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The Ultimate Crispy Homemade Potato Chips (Oven Baked & Air Fryer Methods)

A stack of golden, homemade potato chips seasoned with dark spices, highlighting the crunch.

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Make the crispiest, most satisfying homemade potato chips using simple pantry staples. This guide provides clear instructions for achieving perfect crunch in the oven or air fryer, offering a guilt-free alternative to store-bought snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for oven method) or 1 teaspoon (for air fryer method)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes completely. You do not need to peel them for a rustic chip.
  2. Slice the potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer to cut the potatoes into very thin, uniform slices, about 1/16 inch thick. Uniformity is key for even crisping.
  3. Soak the slices: Place the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which helps them crisp up. For extra crispiness, you can soak them for up to 2 hours.
  4. Dry thoroughly: Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. Spread the slices out on clean kitchen towels or layers of paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Moisture prevents crisping.
  5. Season: In a clean bowl, toss the dry potato slices with the olive oil (use the specified amount for your chosen method) and the salt, garlic powder, and paprika until lightly coated.
  6. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Do not overlap them. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
  7. Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches. Cook for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crunchy.
  8. Cool and serve: Transfer the finished chips to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. They will crisp up more as they cool. Taste and add extra salt if needed immediately after cooking.

Notes

  • For the best results when making homemade potato chips, use a mandoline slicer to guarantee thin, even slices.
  • If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting the seasoning blend with 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill for a different savory baked snack profile.
  • If you are making a large batch, the oven method is better as it allows you to cook more chips simultaneously compared to the air fryer basket size.

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