Air Fryer Potato Chips: Crispy Homemade Chips in 35 Minutes or Less

Air Fryer Potato Chips are the best way to get restaurant-style crunch at home without deep frying. I love that a simple tool like an air fryer turns two russet potatoes into thin, golden chips that are surprisingly light and addictive.

I first tried this method when I wanted a no-fuss snack for movie night. I sliced the potatoes paper-thin, soaked them to remove starch, and air-fried small batches until perfectly crisp. The result was crispy homemade potato chips that were ready in 35 minutes and disappeared fast. You’ll like how easy they are, and how little oil they need compared with traditional chips.

How to Make Air Fryer Potato Chips

Making these chips is straightforward, and a mandoline plus an air fryer are all you need for a reliable, repeatable result. Below I walk you through the method, timing, and little tweaks that guarantee crispness every time.

Ingredients for air fryer potato chips

Here’s the full ingredient list and a short note on tools. Keep everything measured and your bowl and towels dry—those steps make a big difference.

• 2 small Idaho, russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each), scrubbed with peels on
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Tools you’ll need: mandoline (for very thin slices), large bowl, paper towels or clean kitchen towels, tongs, and an air fryer. I use a 3-quart to 5-quart air fryer for easy single-layer batches.

Step-by-Step: Making Air fryer Potato Chips

Don’t worry if you’re new to air frying. I break the process into short, clear steps so you can follow along and get crispy, golden chips without guesswork. Read through and then jump into the kitchen.

1. Slice very thin: With a mandoline, slice the potatoes crosswise into VERY THIN rounds—1/16-inch thick. The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip.
2. Rinse to remove starch: Place in a large bowl and fill the bowl with cold water. Rinse, moving the potatoes around, then drain. Rinse once more, repeating as needed until the water runs clear, not white (this removes the starches so the chips can crisp).
3. Dry thoroughly: Spread the potatoes onto a layer of paper towels or clean kitchen towels and pat dry. Dry the bowl.
4. Season lightly: Return the now-dry potatoes to the dry bowl and top with the oil, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper if desired. Toss to coat, ensuring all of the slices are seasoned.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F. Preheating helps the chips start crisping right away.
6. Arrange in the basket: Spread the potatoes in the bottom of the basket in an even layer so that you have no more than two layers of potatoes overlapping.
7. Air fry and toss: Air fry for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are dark golden at the edges and crisp, tossing them with tongs every 5 to 7 minutes so they cook evenly. If some chips finish earlier than others, remove them to a plate as they are ready.
8. Repeat with remaining slices: Repeat with remaining potatoes. For two potatoes, I end up doing four batches total.

Timing note: I set the air fryer to 325°F and find 20 minutes per batch works well. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 15 minutes and adjust. If chips go golden too fast, lower the temp to 300°F and add a few minutes.

Notes

• TO STORE: Store chips in an airtight storage container or ziptop bag for up to 1 week.
• TO FREEZE: Freeze chips in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag (remove all the air) for up to 3 months. Let thaw for a few minutes on the counter before serving.
• NUTRITION (per serving): Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 15 g | Protein: 2 g | Calories: 98 kcal

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potato Chips

Here are a few tricks I always use to get super-crispy chips and save time. These are honest, practical tips from my kitchen to yours.

• Don’t skip the rinse: Soaking and rinsing until the water runs clear removes extra starch. That single step makes a huge difference for crispness.
• Dry completely: Any surface water will steam the potato slices and prevent browning. Pat them dry in batches if needed.
• Batch smart: Work in small batches so the slices lay mostly flat. I do four batches for two potatoes. Crowding equals steaming, not crisping.
• Flavor variations: Try smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, or a pinch of garlic powder after frying. For a lighter option, this method makes a great healthy potato chips recipe compared to deep frying.

Air fryer Potato Chips FAQs

I get a lot of questions about batch size, timing, and swaps. Here are clear answers based on what I test in my kitchen.

How long do homemade chips stay crisp?

If you store them airtight at room temperature they stay crisp up to a week. For best results, let them cool completely before sealing the container.

Can I make these in a convection oven or as oven-baked potato chips?

Yes. For oven-baked potato chips, lay slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet, bake at 350°F and watch closely—timing varies but expect 18 to 25 minutes depending on thickness. Flip halfway for even color.

What if I don’t have a mandoline?

You can use a very sharp knife, but it’s hard to get consistently thin slices by hand. A mandoline makes this a quick project. If you must use a knife, aim for as thin and even as possible.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes—make them earlier in the day and store airtight. I also sometimes freeze extra batches and let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving. They re-crisp slightly after a few minutes out.

Are these quick air fryer potato chips okay for kids?

Totally. They’re a great alternative to store-bought chips. You can cut salt in half for little ones and keep seasonings simple. These are a perfect easy air fryer snacks option for after-school treats.

Conclusion

Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why I keep making these at home. They’re crispy, light, and fast—an ideal snack or side when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

I’d love to hear how your first batch turns out. Leave a comment, share a photo, or tag KitchenShortcuts.net on social so we can celebrate your crunchy success. If you like this, check out my other quick air fryer potato chips ideas and more air fryer recipes for easy weeknight snacks or simple party bites.

Happy cooking, Jake — KitchenShortcuts.net