How To Cook Chips In An Air Fryer

Do you love chips and crisps but want to cut back on the calories, without missing out on the crunchy goodness? You might think the only way is to give up the snacks – but you’re wrong. Air fryers can actually create a crispier, tastier version of your normal fave foods – with half or even a third less fat. So you can enjoy more nutritious foods without blowing your diet!

Jump to Recipe

Are air fryers good for making chips?

Air fryers are a great way to make chips, but there are a few things you should know before you get started.

First of all, air fryers work in exactly the same way as fan ovens. The difference is that they circulate heat in a smaller chamber which cooks your chips more quickly and limits the amount they dry out—so they’re roughly equal to ovens. But because air frying creates a taste that’s closer to deep-fried food, cooks who aren’t satisfied with their oven-cooked chips might find air frying a healthier option than a chip pan, given the choice between one or the other.

What are the best potatoes for Air Frying?

Choosing the right type of potato is important to get a good chip. A starchy potato is best as it has a soft, dry texture, making it good for chips. Look for King Edward, Maris Piper, Romano, Désirée, or russet potatoes.

Starchy potatoes are great for chips because they have a high starch content and low moisture content. This makes them ideal for frying because they brown quickly and crisp up well when cooked at high temperatures.

How to cut potatoes into chips?

If you want french fries, you’re going to need potatoes and a knife. Here’s how to do it:

1: Place your raw potato on its side. Using a large chef’s knife, cut off a thin slice from the opposite side to serve as a flat base.

2: Flip your potato cut side down, then cut thin slices from top to bottom. Try to keep them about the same thickness so they cook evenly.

3: Stack several slices together and cut them in the other direction to create french fries of varying widths!

Should I soak my potatoes before air frying?

If you want to soak your potatoes before air frying, we recommend that you do so for at least 20 minutes. Soaking the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water will remove some of the starch, which can prevent the potatoes from burning while cooking. You can also soak them longer than that if you want—even overnight in the refrigerator!

Are air fryer chips healthy?

Air frying isn’t exactly a healthy food. It’s still frying, after all—the same process that makes a potato chip taste like a potato chip also gives it that satisfying crunch we love so much.

But by most measures, air frying is healthier than oil frying. This cooking method cuts calories by 70% to 80%, and it has a lot less fat.

There are some other health benefits as well. The reaction that happens when you fry potatoes or other starchy foods makes the chemical acrylamide, which research links to greater chances of getting cancer. One study shows that air frying lowers the amount of acrylamide in fried potatoes by 90%.

How long does it take to cook chips in an air fryer?

It all depends on your air fryer.

You’ll probably want to preheat it, but if you’re using a new one, you might not need to. Keep your chips as spaced out as possible and give them 20-30 minutes on 160ºC/320ºF. Shake them at least once during this time, and be sure to check them every now and then. It’s hard to be totally specific here as air fryers vary so much in terms of performance, so you might need to experiment!

How much oil do you use in an air fryer for chips?

About 1 tbsp of oil is all you will need.

Can you cook frozen chips in an air fryer?

You can cook frozen chips in an air fryer!

Whether you’re using french fries, steak cut, chunky or crinkle cut – the process is very similar.

Simply add the frozen chips to the air fryer basket and set off at 200C (400F) and cook for 8 to 20 minutes (depending on the size of the chips), shaking halfway through to prevent them from sticking to the basket.

The length of time it takes to cook frozen chips in an air fryer will depend on both the type of air fryer you have, as well as the cut of the chip.

Why are my air fryer chips not crispy?

When cooking chips in the air fryer, you should expect delicious, crispy results. But if you’re getting soggy chips, there could be several reasons why.

First of all, if your potatoes are still wet before going into the air fryer, that can cause them not to crisp up. To avoid this, make sure you pat dry your potatoes before putting them in the air fryer.

Second, you might be putting in too many potato chips at once so they don’t cook evenly. Try layering them instead of dumping them all on top of each other—just make sure you give them a regular shake once or twice during the process to toss them around.

Where do you put the oil in an air fryer?

The oil you use in your air fryer should be applied directly onto the food either before putting it in the air fryer or on top afterwards.

Is air frying the same as deep frying?

Air frying is a cooking method that uses circulating air to crisp up food with minimal oil on the surface, while deep frying requires you to submerge the food in hot oil to cook it.

The biggest difference is in the amount of oil the food needs to cook. If you’re looking to be a bit healthier with your way of eating, or you really don’t want to bother with all that oil, then the air fryer is absolutely the way to go.

What does acrylamide mean?

Acrylamide is a chemical substance formed when starchy foods, such as potatoes and bread, are cooked at high temperatures (above 120°C). It can be formed when foods are:

• baked
• fried
• grilled

It’s not a naturally-occurring compound. It’s actually a byproduct of cooking that happens when you’re baking or frying something like potatoes or toast.

Acrylamide is found in a wide range of foods including roasted potatoes and root vegetables; chips; crisps; toast; cakes; biscuits; cereals; coffee.

How do I prevent acrylamide in my air fryer?

Acrylamide can be reduced by not cooking food at a too-high temperature for too long. Consumers should aim for a golden yellow colour or lighter when frying (including air frying), baking, toasting or roasting food.

Interested in more Air Fryer-related topics?

Why not visit our full air fryer or click on the latest air fryer articles below?