I love a crunchy handful of chips with my sandwich, and since I have sandwiches for lunch several times a week, I started making my own Ninja air fryer potato chips at home. You can use other air fryer brands as well—this method works in most models and yields delicious, crispy results with much less oil than traditional frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Potato chips (or crisps, depending on where you live) are a beloved snack for their satisfying crunch and salty flavor. Making them yourself in an air fryer gives you the same crispy texture you crave while cutting back significantly on oil. Homemade chips let you control seasonings and experiment with flavors—classic sea salt, barbecue, salt & vinegar, or any popcorn-style seasoning you like.
This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment, but it produces chips that are crispy, light, and far lower in oil than deep-fried chips. While I reference a Ninja air fryer here, these steps will work in other air fryers—just adjust batch sizes to fit your basket or rack.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- Olive oil cooking spray (or 1 Tbsp olive oil)
- ½ tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
- Optional: additional seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, barbecue seasoning, or salt & vinegar powder
Special equipment note: a mandolin slicer makes slicing quick and uniform, but a vegetable peeler or a very sharp knife will work if you don’t have one. The key to crisp chips is thin, even slices.
Ingredient Notes and Tips
- You don’t need to peel the potatoes—keeping the skin adds texture and color. Yukon Gold or other varieties can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- Olive oil spray gives a quick, even coating. If you prefer, toss the slices with a tablespoon of olive oil instead.
How to Make Potato Chips in an Air Fryer
- Slice the potatoes very thin and evenly using a mandolin, vegetable peeler, or sharp knife. Aim for uniform slices so they cook at the same rate.
- Place the slices in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch—this helps them crisp up.
- Drain the potato slices and dry them thoroughly with paper towels or let them air dry for about 15 minutes. The drier the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Lightly coat the potato slices with olive oil spray and sprinkle with sea salt and any other seasonings you like. Alternatively, toss the slices in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil and the salt.
- Arrange the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer; a small amount of overlap is fine but avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Air fryer models and slice thickness affect time, so check frequently and extend cooking in short intervals if needed.
- Let the chips cool a few minutes to crisp up, then serve with your favorite sandwich, dip, or beverage.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwiches and burgers
- Hot dogs, pulled pork, fried chicken
- Casseroles, hoagies, meatloaf
- Dips such as hummus, queso, or cheese sauce
- Soup or a milkshake for a classic diner pairing
Chips also work well crushed into recipes—try them as a crunchy topping on casseroles or mixed in for texture in sandwiches and salads.
Recipe FAQs
How long do chips take in an air fryer?
A typical batch takes about 8–10 minutes. Thickness and air fryer model influence time, so start checking near the low end.
How do I get chips extra crispy?
Slice thin and even, soak the slices to remove excess starch, dry them completely, add a light coating of oil, and avoid overcrowding the basket.
Do I need to add oil?
Yes, but only a small amount. A quick spray or about 1 tablespoon per 2 medium potatoes is enough to help the chips brown and crisp without deep frying.
Recipe Tips
- Use a mandolin for the most consistent slices. If some chips are done before others, remove the browned pieces and continue cooking the rest to avoid burning.
- Start with the lower end of the cook time and add time in short intervals until you reach the desired crispiness.
Storage Tips
- Cool chips completely, then store in an airtight container or sealed bag for up to two weeks.
- If chips become slightly stale, re-crisp them in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Final Thoughts
These air fryer potato chips are an easy, healthier alternative to deep-fried chips. They’re crispy, customizable, and ideal as a side or snack. While homemade chips require a bit of effort to slice and batch-cook, the result is a fresh, crunchy treat you can season any way you like.
Ninja Air Fryer Potato Chips
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- Olive oil cooking spray (or 1 Tbsp olive oil)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Optional seasonings as desired
Instructions
- Slice potatoes very thin and evenly.
- Soak slices in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch.
- Drain and dry slices completely.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Lightly coat slices with oil and season with salt (and other seasonings if using).
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
- Cool a few minutes and serve.
Notes
- Peeling is optional. Different potato varieties may alter cook time slightly.
- A mandolin yields the most even slices; a peeler or sharp knife will work too.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Re-crisp in the air fryer for a few minutes if needed.
