Crispy Homemade Potato Chips (Print Page)

Golden, ultra-crispy potato chips made from scratch with perfect seasoning and irresistible crunch.

# What You Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes (about 1.75 lbs), scrubbed

→ Seasonings

02 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)

→ Frying

04 - 4 cups vegetable oil (sunflower, canola, or peanut oil)

# Directions:

01 - Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes into very thin rounds approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick for optimal crispiness.
02 - Rinse the potato slices in cold water to eliminate excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper frying.
03 - Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer to 340°F, maintaining consistent temperature throughout the frying process.
04 - Working in small batches to prevent overcrowding, carefully add potato slices to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
05 - Remove chips using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Immediately season with sea salt while hot, adding pepper if desired.
06 - Allow chips to cool completely on the tray to achieve maximum crispness. Store in an airtight container if not serving immediately to maintain texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The satisfaction of creating something so addictive from just three ingredients never gets old.
  • Once you master the timing, you will wonder why you ever settled for store bought chips.
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that overcrowding the pot leads to soggy chips, so fry in small batches for best results.
  • Soaking slices in ice water for 30 minutes before frying removes even more starch, creating an incredibly light crunch.
03 -
  • Never walk away from hot oil, and keep a lid nearby in case of splatter.
  • The mandoline produces the most consistent results, so use the guard and take your time.