- Using an air fryer to make potato chips is quick, uses less oil, and yields crunchy results.
- Make sure to thinly slice potatoes for the crispiest and most consistent chips.
- Generously season the finished chips with salt and pair them with a dip or as a side dish.
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While it's easy to reach for a bag of chips, it's fun and fulfilling to make a quick batch at home. And, according to Cindy Gordon, recipe developer at Air Fryer Eats, there are plenty of reasons to use an air fryer to make them.
- Quicker: Using an air fryer to cook often takes a lot less time than cooking with a conventional oven or deep fryer.
- Uses less oil: Many air fryer recipes call for no oil or a minimal amount, making them a bit lower in fat.
- Yields crispier results: When it comes to potato chips specifically, Gordon says that, when the potatoes are cut thin enough, using an air fryer will yield results with more of a "crisp factor" than other cooking methods.
What type of potatoes work best?
Gordon recommends using either russet or Yukon gold potatoes for air fryer chips. Russets are a universal potato that can be used in "so many different ways," she says, while Yukon gold potatoes have more moisture that results in a creamier taste. Both are easy to find and will bring consistent results when cooking.
Tips for the best air fryer potato chips
- Season the chips. You can opt for something as simple as salt or more adventurous like everything bagel seasoning, garlic salt, or sea salt.
- Serve with dip or as a side. Pair the finished potato chips with a dip — like Gordon's cilantro garlic sauce or Dr. Pepper barbecue — or as a side to some air fryer hamburgers.
- Store leftovers to enjoy later. If you have leftover potato chips, store them in an airtight container for a day or two. Any longer than that, and they will lose some of their quality and crunch.
Insider's takeaway
Sliced thinly enough and cooked at just right, making potato chips in the air fryer can yield especially crunchy and tasty results. Finding the right cook time and temperature can take some trial and error. But, even if the chips turn out soggy on the first try, Gordon states you can still put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes until they get the right texture. Make sure you're frequently checking the chips as they cook, and turning them over to ensure consistency. Top off with your choice of seasoning and enjoy with some dip or as a side to your choice of dish.