Let's face it — potato chips are one of those snacks we just can't resist. But traditional fried chips often come loaded with oil, salt, and extra calories that we don't really need. The good news?

We can make our own crispy, delicious chips at home — without frying!

Today, let's explore how we can make baked or air-fried potato chips that taste amazing but skip the grease. They're simple, customizable, and perfect for guilt-free snacking.

What We'll Need

To make a basic batch of homemade healthy chips, here's what we'll need:

• 2 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)

• 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil

• A pinch of salt

• Optional: paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, black pepper, or nutritional yeast for extra flavor

No deep fryer required! A baking tray or air fryer is all we need.

Step 1: Slice the Potatoes Thin

The key to crispy chips is thin, even slices.

We can use a mandoline slicer for perfect results, but a sharp tool works too — just take your time and try to keep the thickness around 1.5–2 mm. Thinner slices will become crispier and cook more evenly.

Once sliced, soak the potatoes in cold water for 15–30 minutes. This step helps remove extra starch, which makes the chips crispier and less likely to stick.

Step 2: Dry and Season

After soaking, drain the slices and dry them very well with a clean towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispness!

Next, toss the slices with a small amount of oil — just enough to coat them lightly. Add your seasoning of choice and mix until every slice is flavored. Go light on the salt if you plan to enjoy a big batch.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry

For baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

3. Lay the potato slices in a single layer without overlapping.

4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Keep an eye on them, especially in the last few minutes, as they can burn quickly.

For air frying:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 160–170°C (320–340°F).

2. Place the slices in a single layer in the basket.

3. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

The chips should be golden, crisp, and slightly curled at the edges when done.

Step 4: Let Them Cool and Crisp Up

When you take the chips out, they might feel slightly soft in the center. Don't worry — they'll crisp up more as they cool.

Spread them out on a wire rack or paper towel and let them cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. They're best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days.

Flavor Ideas to Try

Once we've mastered the basic version, we can get creative with different flavors:

• Spicy chips: Add chili powder, cayenne, or smoked paprika.

• Herb lovers: Try dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.

• Cheesy style: Sprinkle a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor (with no dairy).

• Sweet twist: Use sweet potatoes and add cinnamon for a unique snack!

Let's Snack Smarter

Making our own chips isn't just healthier — it's fun! We get full control over the ingredients, the flavor, and the crunch. And once we try it, we'll wonder why we ever bought a greasy bag from the store.

So Lykkers, what kind of chip are you excited to try — classic salted, spicy paprika, or maybe something totally new? Let's get slicing and turn our snack time into something light, crispy, and homemade!

Making our own chips

Video by America's Test Kitchen