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Preheat your oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help crisp the chips without needing oil. -
Prepare the potatoes:
Wash and peel the potatoes (you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients if you like). Slice the potatoes thinly—around 1/8 inch thick—using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for uniform thickness. -
Soak the potato slices:
This is the secret to crispy chips without oil! Place the sliced potatoes into a bowl of cold water and soak them for at least 30 minutes. Soaking removes excess starch from the potatoes, which helps them become crispy when baked. -
Dry the slices:
After soaking, drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. The drier the slices, the crispier your chips will be! -
Arrange the chips on a baking sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the potato slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. If they’re stacked or touching, they won’t crisp up properly. -
Bake the chips:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. Keep an eye on them as they bake—once they start turning golden brown, they can burn quickly. Bake until they’re crisp and golden all over. -
Season:
Once the chips are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle with salt or your choice of seasonings. This will help the seasoning stick while they’re still hot. -
Cool and enjoy:
Let the chips cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, giving you that perfect crunch. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
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Slice evenly: The key to even crispiness is uniform slices. A mandoline slicer works wonders for this, ensuring all chips bake at the same rate.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the chips are spread out in a single layer, with space between them. If they’re crowded, they’ll steam instead of crisping.
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Experiment with seasonings: Try adding your favorite flavors like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a little Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
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For extra crispiness: You can also use a convection oven setting if you have one, as the fan helps air circulate around the chips for even more crispiness.
Storage:
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They may lose some crispiness over time, but you can refresh them by placing them back in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQ:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes make a great alternative, and they’re naturally sweeter. Just follow the same steps, but be mindful of the cooking time as sweet potatoes may need a few extra minutes.
2. Can I make these chips in an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you have an air fryer, you can cook these chips at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for the best crispiness.
3. Can I add oil for extra crispiness?
While these chips are designed to be oil-free, if you want an even crispier texture, you can lightly mist them with cooking spray or use a small amount of oil for extra crunch. However, they will still be crispy without oil!