There’s nothing quite like a batch of proper homemade chips. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and full of comforting, salty goodness. But what if you could enjoy all that chip shop perfection without deep frying or drowning them in oil? Enter the air fryer: the modern kitchen hero that transforms humble potatoes into golden, crunchy chips with a fraction of the fat and none of the faff.
These air fryer chips are everything you want from a classic chip, crisp edges, fluffy centres, and that satisfying bite that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re serving them up alongside a juicy burger, plating them with battered fish for a Friday night dinner, or just enjoying them with a splash of malt vinegar and a squeeze of ketchup, these chips fit right in. They’re endlessly versatile and seriously moreish.
What’s more, this recipe keeps things wonderfully simple. With just a few basic ingredients (potatoes, oil, and seasoning) you can have piping hot chips on the table in under 30 minutes. There’s no parboiling required, no greasy pans to clean, and no waiting around for the oven to preheat. Just slice, soak, toss, and air fry. The result? Perfectly cooked chips with that irresistible crunch, minus the guilt.
If you’ve been relying on frozen oven chips or giving in to takeaway temptations, this is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Homemade air fryer chips are not only healthier, they’re also incredibly easy to make and customisable to your taste. Add a pinch of garlic powder, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or keep it classic with just salt. Once you’ve tried these, you might never look back.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 20-25 minutes
SERVES 2-3 people as a side
KIT you will need an air fryer and bowl
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chips
2 large floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper or King Edward)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or use a spray oil)
Salt, to taste
Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, paprika, or your preferred seasoning
Method
Start by preparing your potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother finish, or leave the skins on for a more rustic chip, it’s entirely up to you. Cut the potatoes into thick chips, roughly 1 to 1.5 cm wide. Try to keep them as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly.
Next, place the cut chips into a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which is key to getting that lovely crisp exterior. If you have extra time, you can soak them for even longer (up to an hour) for an even better result.
Once soaked, drain the chips thoroughly and pat them dry using a clean tea towel or plenty of kitchen paper. Don’t skip this step as removing surface moisture is essential for that golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
Transfer the dried chips to a large mixing bowl and drizzle over the vegetable oil. Toss the chips well to ensure they are evenly coated. This tiny bit of oil helps with browning and enhances flavour without making them greasy.
Add salt and any additional seasonings you like, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Mix again to coat the chips evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for around 3 minutes. Then place the chips in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate properly. You may need to cook in two batches depending on your air fryer’s size.
Air fry for 10 minutes, then shake the basket to turn the chips. Cook for a further 10–15 minutes, shaking once or twice, until crisp and golden. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chips
Want to take your homemade chips to the next level? These handy tips will help you get the best results every time. Crispy edges, fluffy middles, and that irresistible chip shop taste, all from your air fryer.
1. Serve immediately:
Air fryer chips are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them hot with your favourite sauce or as a perfect side to burgers, fish, or grilled veggies.
2. Choose the right potatoes:
For the fluffiest chips, opt for floury varieties like Maris Piper or King Edward. These types have a lower moisture content and higher starch levels, which gives you that classic soft interior and crispy exterior.
3. Cut evenly:
Uniform chip size is essential for even cooking. Aim for chips around 1–1.5 cm wide. Thinner chips will cook faster and may turn out crisper, while thicker chips offer a fluffier centre. Just be sure all pieces are the same size.
4. Don’t skip the soak:
Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which can otherwise cause chips to stick together and cook unevenly. A 10–15 minute soak in cold water works well, but longer is fine too if you’ve got time.
5. Dry thoroughly:
Moisture is the enemy of crispness. After soaking, pat the chips dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. Any water left on the surface will cause steam and lead to softer chips.
6. Avoid overcrowding:
Cook your chips in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate properly. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches for the best texture.
7. Shake regularly:
Shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking ensures the chips cook evenly and brown on all sides.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed making these air-fryer chips, why not try some of these other comforting favourites? Each one pairs beautifully with chips or makes a satisfying meal on its own. Here are popular recipes from the blog that are perfect for cosy nights in or family dinners.
1.Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Juicy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and healthier take on a takeaway classic. They’re a natural match for a batch of homemade chips.
2. Homemade Fish Fingers
Forget the frozen kind, these fish fingers are made with fresh white fish and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Serve with chips and mushy peas for a nostalgic, satisfying dinner.
3. Halloumi Burgers
For a meat-free main that’s full of flavour, try these golden halloumi burgers. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re absolutely delicious served with a side of chips and slaw.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Pie
Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, this comforting pie is a family favourite. Add a generous scoop of air-fryer chips on the side for a perfect weeknight dinner..
5. Garlic Mushrooms
Perfect for brunch or a light lunch, these garlicky mushrooms are savoury and simple to prepare. Add a handful of chips on the side for an indulgent twist.
Craving more ideas? Browse the Comfort Food section for more cosy, satisfying recipes the whole family will love.
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