Crunchy Homemade Baked Potato Chips

Let’s face it: There’s hardly any snack as irresistible as potato chips. They hit all the right notes. Chips are salty, crunchy, and the ultimate snack. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a chip I didn’t immediately bond with (except for stale ones, but I make sure that never happens). These chips used to be a permanent fixture on my shopping list—until I realized that homemade baked potato chips are not only tastier but super simple to prepare. Just grab some potatoes, your favorite seasonings, and oil. Enjoy, and don’t expect any leftovers.

What Makes Homemade Chips a Healthier Option?

Yumna Jawad, the culinary expert behind Feel Good Foodie, explains why her homemade potato chips recipe beats store-bought options: "Homemade chips are baked, making them a healthier choice, and they’re incredibly easy to make," she says. "Instead of deep-frying, we use less oil, which reduces the saturated fat. Plus, you can control the seasonings, and there are no preservatives or additives to extend shelf life."

Yumna's straightforward chip recipe includes russet potatoes (the starchier, the better), along with spices like garlic and paprika ("Feel free to experiment with different spices for various flavors"), and olive oil.

Tips for Making Perfect Baked Potato Chips

• Choose russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are rich in starch, making them the best choice for crispy homemade chips. The starch helps achieve that extra crunch and crispiness.
• Cut the potatoes thinly: For the crispiest chips, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. Even slices ensure uniform baking, preventing burning.
• Leave the skin on: If you like, you can peel the potatoes, but keeping the skin adds color, texture, and extra nutrients!
• Thoroughly dry the potato slices: Make sure to dry the potato slices completely before baking to avoid sogginess. Well-dried slices will bake into crispy chips.
• Arrange the slices in a single layer: Spread the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking and avoid burnt spots.
• Toss in olive oil right away: After slicing, immediately coat the potato slices in olive oil to prevent oxidation and browning.

Ingredients List

• 2 russet Idaho potatoes (or you can substitute with Yukon Golds)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet:

Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the potatoes:

Cut the potatoes into thin rounds, approximately 1/8" thick, using a sharp knife or mandolin. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Coat and season the potatoes on the baking sheet:

Place the sliced potatoes on the baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and toss them to ensure an even coating.

Bake the potatoes and let them cool:

Spread the potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy. Allow the chips to cool completely before storing to maintain their crispness.

Baked Potato Chip Variations

• Customize your chips' flavor: Personalize your baked potato chips by experimenting with various seasonings like chili powder, onion powder, za'atar, rosemary, truffle oil, or any spices you prefer.
• Try alternative tubers: For a nutritious twist, create chips from other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, turnips, taro, yams, or even carrots.
• Use a convection oven: If your oven features a convection setting, utilize it to enhance the crispiness of your chips. Alternatively, consider air frying for a crispier texture.
• Give your chips texture with a wavy cutter: Use a crinkle cutter or wavy chopper to add texture and a fancy appearance to your homemade potato chips.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Potato Chips

• Dip: Pair your homemade potato chips with a tasty dip! You can go with a store-bought option, or make a quick and delicious herby yogurt dip yourself.
• Caviar: For a luxurious treat, enjoy potato chips with caviar, and enhance the richness with sour cream, creme fraiche, or clotted cream. American Paddlefish Caviar is an affordable choice, or try Caviart's vegan black caviar, which mimics the real thing and costs under $10 per jar.
• Nachos: Create homemade potato chip nachos! Who doesn't love cheesy potatoes? Pour warm queso over the chips, sprinkle with pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and you've got a gourmet version of nachos using potato chips as the base.

How to Store Your Baked Potato Chips

After the baked potato chips have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark area. They should stay fresh for up to three days or more.

5 More Potato Recipes to Try

• Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Crispy Potato Latkes
• Ham and Potato Pizza
• Cheesy Potato Frittata
• Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it better to fry or bake potato chips?

  The choice between frying and baking potato chips depends on the cook and the preference of the chip eater, but baked chips tend to be healthier overall.

• Are baked potato chips healthy?

  Baked potato chips are a healthier option compared to fried chips since they have less saturated fat content.

• Why are my homemade potato chips not crispy?

  For crispy homemade chips, it’s essential to slice them thinly and ensure they are fully dried before baking.