Air Fryer Potato Chips

4.86 from 21 votes

Apr 05, 2021, Updated Jan 15, 2024

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Enjoy the perfect crunch with these easy Air Fryer Potato Chips, seasoned with just salt and pepper and cooked to golden perfection in the Air Fryer!

air fryer potato chips arranged on a white background

Is there anything more satisfying than a crispy, crunchy snack? Personally, I can’t resist the allure of buttery popcorn, tortilla chips dipped in zesty salsa, air fryer onion rings, and chili lime baked potato chips that pair perfectly with everything. However, if you haven’t yet experienced the joy of fresh, homemade potato chips, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

My recipe uses an air fryer and just a touch of oil, making these chips a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re a snack you can feel good about indulging in and sharing. In my home, they have become a favorite snack, especially with my kids.

Why We Love Homemade Potato Chips

No Deep Fryer Needed. Air fryers are perfect for making crispy chips without the hassle (or health concerns) of a deep fryer. No messy pot of oil, no splattering, and cleanup is a breeze.
They’re Better for You. Chips are a staple in our pantry, with at least three different bags at any time. For my little Aleksandra, sometimes, a meal just isn’t complete without that satisfying crunch. That’s why I set out to make a healthier version, just like my air fryer smashed potatoes, air fryer latkes, and air fryer roasted broccoli.
Perfect for Parties. Whether you’re attending or hosting an event, homemade potato chips are a guaranteed hit. Serve them as a side, dip them in homemade salsa, guacamole, or Ranch dip, or enjoy them straight from the air fryer. They’re as crowd-pleasing as my air fryer avocado fries.

Recipe Ingredients

You know how you look at the back of a bag of chips to read the ingredients? They can be pretty disappointing and extensive. For this air fried potato chips recipe, you’ll only need 4 ingredients!

Potatoes: You’ll need two russet potatoes, unpeeled and cut into thin slices (use a mandolin, if possible).
Cold Water: For soaking the potatoes.
Vegetable Oil: You only need a tablespoon or so to make the air fryer chips. If you prefer, you can also use olive oil.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.

How to Make Air Fryer Potato Chips

Making food in an air fryer is very easy! All you have to do is line up the pieces in the basket, fry, flip, and fry again until done! To keep things clean, I use this parchment paper for my air fried potato chips.

raw potato slices in an air fryer basket

baked potato chips in an air fryer basket

Prep Air Fryer & Potatoes: Preheat the Air Fryer to 375˚F. Using a mandolin, cut the potatoes into thin slices. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water; let stand for 20 minutes. Drain them and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season Potatoes: Put the potato slices in a large bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil, sea salt and pepper; toss to combine.
Fry First Side: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange some of the potato slices in the air fryer basket, side by side, in one single layer. Don’t crowd the basket, and don’t stack up the potato slices. You’ll have to cook the chips in batches, or they won’t crisp up at all. Cook them for 7 minutes.
Cook Second Side: Flip the chips over and continue to cook for 7 to 8 more minutes, or until browned and crispy. Remove the chips from the basket and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Serve: Taste for salt and adjust accordingly.

close up photo of air fried potato chips

Recipe Tips And Variations

Cook Times Are Approximate: Depending on your potatoes and air fryer, you may need to cook your potatoes for longer or shorter times. Don’t be afraid to throw a soggy batch right back in the fryer for a few more minutes.
Potatoes Options: In general, I recommend using russet or Idaho potatoes for chips. They’re what most of us are looking for in a chip. The result is light and crispy, especially if you slice them thinly.
Change Up the Oil: There are other high heat oils available that can add flavor and interest to your chips. Refined coconut oil, avocado oil, and light olive oil are all possibilities.
Add Different Seasonings: Don’t limit yourself to just salt and pepper. Experiment with different seasonings, like a dash of garlic powder or even a zest of lemon pepper, for a tangy twist. Spice up your potato chips by seasoning them with a teaspoon of chili powder and a bit of cayenne pepper. You can also add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix to the potatoes to make ranch air fry potato chips!
Try More Veggies: Did you know that you can also make sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, and other chips? Give other veggies a try and find your new favorite! I almost always go for zucchini chips or yellow squash chips.

serving air fryer potato chips with a small bowl of ketchup on the side

How to Store Homemade Potato Chips

To store extra chips, cool them completely and store them in airtight containers or zip-top bags for best results. If stored properly, these chips should stay crunchy for a few days, but they can keep for as long as 3 weeks. Remember that humidity and other factors can make your chips stale faster, though.

Air Fryer Recipes to Try

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4.86 from 21 votes