To create truly outstanding air fryer chips, you only need a few pantry staples:

🛒 Basic Ingredients:

• 3–4 medium Russet or Maris Piper potatoes (about 800g–1kg)

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil (or spray oil)

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

🌿 Optional Seasoning Ideas:

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Chili powder or cayenne

• Onion powder

• Rosemary or thyme

• Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Vinegar spray (for salt & vinegar flavor)

Pro Tip: Use Russet, King Edward, or Maris Piper potatoes for the crispiest texture due to their high starch and low moisture content.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Chips – Step-by-Step

🔪 Step 1: Peel and Cut the Potatoes

Start by peeling (optional) and cutting your potatoes into evenly sized sticks or wedges. For traditional chips, aim for a thickness of ½ inch (1.2 cm).

Consistency is key. Uneven pieces will cook at different rates and may burn.

🛁 Step 2: Soak the Chips

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This removes excess starch and helps prevent soggy chips.

Short on time? Even a 15-minute soak is better than none.

🧻 Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any moisture left on the surface will result in steamed, rather than crispy, chips.

🫒 Step 4: Oil and Season

In a large bowl, toss the dried chips with olive oil, salt, and any desired spices. Make sure each chip is lightly coated but not dripping.

Optional: Add 1 tsp of cornstarch for extra crispiness.

🔥 Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes. This helps the chips start crisping as soon as they hit the basket.

🍟 Step 6: Air Fry in Batches

Place chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer—no overcrowding! You may need to cook in 2–3 batches depending on your air fryer’s size.

Cook for:

• 20–25 minutes at 190°C (375°F)

• Shake or flip the chips every 7–8 minutes to ensure even browning

For extra golden chips, increase the temp to 200°C (390°F) for the final 2–3 minutes.

🌡️ Step 7: Check for Doneness

Chips are ready when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and fluffy inside. You can test one by snapping it in half—it should be crisp with a soft center.

🧂 Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer chips to a bowl and toss with additional salt or seasoning while still hot. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

• Ketchup (classic!)

• Garlic aioli

• Spicy mayo

• Ranch

• Cheese sauce

• Curry sauce

• Sriracha + honey mix

• Salt & malt vinegar spray

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chips Ever

✅ Always Soak the Potatoes

Soaking is the secret to getting rid of excess starch, which is essential for achieving that perfect crisp.

✅ Dry, Dry, Dry

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Dry your chips thoroughly before seasoning.

✅ Don’t Overcrowd

Give your chips room to breathe. Crowding the basket results in steaming, not frying.

✅ Use Spray Oil

Spray oils coat more evenly and lightly than pouring. Avoid sprays with added chemicals (use pure oils in a pump spray if possible).

✅ Flip or Shake Regularly

Helps ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.

Variations to Try

🍠 Sweet Potato Chips:

Follow the same steps, but reduce cooking time to 15–18 minutes. These have more sugar and cook faster.

🧄 Garlic Parmesan Chips:

Add garlic powder during cooking and sprinkle with grated Parmesan right before serving.

🌶️ Spicy Chips:

Toss chips with paprika, chili powder, and cayenne for a fiery batch.

🧀 Loaded Chips:

Top cooked chips with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream for the ultimate indulgence.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chips

Air fryer chips pair well with almost anything! Try them with:

• Air Fryer Burgers

• Fried chicken tenders

• Grilled steak

• Crispy fish fillets

• BBQ pulled pork sandwiches

• Vegan veggie burgers

Or just enjoy them solo with dips for the perfect snack!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

🧊 To Store:

Let chips cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔥 To Reheat:

Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 4–6 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll go soft and rubbery.

❄️ To Freeze:

Not recommended for already cooked chips, but you can freeze parboiled and prepped raw chips for later use.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 1 cup cooked):

• Calories: ~150

• Fat: 5g

• Carbs: 25g

• Protein: 2g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 200mg

Note: Will vary based on portion size, oil, and seasonings.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions

Conclusion

If you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer chips, this guide has everything you need to master the art of crispy, golden perfection right at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create restaurant-worthy chips without the oil, mess, or guilt of traditional deep frying.

These chips are incredibly versatile and customizable—try new seasonings, sauces, or even sweet potato versions for variety. Whether you’re pairing them with a main dish or serving them as the star of the show, they’re sure to become a regular favorite in your household.

The air fryer proves yet again that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. So go ahead—slice, soak, season, and air fry your way to the perfect bowl of chips. Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you.