Got a craving for crispy potato chips but want to skip the deep-fried guilt? You’re in luck! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we enjoy our favorite snacks, offering that satisfying crunch with significantly less oil. If you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer for potato chips, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes an air fryer excel at chip-making, review our top picks for the task, share tips for crafting the perfect homemade batch, and even touch on some excellent pre-made air-fried options available on the market. Get ready to transform your snack game!
Why an Air Fryer is Your Chip-Making Hero
Air fryers work by circulating super-heated air around your food, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior similar to deep frying, but with just a fraction of the oil. For potato chips, this means you can enjoy that irresistible crunch without all the added fat and calories. It’s a game-changer for healthier snacking! Beyond just the health benefits, air fryers are incredibly convenient, quick, and easy to clean, making them a kitchen essential for any chip enthusiast.
Our Top Picks: The Best Air Fryers for Potato Chips
When it comes to making the best air fryer for potato chips, capacity, consistent air circulation, and precise temperature control are key. Here are two fantastic options that stand out:
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt
This COSORI Air Fryer is a powerhouse designed for those who demand efficiency and perfection in their air-fried dishes, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for potato chips. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology, featuring a powerful 3600 rpm fan and temperatures up to 450℉, ensures that your homemade potato chips achieve a beyond-crispy, evenly cooked texture every single time. With its generous 6-quart square basket, you can easily cook family-sized batches without overcrowding, which is crucial for achieving that ideal chip crispness. Plus, its whisper-quiet operation means you can enjoy a peaceful kitchen environment while your chips cook to perfection.
Key Features:
– TurboBlaze Technology for powerful cooking and precise temperature control (90°–450°F)
– 6-quart square basket for large capacity cooking
– Unique 5-fan speed system for professional-grade versatility
– Up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
– Dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking basket and accessories
– Customizable Preheat function
– Quiet operation (less than 53 dB)
– Includes user manual, 30-recipe cookbook, and cooking charts
Pros:
– Delivers exceptionally crispy results thanks to advanced airflow
– Large capacity is perfect for family-sized portions of chips
– Versatile with multiple functions and precise temperature/fan control
– Significantly reduces oil usage for healthier snacks
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
– Quiet operation is a big plus for open-concept homes
Cons:
– May take up more counter space due to its 6-quart size
– Initial learning curve for optimizing various fan speeds for different foods
User Impressions:
Users frequently rave about the COSORI’s ability to produce incredibly crispy food with minimal effort. Many highlight its ample capacity as a major advantage for feeding a family, and the quiet operation is consistently praised. The innovative technology truly delivers on its promise of consistent results.
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Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is another excellent choice for anyone serious about making incredible homemade potato chips. With its proprietary Air Crisp Technology, this model uses 400℉ superheated air to surround your food, guaranteeing hot, crispy results with little to no oil – exactly what you want for perfect chips! Its 5-quart nonstick basket offers ample space, easily fitting up to 4 lbs of French fries, meaning plenty of room for single-layer potato chips for maximum crispiness. Beyond just air frying, its 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) adds incredible versatility to your kitchen, all while saving precious countertop space with its sleek design.
Key Features:
– Air Crisp Technology for superheated air circulation and crispy results
– 5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate
– 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
– Up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying
– Ability to cook foods from frozen to crispy in minutes
– Space-saving design
– Easy-to-clean nonstick basket and crisper plate
– Includes a 20-recipe book and cooking charts
Pros:
– Consistently delivers super crispy results with minimal oil
– Good capacity for personal or small family batches of chips
– Versatile with multiple cooking functions beyond just air frying
– Compact design saves valuable countertop space
– Very easy to clean due to nonstick surfaces
– Can efficiently cook frozen items
Cons:
– Slightly smaller capacity than some larger models if you’re cooking for a crowd
– Lacks a digital display for temperature/time, relying on dials
User Impressions:
Customers love the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its consistent performance and ease of use. The “crispiness factor” is a standout feature, and many appreciate its compact footprint without sacrificing too much capacity. It’s often praised as a reliable workhorse for everyday air frying needs.
Call to Action:
See it on Amazon here
Exploring Pre-Made Air-Fried Potato Chips: Kettle Brand
While owning the best air fryer for potato chips gives you the freedom to create your own, sometimes you just want to grab a bag of perfectly crunchy, less-fat chips. Kettle Brand has stepped up to the plate with a fantastic line of air-fried potato chips that offer that signature Kettle Brand crunch with 30% less fat than their regular chips. These aren’t air fryers themselves, but rather delicious, pre-made potato chips that utilize air-frying technology in their production process. They’re a great option when you’re short on time but still want a healthier, crispy snack.
Let’s quickly look at some of their air-fried varieties:
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Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Air Fried Himalayan Salt: These chips simplify snacking with just three ingredients: potatoes, oil, and Himalayan pink salt. They offer an incredible, authentic classic salted flavor with a light, crispy crunch and 30% less fat. Perfect for sharing or just enjoying on the couch. (Available in 6.5 oz and 11.25 oz bags)
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Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Air Fried Sea Salt and Vinegar: For those who love a tangy kick, these chips deliver a perfect balance of zesty sea salt and a satisfying hint of tongue-puckering vinegar. They maintain the light, crispy texture and 30% less fat, offering an authentic salt and vinegar experience. (Available in 11.25 oz bags)
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Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Air Fried Jalapeno: If you prefer a little heat, the Jalapeno variety brings a balanced pepper flavor with just the right amount of spice. You still get that signature kettle-cooked and air-fried finish, delivering 30% less fat without compromising on bold flavor. (Available in 11.25 oz bags)
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Kettle Brand Chili Crisp Potato Chips: A bold and adventurous flavor, these chips start off savory and finish with a unique tingling chili flavor. They’re non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free, offering a unique snacking experience for a limited time. (Available in 6.5 oz bags)
These Kettle Brand air-fried chips are a testament to the fact that you can achieve a great crispy texture with less oil. They’re a convenient grab-and-go option that fits perfectly into a healthier snacking lifestyle.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Air Fryer Potato Chips
Even with the best air fryer for potato chips, a few simple steps can elevate your homemade batch from good to absolutely amazing:
- Choose the Right Potato: Russet (Idaho) or Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their starch content, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Slice Thin and Evenly: Consistency is key! Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, paper-thin slices (about 1/16th to 1/8th inch thick). Uneven slices will cook unevenly.
- Soak Them: Submerge your potato slices in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) to remove excess starch. This helps achieve maximum crispness and prevents sticking.
- Dry, Dry, Dry!: This is perhaps the most crucial step. After soaking, drain the water and lay the potato slices out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Blot them thoroughly until they are completely dry. Any moisture will prevent them from crisping up.
- Lightly Oil: In a bowl, toss the dried slices with just a tiny bit of oil – about 1-2 teaspoons for a medium potato. A spray oil works great too! Avoid too much oil, or they’ll be greasy.
- Season Liberally: Now’s your chance to get creative! Basic salt is a must, but try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, or even a dash of vinegar for a salt-and-vinegar vibe.
- Single Layer is Key: Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook the chips in a single layer, even if it means doing multiple batches. Overlapping chips will steam instead of crisp.
- Shake or Flip: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake or manually flip the chips with tongs to ensure even browning and crisping.
- Monitor Closely: Chips can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryer temperatures can vary.
- Cool Completely: Chips will crisp up even more as they cool. Transfer them to a wire rack after cooking to let them cool down and reach their ultimate crunch.
FAQ Section
Q: What kind of potatoes are best for air fryer chips?
A: Russet (Idaho) and Yukon Gold potatoes are generally considered the best because their starch content helps achieve that desirable crispy texture.
Q: Do I need to soak potatoes before air frying them?
A: Yes, soaking potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which is crucial for achieving crispy, non-sticking chips. Remember to dry them thoroughly afterward!
Q: How do I make my air fryer potato chips crispy?
A: The keys to crispy chips are: thorough drying after soaking, using minimal oil, cooking in a single layer, and shaking the basket halfway through. Also, letting them cool completely on a wire rack after cooking enhances crispiness.
Q: Can I make oil-free potato chips in an air fryer?
A: You can certainly try! While a tiny bit of oil helps with browning and flavor, it’s possible to make them without oil. Just be sure they are perfectly dry after soaking, and monitor them closely as they might cook faster or require a slightly different texture expectation.
Q: What’s the ideal temperature for air frying potato chips?
A: Most recipes suggest air frying potato chips at around 350-375°F (175-190°C). The exact time will vary based on your air fryer model and chip thickness, usually between 15-25 minutes.
Q: How long do homemade air fryer potato chips last?
A: Homemade air fryer potato chips are best enjoyed fresh, as they can lose their crispness over time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, but they’re definitely at their peak within the first day.
Q: Is it healthier to make potato chips in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air frying potato chips uses significantly less oil (up to 75-95% less) compared to traditional deep frying, which means fewer calories and less fat, making them a much healthier snack option.
Conclusion
Finding the best air fryer for potato chips can truly transform your snack game. Whether you opt for a versatile workhorse like the COSORI Air Fryer with its TurboBlaze technology or the consistent crisping power of the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, you’re setting yourself up for success. With the right air fryer and a few simple tips, you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy, less-guilt homemade potato chips in no time. So go ahead, get experimenting, and discover your new favorite snack!