Love crispy, golden homemade chips but not the guilt of deep-frying? You’re in luck! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we enjoy our favorite potato snacks, offering that irresistible crunch with significantly less oil. If you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer for homemade chips, you’ve landed in the right spot.
Making homemade chips in an air fryer isn’t just healthier; it’s also incredibly convenient. No more hot oil splatters or messy clean-ups! Just perfectly cooked, delicious spuds ready to be devoured. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?
We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the features and user experiences of some of the top models. Our goal is to help you find the perfect appliance that delivers consistent, mouth-watering results for your crispy homemade chips. Let’s get cooking!
Our Top Picks for the Best Air Fryer for Homemade Chips
Here are our top 5 recommendations, focusing on performance, capacity, and ease of use when it comes to turning humble potatoes into golden perfection.
1. Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil,…
This Ninja Air Fryer is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to embrace healthier frying without compromising on taste. Its 4-quart capacity is just right for smaller families or couples, making it a breeze to whip up a batch of delicious, guilt-free homemade chips. What truly makes it shine for spud lovers is its ability to cook with up to 75% less fat than traditional methods, delivering a satisfyingly crisp texture every time. Plus, its dehydrate function even lets you create thinner, chip-like snacks from fruits or veggies – talk about versatility!
-
Key Features:
- Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Wide temperature range: 105°F-400°F for versatile cooking.
- 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Dehydrate function for making flat, chip-like snacks.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
-
Pros:
- Excellent for healthier, crispy results with minimal oil.
- Compact size is great for smaller kitchens.
- Dehydrate function adds unique snack-making possibilities.
- Simple to use and clean.
-
Cons:
- Capacity might be limiting for larger families or bigger batches.
- Only 4 cooking functions compared to some rivals.
-
User Impressions: Many users praise this model for its reliability and consistent performance, especially when it comes to getting perfectly crispy results. They love how easy it is to clean and the significant reduction in oil needed for their favorite “fried” foods.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air…
Stepping up slightly in size and power, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro takes your homemade chip game to the next level. Its Air Crisp Technology, which blasts food with 400℉ superheated air, is specifically designed to give you that ultimate crispy finish with little to no oil – perfect for achieving golden brown perfection on your potato slices. With a 5-quart capacity, you can easily handle larger batches of fries, making it ideal for family meal prep or when friends come over. It’s also remarkably space-saving despite its increased capacity, fitting neatly on most countertops.
-
Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology uses 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results.
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Achieves up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Efficiently cooks frozen foods to a crispy finish in minutes.
- Space-saving design without compromising capacity.
- Easy-to-clean nonstick basket and crisper plate.
-
Pros:
- Excellent crisping ability for perfect chips.
- Generous capacity for family-sized portions of fries.
- Compact design for its capacity.
- Great for both fresh and frozen potatoes.
-
Cons:
- Still a single basket, requiring multiple batches for very large gatherings.
- Limited functions compared to higher-end models.
-
User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the Ninja Air Fryer Pro’s ability to produce exceptionally crispy food, often noting that it makes the best homemade chips they’ve tasted from an air fryer. Its speed and ease of cleaning are also commonly praised.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo…
For those who demand speed and precision, the COSORI Air Fryer with its innovative TurboBlaze Technology is a game-changer. Delivering a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, this appliance is engineered to achieve “beyond-crispy” perfection, which is exactly what you want for homemade chips! The 6-quart square basket offers a wider and deeper design, meaning more single-layer space for even cooking and perfectly balanced textures. It’s also remarkably quiet, so your kitchen won’t sound like a jet engine during dinner prep.
-
Key Features:
- TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan speed and up to 450℉ for fast, crispy cooking.
- Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for even results.
- Unique 5-fan speed system and 90°–450°F temperature control for professional-grade versatility.
- 6-quart square basket offers wider, deeper capacity for family meals.
- Operates quietly at less than 53 dB.
- Achieves crispy textures with up to 95% less oil.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking basket and accessories.
- Customizable preheat function.
-
Pros:
- Outstanding crisping capability thanks to TurboBlaze technology.
- Large, square basket maximizes cooking area for chips.
- Very quiet operation, improving kitchen comfort.
- High oil reduction for healthy meals.
-
Cons:
- Some users might find the range of functions slightly overwhelming initially.
- The square design, while efficient, might take up a bit more counter space than round models.
-
User Impressions: Customers are thrilled with the COSORI’s speed and its ability to consistently produce perfectly crispy foods. The large capacity and quiet operation are frequently highlighted as major advantages, making it a go-to for many daily meals, especially homemade fries.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer, 2…
If you’re cooking for a crowd or simply love the convenience of preparing a whole meal at once, the Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is a total game-changer. With its massive 10-quart capacity split into two independent 5-quart zones, you can cook two different foods, two different ways, and have them finish at the exact same time. Imagine, a perfectly roasted chicken in one basket and a giant batch of golden, crispy homemade chips in the other – all ready together! The Smart Cook System with an integrated thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring perfect doneness every time.
-
Key Features:
- Cooks 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
- Smart Cook System with integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.
- DualZone Technology with Smart Finish and Match Cook features.
- IQ Boost optimally distributes power across baskets.
- 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- XL 10-QT. capacity (two 5-QT. zones) to cook large family meals.
- Faster cooking: two 6-lb chickens up to 30% faster than traditional oven.
- Easy-to-clean nonstick cooking baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
-
Pros:
- Unmatched versatility with dual cooking zones.
- Huge capacity for large families or entertaining.
- Smart thermometer ensures perfectly cooked food every time.
- Ideal for preparing a main dish and a side of chips simultaneously.
-
Cons:
- Larger footprint will require significant counter space.
- Higher price point than single-basket models.
-
User Impressions: This air fryer consistently receives rave reviews for its dual-zone functionality, which users say saves immense time and simplifies meal prep. Families especially appreciate the ability to cook large quantities, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for homemade chips for bigger households.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
If your kitchen space allows, and you’re looking for an air fryer that doubles as a comprehensive countertop oven, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is an impressive contender. While not a traditional basket air fryer, its dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation ensure fantastic crisping results for your homemade chips, alongside an incredible array of other cooking possibilities. With a massive 26-quart capacity, you can bake a 12-inch pizza, roast a 6-lb chicken, or air fry massive batches of chips – perfect for big gatherings or meal prepping. The elegant stainless steel exterior and French doors add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
-
Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo, functioning as a countertop oven.
- “Perfectly Done Toast” feature with automatic shut-off.
- 25 cooking pre-sets for a wide variety of meals.
- Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation for golden fried crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, bake a 12” pizza.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
-
Pros:
- Extremely versatile, potentially replacing multiple appliances.
- Massive capacity for large-batch cooking of chips and other foods.
- Excellent air frying capabilities with superheated air.
- Attractive design adds aesthetic value to the kitchen.
-
Cons:
- Much larger footprint than typical basket air fryers.
- Might be overkill if you only need a dedicated air fryer.
- Cleaning might be more involved than a simple basket.
-
User Impressions: Users love the sheer versatility and capacity of this appliance, often praising it for its ability to handle large meals and replace several kitchen gadgets. The air frying function, while in an oven format, is highly effective, delivering crispy results for fries and other “fried” favorites.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What makes an air fryer the best for homemade chips?
A1: The best air fryer for homemade chips typically features powerful air circulation (often called “Air Crisp Technology” or similar), a wide temperature range, and sufficient capacity to cook chips in a single layer or in batches without overcrowding. Features like precise temperature control and preheating also contribute to consistently crispy, golden results.
Q2: How do I make the best homemade chips in an air fryer?
A2: For the best results, cut potatoes evenly, rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch, and pat them thoroughly dry. Toss them with a small amount of oil (1-2 teaspoons per batch) and seasonings. Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes for even browning and crispiness.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for chips?
A3: While some air fryers (like the COSORI) offer a customizable preheat, it’s generally recommended to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding chips. This helps the chips start cooking immediately in hot air, leading to a crispier exterior and more even cooking.
Q4: What type of potatoes are best for air fryer chips?
A4: Starchy potatoes like Russets (Idaho potatoes) or Maris Piper (in the UK) are usually considered the best for chips. Their high starch content helps achieve a fluffy interior and a super crispy exterior when air-fried.
Q5: Can I air fry frozen chips or fries?
A5: Absolutely! Air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen chips. Most models can transform them into a delightfully crispy snack in minutes, often with even better results than a traditional oven and much less oil than deep frying. Follow the package instructions, but generally, cook at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 15-25 minutes, shaking frequently.
Q6: How much oil do I need for homemade air fryer chips?
A6: You need surprisingly little! Typically, only 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil per batch of chips is sufficient to help them crisp up and brown nicely. Some people even manage without any oil, though a tiny bit usually yields better texture.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after making chips?
A7: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. For the exterior, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Always ensure the unit is unplugged and cooled before cleaning. Avoid abrasive sponges that could damage the nonstick coating.
Choosing the best air fryer for homemade chips comes down to balancing capacity, crisping power, and overall versatility. Whether you’re a single user needing a compact model, a family cooking big batches, or someone looking for a full countertop oven replacement, there’s an air fryer out there that’s perfect for your chip-making adventures. Happy air frying!