Crispy, salty, cheesy, and indulgent, these homemade air fryer loaded crisps are next-level. Think of them as the snack version of a gourmet charcuterie board: all the flavour, none of the fuss.
Cooked in the air fryer until golden and crisp, these potato crisps offer the perfect base for a seriously irresistible topping combination. Imagine gooey, melty brie oozing over the hot crisps, pairing beautifully with the delicate saltiness of Serrano ham and the tangy punch of green olives. It’s a snack that delivers big flavour with very little effort so perfect for when you want something a little extra but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re serving them as a party appetiser, a casual Friday night dinner with wine, or an elevated movie night treat, these loaded crisps hit the spot every time. They feel indulgent and a little fancy, but they’re incredibly easy to throw together with just a handful of ingredients. You can even customise them based on what you have on hand, so swap the brie for camembert or blue cheese, or use prosciutto instead of Serrano ham.
The best part? Because they’re made in the air fryer, there’s no deep frying involved. Just maximum crunch with minimal mess. They go from fridge to table in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining or lazy weekend lunches.
If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and full of bold, satisfying flavours, this is your go-to recipe. One bite and you’ll see why these air fryer loaded crisps are a total game changer.
PREP 15 minutes
COOK 12 – 15 minutes
SERVES 2 – 3 people as a side
KIT you will need an air fryer, large bowl and mandoline
Ingredients for Air Fryer Loaded Crisps
For the crisps:
2 large floury potatoes (like Maris Piper or King Edward)
1 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
For the toppings:
100g brie, sliced or torn into small chunks
50g Serrano ham, thinly sliced
6–8 green olives, pitted and sliced
Fresh rocket leaves (optional)
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Method
So start by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother finish, but leaving the skins on adds a lovely rustic texture and extra flavour. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, carefully slice the potatoes into paper-thin rounds. Try and aim for consistency so they cook evenly. This step is key for that irresistible crispiness.
Place the slices into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps draw out the excess starch, which is essential for getting that perfectly golden, crunchy texture. After soaking, drain the slices and pat them completely dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. The drier they are, the better they’ll crisp up.
Toss the dried potato slices with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous pinch of sea salt, ensuring each slice is lightly coated. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Spread the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. So don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp properly. You’ll likely need to work in batches. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Once all the crisps are golden and crisp, transfer them back into the basket or place them in an ovenproof dish. Generously layer over chunks of brie, torn ribbons of Serrano ham, and sliced green olives. Lower the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and air fry for another 2–3 minutes, just until the brie is beautifully melty.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a crack of black pepper. Served warm, these loaded crisps are crispy, creamy, salty, and completely irresistible.
Tips for Air Fryer Loaded Crisps
These loaded potato crisps may be quick and easy, but a few small tweaks can take them from good to unforgettable. Here are some helpful tips to get the best results every time:
1. Use firm, waxy potatoes.
Varieties like Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or Charlotte hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Avoid floury potatoes like King Edward as they tend to fall apart or become mealy.
2. Slice evenly.
A mandoline is your best friend here. Uniform slices ensure even cooking, while paper-thin rounds give you that classic crisp texture. Too thick and they’ll be chewy; too thin and they may burn.
3. Soak and dry well.
Don’t skip the soaking step as it removes starch, which helps prevent soggy crisps. But just as important is drying them thoroughly afterward. Any moisture left on the slices can lead to limp results.
4. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Airflow is key in the air fryer. Always cook the crisps in a single layer, even if it means doing multiple batches. Crowding leads to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping.
5. Use high-quality toppings.
Because this dish has so few ingredients, quality makes all the difference. So a creamy, ripe brie, good cured ham like Serrano or prosciutto, and flavourful olives really elevate the dish.
6. Serve immediately.
These are best eaten hot, straight out of the air fryer, while the brie is melty and the crisps are still crunchy. If making ahead, reheat at 160°C for a few minutes just before serving.
So small details make a big impact. Follow these tips and you’ll have a show-stopping snack every single time!
Related Recipes
If you are a big fan of easy, indulgent snacks with a little wow factor, you will just love these recipes too. Each one brings big flavour with minimal effort. Just like our Air Fryer Loaded Crisps.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Fluffy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, these roasties are a game-changer. Perfect as a side for Sunday lunch or a simple midweek comfort food fix.
2. Air Fryer Loaded Fries
Crispy fries piled high with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and spring onions. These are pure indulgence and come together in minutes. Ideal for parties, game nights, or weekend treats.
3. Air Fryer Potato Skins
Crispy skins stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. So what’s not to love? These are always a crowd-pleaser and make a great starter or party nibble.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
Crisp on the outside, soft and squeaky inside, these halloumi fries are always a hit. Serve with sweet chilli sauce or garlic mayo for a snack that disappears fast.
5. Easy Air Fryer Nachos
Fast, fun, and endlessly customisable. These nachos are loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and salsa. They are just perfect for sharing (or not).
From golden cheeses to crispy potatoes, these recipes are made to impress with hardly any fuss. Save your favourites and start building your ultimate air fryer snack list!.
Want more air fryer recipes like these? Then join the AirFryerUK Club to unlock members-only content including custom meal plans, shopping lists, and my biggest-ever recipe collection. It’s everything you need to level up your air fryer game.
Love the recipes? Buy my best selling cookbooks directly from my Amazon shop and bring even more air-fryer goodness into your kitchen!