Who needs a bag from the shop when you can make your own golden, crunchy crisps right at home, using just a few ingredients and way less oil? These air-fried beauties are the ultimate snack fix: simple, satisfying, and endlessly customisable to suit whatever flavour mood you’re in. Whether you’re all about classic salted, smoky paprika, or craving a zingy salt & vinegar twist, these homemade crisps deliver bold flavour and that addictive crunch, without any of the deep-frying fuss.
They’re also a fantastic way to use up spare spuds sitting at the back of the cupboard. Just slice, season, and air fry. No additives, no grease, no mystery ingredients, just real potatoes and your favourite seasonings. And the best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for spontaneous snack cravings, movie nights, lunchbox extras, or even a speedy nibble before dinner.
Once you’ve seen how easy it is to make your own crisps in the air fryer, you’ll seriously question why you ever bought a bag to begin with. Plus, it’s a great recipe to get creative with. Try mixing herbs, spices, or even adding a splash of malt vinegar before cooking for a tangy twist.
Crisps on demand? Yes please. These homemade air fryer crisps are everything you love about the shop-bought kind. Just lighter, fresher, and way more fun to make. Trust us, once you’ve tried a batch warm from the fryer, you’ll never look at a packet the same way again.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, a mixing bowl, a mandolin and a tea towel or kitchen roll
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crisps
2 large potatoes (Floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward are best)
Vegetable oil spray
1 tsp of sea salt
1 tsp of dried Rosemary
Method
Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you like, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients. Plus it gives a lovely rustic feel to your crisps. Using a mandolin slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the potatoes as thinly and evenly as possible. The thinner the slices, the crispier the end result. So aim for paper-thin if you can.
Next, pop the slices into a large bowl of cold water and leave them to soak for at least 10 minutes. This step is important as it helps draw out the excess starch from the potatoes, which is key to getting that perfect crisp texture. If you have time, soaking them for even longer (up to 30 minutes) can help make them even crunchier.
Once soaked, drain the slices well and dry them thoroughly using a clean tea towel or sheets of kitchen paper. Any moisture left behind can lead to soggy crisps, so take your time here.
Transfer the dry slices to a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and dried rosemary (or any seasoning you like), and give everything another gentle toss.
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping so they cook evenly. You’ll likely need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them in the final few minutes as they can turn from golden to burnt quite quickly. Once done, let the crisps cool slightly. They’ll crisp up even more as they rest. Then, tuck in and enjoy!
Tips for Air Fryer Crisps
Making your own crisps in the air-fryer is surprisingly easy, but a few small tweaks can take them from good to addictive. Whether it’s your first batch or your fiftieth, these handy tips will help you get perfectly crisp, golden results every time. From slicing tricks to seasoning ideas, here’s how to get the most out of your spuds.
1. Store smart
Let crisps cool fully before storing in an airtight container. They’re best eaten fresh, but a quick reheat in the air fryer can bring them back to life if they soften.
2. Slice them super thin
The thinner the slice, the crispier the crunch. A mandolin slicer gives you even, paper-thin rounds, but a sharp knife works too. Just take your time. Uneven slices can cook at different speeds, so consistency is key.
3. Soak to remove starch
Don’t skip this step! Soaking the potato slices in cold water draws out excess starch, helping them crisp up properly. Aim for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes is even better. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly afterwards.
4. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Give your slices space! If they overlap too much, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Air flow is everything, so cook in batches if needed, it’s worth it.
5. Shake and watch
Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even cooking. In the last few minutes, keep a close eye on them as crisps can go from golden to burnt in a flash.
6. Flavour it your way
Once you’ve nailed the method, have fun with flavours. Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, or even a dash of vinegar before air frying for a salt & vinegar twist.
Want to level up your snack game? These tricks make all the difference when you’re air-frying your own crisps.
Related Recipes
If you’re loving the crunch of these Air Fryer Crisps, there are plenty more simple and satisfying air-fryer recipes to try. Whether you’re after more snacks, easy sides, or something to round out a lunch or dinner, these recipes bring all the flavour with none of the fuss.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle. These seasoned wedges are a comforting classic and a great alternative to crisps when you want something chunkier.
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Cheesy, crispy, and endlessly customisable—potato skins are a brilliant way to use up baked potatoes or leftover mash. Load them up with cheese, bacon, spring onions, or your favourite toppings.
Air Fryer Halloumi
Squeaky, golden and crisp on the outside, halloumi is an air fryer essential. Serve it alongside crisps as part of a mezze-style snack plate or a vegetarian lunch.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet, salty, and just the right amount of crispy, sweet potato fries are a colourful, flavour-packed alternative to regular chips. A little paprika or cumin takes them to the next level.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Fluffy in the middle with a beautifully crisp skin, these air fryer baked potatoes are an effortless side or lunch option. Just add butter, cheese, or your favourite filling and dig in.
These air fryer favourites will keep your snack game strong. So mix, match, and enjoy experimenting with different textures and flavours!.
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