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The Ultimate Crispy Homemade Potato Chips (Oven Baked & Air Fryer Instructions)

A tall pile of golden, homemade potato chips seasoned with salt and spices on a white plate.

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Make the crispiest, golden homemade potato chips from scratch. This recipe provides simple instructions for achieving the best crunch using either your oven or air fryer for a guilt-free snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes completely. You do not need to peel them for a rustic chip.
  2. Slice the potatoes very thinly, aiming for 1/16 inch thickness. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin slices, which is key for crispiness.
  3. Soak the slices: Place the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up.
  4. Dry the slices: Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Spread them out on clean kitchen towels or paper towels and pat them completely dry. Moisture prevents crisping.
  5. Toss with oil and seasoning: In a clean bowl, toss the dry potato slices with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and paprika, if using.
  6. Oven Baking Method: 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 after 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  7. Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches). Cook 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.

Notes

  • For the best crunch, ensure your potato slices are uniform in thickness. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for this easy potato chips recipe.
  • If you prefer a different flavor, try seasoning with onion powder, black pepper, or a low-calorie BBQ seasoning blend.
  • If using the oven, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of baking.

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