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The Ultimate Crispy Homemade Potato Chips (Versatile Methods)

A close-up of a mound of crispy, seasoned potato chips piled high on a white plate.

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Learn how to make the crispiest homemade potato chips using your preferred method: deep frying, baking in the oven, or using an air fryer. This recipe focuses on techniques for maximum crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Russet potatoes (best potato for chips)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (if using frying method)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or air frying)
  • Seasoning options: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skin on for rustic baked chips. Slice the potatoes as thinly as possible, aiming for uniform thickness (a mandoline slicer is recommended for best results).
  2. Remove Starch: Place the thinly sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to remove excess starch. This step is key for crispy potato chips.
  3. Dry Thoroughly: Drain the potatoes completely. Spread them out on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Moisture prevents crisping, so this step is crucial.
  4. Seasoning Prep: In a separate bowl, toss the dry potato slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for baking/air frying) or leave dry if deep frying immediately. Add your desired seasonings like salt, garlic powder, and paprika now, or wait until they are cooked.
  5. Choose Your Method:
  6. Frying: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chips in small batches until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season immediately with salt.
  7. Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the oiled, seasoned slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the oiled, seasoned slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches). Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crunchy.
  9. Final Seasoning: If you did not season before cooking, toss the hot, finished chips with salt and any other desired potato chip seasoning ideas immediately. Serve your homemade potato chips right away for the best crunch.

Notes

  • For the thinnest slices, use a mandoline slicer set to 1/16 inch thickness.
  • If you are making baked potato chips, you can use a light spray of cooking oil instead of tossing with oil for a lighter result.
  • If you want a low-calorie snack, the air fryer method provides the best guilt-free snacks alternative.

Nutrition