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Crispy Homemade Potato Chips: Oven Baked or Air Fryer

A tall pile of golden, homemade potato chips seasoned with herbs, served on a white plate.

Make the best crispy potato chips right at home! This recipe gives you perfectly thin, crunchy chips using either your oven or an air fryer for a healthier, guilt-free snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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 if you prefer the skin on.
  2. Slice the potatoes very thinly, aiming for 1/16 inch thickness. Use a mandoline slicer for the best, most uniform results.
  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.
  4. Dry thoroughly: Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Spread them out on clean kitchen towels or paper towels and pat them completely dry. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  5. Toss with oil and seasoning: In a clean bowl, toss the dry potato slices with the olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle evenly with salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
  6. For Oven Baking: 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 near the end to prevent burning.
  7. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you will need to work in batches). Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crunchy.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove the chips from the oven or air fryer and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will crisp up further as they cool. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try seasoning ideas like onion powder, black pepper, or a dash of dried rosemary.
  • If you want a low oil potato chips option, use cooking spray instead of drizzling the oil.
  • If you are making a large batch, the oven method is faster as you can use multiple sheets at once.

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