Homemade Air-Fryer Potato Chips (Printable)

Crisp, golden potato slices cooked to perfection using an air fryer for a light, crunchy bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 large russet potatoes

→ Oil & Seasoning

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
05 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Scrub and optionally peel the potatoes. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice them as thinly as 1/16 inch.
02 - Place the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
03 - Drain the slices and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
04 - Toss potato slices evenly with olive oil, sea salt, and any optional seasonings.
05 - Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
06 - Place the potato slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
07 - Cook for 8 minutes, then carefully flip or shake the basket.
08 - Continue cooking for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until the chips turn golden and crisp.
09 - Transfer chips to a wire rack to cool completely; they will become crispier as they cool. Repeat with remaining slices.
10 - Serve immediately or store fully cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get restaurant-quality crispiness with way less oil, so your kitchen doesn't smell like a fryer for three days.
  • The whole thing takes less than 30 minutes from potato to plate, perfect for when snack cravings hit mid-afternoon.
  • You actually know what goes into them, which somehow makes them taste even better.
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that thin is everything—thick slices stay soft inside no matter how long you cook them, and that disappointment taught me to invest in a mandoline.
  • The soaking step isn't optional if you want chips that shatter between your teeth; it's the difference between homemade and actually special.
03 -
  • If your first batch comes out uneven, adjust your air fryer temperature by 10 degrees next time; every machine runs slightly different, and it's worth finding your sweet spot.
  • Soak the potatoes in slightly salted cold water for even better flavor absorption and faster seasoning penetration.
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