If you’re craving crispy, crunchy potato chips but want a healthier, homemade version, you’re in luck! Making potato chips at home is easier than you might think, and you can use a variety of methods—oven, air fryer, or microwave—depending on the tools you have and how quickly you want them.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious potato chips that are perfect for snacking. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all three methods so you can choose the one that best suits your time and equipment. Let’s get started!
1. How To Make Potato Chips
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, or any seasoning you prefer
Preparing the Potatoes
Before we dive into the specific cooking methods, here’s how to prepare the potatoes for all three:
Step 1: Slice the Potatoes Thinly
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you’re leaving the skin on (which adds extra flavor and texture).
Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline (for best results) or a sharp knife. The key to crispy chips is uniform, thin slices—aim for about ⅛ inch thick or thinner.
Step 2: Soak in Cold Water
After slicing, place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps the chips get crispier.
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Toss the potato slices in a bowl with olive oil (or spray them lightly) and season with salt or any spices you like. Be sure the slices are evenly coated, but not too oily.
Now, let’s look at the three different cooking methods: oven-baked, air-fried, and microwave!
Instructions
Method 1: Oven-Baked Potato Chips
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the potato slices: Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not overlapping. Overlapping slices won’t crisp up properly.
Bake the potato chips:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through (about 10-12 minutes in) to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to prevent burning, especially if your slices are very thin.
- The chips are done when they’re golden and crispy.
Cool and serve: Remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They’ll become even crispier as they cool. Enjoy immediately or store them in an airtight container for later.
Method 2: Air Fryer Potato Chips
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C), if your model requires preheating.
Arrange the potato slices: Place the potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches if your air fryer is small—do not overcrowd the basket.
Air fry the chips:
- Cook the chips for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chips halfway through (about 8-10 minutes in).
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent burning, as air fryers can vary in cooking times.
- The chips are done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
Cool and serve: Let the chips cool for a few minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Method 3: Microwave Potato Chips
Prepare a microwave-safe plate: Line a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Arrange the potato slices: Place the potato slices in a single layer on the plate, making sure they don’t overlap.
Microwave the chips:
- Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and the power of your microwave.
- Start checking the chips at the 3-minute mark to prevent burning. Chips should be golden and crispy.
- If the chips are not crispy enough, microwave in additional 30-second intervals until they reach your desired texture.
Cool and serve: Let the chips cool for a minute or two before enjoying. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Potato Chips
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for making chips because they have a higher starch content, which helps them crisp up nicely. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Slice Thin and Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin slices. Thicker slices will take longer to cook and may not become as crispy.
Soak and Dry the Potatoes: Soaking the potato slices in cold water helps remove excess starch, which makes the chips crisper. Be sure to dry the slices thoroughly after soaking.
Season After Cooking (Optional): For more intense flavors, consider seasoning your chips after they finish cooking. Sprinkle them with salt, paprika, or other seasonings while they’re still warm.
Watch Closely: Potato chips can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly, especially in the air fryer or microwave. Keep an eye on them, especially toward the end of the cooking time.
3. Flavor Variations
Salt and Vinegar: Toss the potato slices in a bit of vinegar before cooking, and sprinkle them with salt after they finish.
BBQ: Mix paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade BBQ seasoning blend.
Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle the chips with garlic powder and grated Parmesan after they come out of the oven or air fryer.
Spicy Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Making potato chips at home is easy, fun, and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Whether you prefer the oven-baked, air-fried, or microwave method, you’ll end up with crispy, delicious chips that are perfect for snacking. Plus, you can experiment with different seasonings to create your own signature chip flavor.
