If you’re a fan of crispy, golden chips but want to enjoy them without the guilt of deep-frying, the air fryer might be your new best kitchen appliance. Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a healthier, quicker, and more energy-efficient way to prepare everything from chicken wings to vegetables — and yes, chips. But one of the most common questions anyone new to air fryer cooking will ask is: how long do you cook chips in air fryer?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make perfectly cooked chips — from preparation to cooking time, temperature, and how best to store or reheat leftovers. We’ll also delve into various types of chips (like potato chips, sweet potato chips, and frozen chips), so you can adapt your approach depending on the kind of snack you’re craving. With tips for seasoning, texture improvement, and oil considerations, you’ll feel confident using your air fryer like a pro.
Why Cooking Chips in an Air Fryer Makes Sense
Before diving into the specifics of cooking time, it’s worth understanding why so many people are switching to air fryers when preparing chips:
- Healthier alternative: Air fryers use hot air to cook food, requiring little to no oil, which drastically reduces fat and calorie content compared to traditional frying.
- Fast cooking time: It typically takes under 20 minutes to cook a fresh batch of homemade chips in an air fryer.
- Easy cleanup: No messy oil splatters, deep fryers, or heavy pans to wash.
- Consistent results: With even air circulation, you’ll enjoy more uniformly cooked chips than stovetop frying can often offer.
Now that we’ve established the advantages of using an air fryer, let’s look at the all-important question: how long do you cook chips in an air fryer?
The Standard Cooking Time for Chips in an Air Fryer
The typical air fryer cooking time for chips — whether using fresh potatoes or other root vegetables — is anywhere between 12 to 25 minutes, depending on a few variables, including:
- The thickness of the chips
- Whether they have been pre-soaked or dried
- If you’re using fresh or frozen chips
- The desired level of crispiness
- The model and temperature of your specific air fryer
As a general rule of thumb:
- Fresh potato chips take about 15–20 minutes at 180°C (360°F).
- Sweet potato chips may take slightly longer: 20–25 minutes at the same temperature.
- Frozen store-bought chips can be ready in as little as 12–15 minutes at a slightly higher heat (around 190–200°C or 370–390°F).
Checking and Shaking Your Chips During Cooking
A critical factor in achieving even cook and crispiness is making sure the chips are shaken or turned during cooking. Air fryers work best when food is moved occasionally to promote heat exposure on all sides.
Most recipes or guides recommend:
- Shaking the basket after 5–10 minutes into cooking
- Using tongs to flip larger batches if cooking within a tray-style air fryer
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Crispy Chips in an Air Fryer
Now that you know the answer to “how long do you cook chips in air fryer” for basic batches, let’s walk through a proven method to make homemade potato chips using minimal oil and your air fryer.
Step 1: Choose and Prep the Potatoes
Wash your potatoes thoroughly and, without peeling, cut them into slices about 1/4 – 1/8 inch (3–5 mm) thick. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for consistency.
Step 2: Soak and Dry (Optional but Recommended)
To remove excess starch and ensure maximum crispiness:
- Soak the chips in cold water for 20–30 minutes.
- Rinse in fresh water and pat them **very** dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
This drying step is key to achieving the best texture.
Step 3: Lightly Oil and Season
Toss the chips with a small amount of oil — about 1–1.5 tablespoons per 4 servings — using a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil for a healthy option. Then, add your desired seasoning (salt, paprika, garlic powder, etc.).
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Fill the basket in a single layer, ensuring a bit of space between chips to allow hot air to circulate. If cooking a large batch, you may need to cook in batches.
Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer
Set your timer and temperature as follows:
| Chip Type | Temperature | Cooking Time | Shake or Flip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potato (fresh) | 180°C (360°F) | 15–20 minutes | After 10 minutes |
| Sweet Potato | 180°C (360°F) | 20–25 minutes | After 12 minutes |
| Frozen Chips | 190–200°C (370–390°F) | 12–15 minutes | After 7 minutes |
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once done, remove chips and allow them to cool for 2–3 minutes. This enhances crispiness further. Serve immediately.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Now that we have solid guidelines, let’s breakdown all the things that could change your timings during air fryer cooking:
Thickness of Slices
Thicker slices will require longer cooking time for the core to cook without burning the edges. Thinner slices will crisp up faster but may become overdone if not monitored carefully.
Soaking and Starch Content
If you skipped the soaking step, expect more oil absorption and less crisp results. Potatoes with high starch content, such as Russets, can benefit from the soaking method.
Type of Air Fryer
Different models — oven-style air fryers versus basket-style — can influence temperature consistency and airflow. Always refer to your owner’s manual for optimal results.
Quantity and Overcrowding
Overloading the basket prevents hot air from flowing around each chip. As a result, chips may end up steaming instead of crisping, altering both texture and overall cooking time.
Achieving a Certain Crust Level
Some prefer their chips barely golden and tender, whereas others want a hard crunch. If you like them extra crispy, you can extend the time in 2–3 minute increments after shaking.
How Long to Cook Other Varieties of Chips in an Air Fryer
Not all chips are made equal — from store-bought frozen fries to vegetable-based alternatives, your air fryer can handle it all, but each requires a slightly different approach in time and temperature.
Frozen Chips in Air Fryer
Ready-made frozen chips are usually partially cooked before freezing and just need to be crisped up and warmed through. Cook at 190–200°C (370–390°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Sweet Potato Chips
Because sweet potatoes have a higher sugar and moisture content than regular potatoes, they cook more slowly. Aim for 180°C (360°F) and cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking at least once around the midpoint.
Beetroot or Carrot Chips
For root vegetable chips like beet slices or carrot crisps, cut them thinly (1/8 inch), pat dry, and air fry at 170–175°C (340–350°F) for about 15–20 minutes, depending on size and batch thickness.
Bagel Chips or Commercial Oven-Baked Chips
If you’re rejuvenating stale chips, try reheating them at 160–170°C (320–340°F) for 4–6 minutes. This can revive the crispiness quickly!
Tips to Get Crispy, Delicious Air Fryer Chips Every Time
To ensure your air fryer chips are at their absolute best, consider these professional-grade strategies:
Use the Right Oil
High smoke point oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil are best for air frying. A light coating is enough since air frying naturally enhances crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
More air fryer chips = more batches. Cook in small quantities for optimum crispness — one layer only.
Keep the Chips Dry
Excess moisture is the enemy of crispness. Always pat chips dry before cooking, especially if soaked or blotted after washing.
Preheat When Necessary
If your air fryer doesn’t auto-preheat, warming it up for 2–3 minutes before adding chips can help achieve a more consistent texture.
Season Wisely
Salt and spices can be added either before entering the fryer (when mixing with oil) or after, depending on flavor preference.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chips
You’ve cooked the perfect batch — now what if you have leftovers?
Chips tend to lose their crunch quickly if left out on the counter, but the right storage and reheating method can bring them back to life.
Storing Chips
Store cooled chips in an airtight container or plastic bag to avoid moisture intrusion. At room temperature, they’ll last:
- 2–3 days for homemade chips
- Up to a week for store-bought air fryer frozen chips
Reheating Chips in Air Fryer
If you want your chips crispy again, follow these steps:
- Spread chips in a single layer in the basket.
- Heat at 160–170°C (320–340°F) for 2–5 minutes.
- Cool 1–2 minutes before serving for improved crunchiness.
Avoid using the microwave—this almost always makes chips soggy.
Conclusion: Answering “How Long Do You Cook Chips in an Air Fryer” Once and for All
Whether you’re preparing fresh-cut chips, frozen snacks, or experimenting with sweet potato or beet varieties, your air fryer can give you delicious, hot, and crispy results every time. Though the general answer is somewhere between 12 to 25 minutes, the precise timing depends on the thickness of the slices, the type of chip, air fryer model, and desired crunch level.
With this guide, you now have a clear roadmap from preparation to reheating. So why wait? Fire up your air fryer, grab some potatoes or your favorite root veggies, and enjoy a guilt-free batch of perfectly toasted chips today!
Don’t forget to share your results and favorite seasoning blends with friends — air fryer chips are bound to become a family staple.
How long should I cook regular potato chips in an air fryer?
Cooking regular potato chips in an air fryer typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 375°F (190°C). The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the chips and the specific model of the air fryer. It’s important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Since air fryers cook using hot air circulation, thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier more quickly than thicker ones.
To get the best results, try slicing your potatoes uniformly for consistent cooking. Some people prefer to soak the sliced potatoes in water for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, which can help achieve a crispier texture. After soaking, dry the slices thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel before placing them in the air fryer. Lightly spraying them with oil can also enhance crispness and color.
What is the ideal temperature for making air fryer chips?
The ideal temperature for making chips in an air fryer is generally between 360°F (180°C) and 375°F (190°C). This range ensures the chips cook evenly and become crispy without burning. Lower temperatures may result in soft, undercooked chips, while higher heat can quickly lead to over-browning or uneven cooking, especially if the chips are not pre-soaked or dried well.
Depending on the type of chips you’re making—whether they’re made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, or other vegetables—the ideal temperature might vary slightly. Sweet potato chips, for example, often require a slightly lower temperature and a shorter cooking time due to their higher sugar content, which can cause browning more quickly. Monitoring your chips as they cook and adjusting temperature as needed can help you perfect the texture and flavor.
Do I need to flip or shake chips during air frying?
Yes, it’s important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Unlike chips baked in a traditional oven, air fryer chips benefit from the hot air circulation, but they may still cook unevenly unless redistributed. Shaking helps prevent hot spots and allows all the chips to crisp uniformly, especially when cooking in larger batches.
Flipping each chip individually isn’t typically necessary in an air fryer due to the basket design and airflow. However, if you notice some chips are not crisping up as expected, gently flipping them toward the end of the cooking process can improve results. It’s also a good idea to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can limit airflow and lead to soggy or unevenly cooked chips.
Can I cook frozen chips in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chips in an air fryer, and it’s an excellent way to achieve crispy results with minimal oil. Frozen chips typically take about 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F (205°C). It’s important to spread them in a single layer in the basket and shake occasionally for even cooking. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking, as the air fryer handles frozen foods effectively due to its rapid heating technology.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the frozen chips. If you’re using seasoned or pre-coated frozen chips, check the package for recommended times as a starting point. Cooking them in the air fryer can result in a crunchier texture than baking or microwaving, and it’s also more energy-efficient and faster than preheating a full oven.
How long should I cook sweet potato chips in an air fryer?
Sweet potato chips typically cook for about 10 to 15 minutes in an air fryer set to 360°F (180°C). Due to their naturally higher sugar content, sweet potatoes brown faster than regular potatoes, so it’s important to monitor them closely to avoid burning. Thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier, while thicker slices may require a bit more time to become fully cooked and golden.
To get the best flavor and texture, lightly coat the sweet potato slices with oil and seasonings of your choice, like cinnamon or sea salt. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as proper spacing allows for even crisping. Check on the chips at the 10-minute mark and remove them once they reach your desired level of crispness. Letting them cool for a few minutes before serving can enhance their crunch.
Why are my air fryer chips not crispy?
There are several reasons why your air fryer chips may not be crispy. One of the most common issues is moisture left on the potato slices. If you didn’t dry them thoroughly after washing or soaking, the excess water can steam the chips instead of crisping them up. Another factor is oil quantity; while you don’t need a lot of oil in an air fryer, a light spray or drizzle helps the chips brown and crisp properly.
Another possible cause is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overloading the basket restricts airflow, leading to uneven cooking and sogginess. Additionally, certain air fryer models may require preheating to achieve the best results. If your machine has a preheat function (or even a “reheat” setting), consider using it before adding the chips. Finally, cooking time may simply be insufficient—one or two extra minutes can make a significant difference in achieving that golden crisp.
How can I make flavored chips in the air fryer?
To make flavored chips in an air fryer, start by coating your slices lightly in oil before seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick and encourages even browning and crisping. For savory options, consider using garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or Parmesan cheese. For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon or a light coat of coconut oil and sugar over sweet potato chips before cooking.
Apply the seasoning evenly but sparingly to avoid overpowering the natural taste or creating overly salty chips. If making larger batches, tossing the slices in a bowl with oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer can ensure every chip is flavored. Once the chips are cooked and cooled, you can add additional flavor elements like sea salt, chili flakes, or a sprinkling of herbs. Be sure to experiment with small batches to find your favorite combinations.