Homemade Chips In Air Fryer (Crispy, Chunky & Easy)

Updated: April 2026

These homemade chips in the air fryer are chunky, crispy, golden and proper comfort food.

Made from fresh potatoes with just a little oil, they’re much lighter than deep-fried chips but still taste delicious. The skins crisp up beautifully, the middles stay fluffy, and they’re perfect with everything from burgers and pies to Chicken, fish fingers or a simple fried egg.

This is our go-to method for proper homemade air fryer chips — rustic, skin-on and really easy to make.

Quick Answer – How Long To Cook Homemade Chips In The Air Fryer

Homemade chips take around 30 to 35 minutes in the air fryer.

Cook them in two stages:

• 180°C for 15 minutes to cook the potatoes through
• 200°C for 15 to 20 minutes to crisp them up

Shake the basket several times during cooking so the chips cook evenly.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chips

These homemade chips are a brilliant easy side dish.

• Crispy outside and fluffy inside
• Much less oil than deep frying
• Made with fresh potatoes
• Great with loads of family dinners
• Easy to season your own way
• No chip pan needed

Ingredients For Homemade Air Fryer Chips

You only need two basic ingredients.

• 1.5kg potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional seasoning ideas:

• sea salt
• black pepper
• garlic granules
• smoked paprika
• peri peri seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• rosemary
• ranch seasoning

Ingredient Notes And Easy Swaps

Potatoes

Floury potatoes make the best homemade chips because they crisp up well and stay fluffy inside.

Good options include:

• Maris Piper
• King Edward
• Russet potatoes

You can peel them if you prefer, but we usually leave the skins on for extra texture and flavour.

Oil

Olive oil works well, but you can also use:

• rapeseed oil
• sunflower oil
• avocado oil

You only need enough to lightly coat the chips.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need:

• chopping board
• sharp knife
• colander
• mixing bowl
• kitchen paper
• air fryer

How To Make Homemade Chips In The Air Fryer

Step 1 – Cut The Potatoes

Wash the potatoes well and remove any dirt.

Slice each potato in half lengthways, then cut each half into 3 or 4 chunky chips.

Try to keep the chips roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2 – Rinse The Chips

Tip the chips into a colander and rinse well under cold running water.

This helps remove excess starch, which helps the chips crisp up better in the air fryer.

Step 3 – Dry The Chips

Pat the chips dry using kitchen paper or a clean tea towel.

This step is important — wet chips will steam rather than crisp.

Step 4 – Toss With Oil

Tip the dried chips into a mixing bowl.

Pour over the olive oil and toss well so all the chips are lightly coated.

Add any seasoning now if you’re using it.

Step 5 – Air Fry At 180°C

Tip the chips into the air fryer basket.

Cook at 180°C for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking.

Step 6 – Crisp At 200°C

Turn the temperature up to 200°C.

Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket several times, until the chips are golden, crisp and cooked to your liking.

Best Temperature For Homemade Air Fryer Chips

The best method is to cook the chips in two stages.

First Stage

180°C for 15 minutes

This cooks the potatoes through.

Second Stage

200°C for 15 to 20 minutes

This crisps the outside and gives the chips their golden colour.

This two-stage method gives you chips that are fluffy inside and crisp outside.

Expert Tips For Crispy Air Fryer Chips

Rinse The Potatoes

Rinsing removes excess starch and helps the chips crisp up.

Dry Them Properly

Moisture stops chips crisping properly, so dry them really well before adding oil.

Shake The Basket Often

This helps the chips cook evenly and stops them sticking together.

Don’t Add Too Much Oil

Too much oil can make chips greasy. You only need a light coating.

Cut Evenly

Similar-sized chips cook at the same speed.

Air Fryer Chip Seasoning Ideas

Homemade chips are really easy to flavour.

Try tossing the chips with:

• garlic and herb seasoning
• peri peri seasoning
• smoked paprika
• Cajun seasoning
• rosemary and sea salt
• chilli flakes
• salt and vinegar seasoning

Add dry seasoning with the oil before cooking so the flavour bakes onto the chips.

What To Serve With Homemade Air Fryer Chips

These chunky chips go with so many easy family meals.

Try them with:

• burgers
• chicken burgers
• fish fingers
• chicken pie
• grilled chicken
• steak
• omelettes
• fried eggs
• baked beans
• sandwiches and toasties

Dips For Homemade Chips

Chips are always better with a dip.

Try:

• ketchup
• mayonnaise
• garlic mayo
• BBQ sauce
• sour cream
• sweet chilli sauce
• burger sauce
• peri peri mayo

How To Store And Reheat Leftover Air Fryer Chips

Cool leftover chips quickly, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer until piping hot throughout.

The air fryer is much better than the microwave for reheating chips because it helps them crisp up again.

More Air Fryer Potato Recipes

If you love easy air fryer potato sides, try these next:

• Salt And Pepper Chips
• Rosemary Fries
• Loaded Fries
• Air Fryer Tinned Potatoes
• Air Fryer Jacket Potato
• Frozen Chips In Air Fryer

Air Fryer Recipes Hub

If you enjoy easy air fryer recipes, take a look at our Air Fryer Recipes Hub where you’ll find:

• air fryer dinners
• air fryer sides
• potato recipes
• quick snacks
• family meals
• air fryer cooking guides