Why prepare air fryer potato crisps
Making potato crisps is a simple process that saves money and reduces waste. You can use any large potatoes you have in the cupboard. These crisps are cooked with very little oil which makes them a lighter choice for a midday snack. The result is a batch of golden and salty potato slices that the whole family will enjoy.
How to get air fryer potato crisps ready
Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes before slicing them very thinly. Using a mandolin is the best way to get even slices for your potato crisps. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water for ten minutes to remove the starch. This step helps the crisps become much crunchier when they cook.
Dry the slices: Drain the water and lay the potato slices out on a clean tea towel. Pat them very dry with another towel or kitchen paper to remove all moisture. If the potatoes are damp they will steam instead of becoming crisp. Place the dry slices back into a clean dry bowl.
Season the crisps: Toss the potatoes with a little olive oil and salt until every slice is lightly coated. Do not use too much oil as this can make the snacks greasy. You can add other spices like paprika or garlic powder at this stage if you prefer more flavour. Ensure the seasoning is spread evenly across all the pieces.
Air fry: Place the slices in the basket in a single layer. Cook at 180 degrees for about 15 minutes and shake the basket every 5 minutes. Remove any pieces that turn golden brown earlier than others. Let the potato crisps cool down for a few minutes so they become fully crunchy.
Good advice for making air fryer potato crisps
The most important part of making potato crisps is ensuring the slices are as thin as possible. If some slices are thicker than others they will not cook at the same rate. Soaking the potatoes in cold water is a vital step because it washes away the starch that prevents crisping.
Always dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding the oil. Do not overcrowd the basket because the air needs to circulate around every single slice. If you make a large batch it is better to cook them in several smaller turns. These crisps are best eaten on the same day they are made for the best texture.
You can find more inspiration in
air fryer stuffed peppers,
air fryer quiche or
air fryer chicken drumsticks.
