Air Fryer Russet Potato Chips

This is how to make russet potato chips in an air fryer with regular or dark russet potatoes to crispy. As crunchy as deep fried but healthier like air fryer sweet potato chips, these are great as snacks or a side dish with burgers.

Dark Russet Potato Chips Recipe

You can really use any type of tater you want with these instructions. From purple to dark russet, yukon or sweet potato chips, they are all wonderful. From there you might want to really think outside of the box and start frying other vegetables like air fryer spinach chips too.

I had to be talked into trying air fryer kale chips at first but I was surprised to taste how fantastic they were. Seriously, even my kids ask me to make these over and over again. Maybe it’s the fun crispy texture that makes the most common ingredients amazing

What potatoes make the best chips?

You want one with the highest starch content. Therefore romano, desiree or russet are preferred. Sliced very thin, soaked, and then blotted and set to dry before you air fry or bake is a must.

Should you soak potatoes to make chips?

Yes, that is the most important step to not skip would be to soak in a bowl of cool water. Many also do this when making Ninja Foodi french fries. Some salt could be added into the bowl too for flavor and to really leach more of the starch out. This step is key to getting your potatoes crispy whether you deep fry or air fry them.

Once this is done you MUST remove as much water from the outside as possible. The reason for these steps is to remove some of the starch which will mean that the outcome will be crunchier.

Ingredient Notes

Really all you need are potatoes, olive oil and salt. Beyond that you can add additional seasonings or enjoy with how to make fry sauce or our Copycat Lawsons chip dip. Biggest tip is to make sure they are dry before you put them into your heat source to get them crispy.

Ninja Foodi Russet Potato Chips

If you want to make healthy russet potato chips you can use any brand machine you have at home. I have lots of Ninja Foodi recipes ideas, and make lots of things AirWave and Cosori. They all work the same way but with this one you will use the lid that is attached.

Of course these are a fun and tasty snack for kids but also when they are crushed make a salty topping to casseroles and funeral potatoes too.

Tips for Success

First you want to wash and cut potatoes into very thin slices using a mandolin (best method) or a very sharp knife. Rinse and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry well over paper towels in a single layer. Air dry. Potato slices should be dried completely in order to get crispy and crunchy. Season and cook as desired.

You can use taters or Tortilla Chips in Air Fryer too. Yes it will take a few batches to get done completely. If you have a much larger basket that will obviously mean fewer loads but is so worth it in the end. It will get your russets as crunchy as possible, even better than fried friends.

Should you let homemade chips rest?

Yes, I would let them cool before eating, reason being is they stiffen up as they sit. When warm they still may be flexible a bit and a bit chewy so give them a few minutes before snacking away.

If you want to bake in the oven you certainly can. I have made them this way too but I prefer to keep my house nice and cool so avoiding the oven is a must especially during the summertime. It is another healthy way to bake them though, less calories and fat than if you submerged in a pot of oil and fried them.

Oven Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Follow the same directions below except lay these flat when dried on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season and bake for about 10 minutes or until they are as brown and crispy as you’d like. Remove, pour off into a bowl and cook another batch until all are done. Serve and enjoy!

Deep fried chips follow the same directions except when they are drying you’ll want to heat up a pot of oil. To test and see if it is hot enough, break off a pinch of tater and throw it in. If it immediately bubbles and fries then it is ready. Sinking to the bottom and doing nothing means it isn’t hot enough.

How to Store Leftovers

Make SURE they care completely cooled first off. Then store in a freezer bag and suck ALL of the air out. Leave on the countertop the whole time and every time you take some out, suck the air out of the bag again. Every. Time. Got it? 😉 They will last 1-2 weeks if you do it this way so you can enjoy your air fryer potato chip for quite some time.

If you have more taters to use up, make our cheesy hashbrown potatoes in Crockpot or air fryer potato skins recipe some night or morning too.