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Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chips – Crispy, Fast, and Full of Flavor

Prep Time12 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 3–4 medium floury potatoes like Russet, Maris Piper, or Yukon Gold.
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil vegetable, canola, or light olive oil.
  • Bell pepper: 1 small red or green pepper thinly sliced.
  • Onion: 1 small onion thinly sliced (white or red both work).
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves finely minced.
  • Spring onions scallions: 2, sliced for garnish.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste.
  • Black pepper: 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper.
  • White pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for that classic takeaway flavor optional but recommended.
  • Chinese five-spice: 1/2 teaspoon adds warmth and depth.
  • Chili flakes: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon to taste.
  • Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon optional, for a savory finish.
  • Cornstarch cornflour: 1 tablespoon, for extra crispiness.

Instructions

  • Prep the potatoes: Wash and peel if you like (skin-on adds texture). Cut into thick chips about finger-width.
  • Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
  • Soak for crispness: Add the chips to a bowl of cold water and soak for 15 minutes. This pulls out excess starch and helps with a crisp finish.
  • Dry thoroughly: Drain and pat the chips very dry with a clean towel. Moisture is the enemy of crisp.
  • Light coating: Toss the dry chips with oil and cornstarch until evenly coated. Sprinkle with half the salt and black pepper.
  • Air fry the chips: Preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (200°C).
  • Spread the chips in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp at the edges. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Stir-fry the aromatics: While the chips cook, heat a teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened with a bit of char. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine remaining salt, black pepper, white pepper, five-spice, and chili flakes. Taste a pinch to adjust heat and salt levels before adding to the pan.
  • Combine: Add the cooked chips to the skillet with the aromatics. Sprinkle over the seasoning mix and toss to coat.
  • Drizzle in soy sauce if using, and toss again for 20–30 seconds.
  • Finish and serve: Remove from heat, top with sliced spring onions, and serve immediately while hot and crisp.