⭐ Why You’ll Love These Chips
Finding a crunchy, guilt-free snack can feel impossible. Store-bought chips often hide oils, additives, and excess sodium — but these Two-Ingredient Oil-Free Chips prove you don’t need any of that. Made with just potatoes and salt, they’re crispy, wholesome, budget-friendly, and diet-friendly (vegan, gluten-free, and WFPB). Whether baked or air-fried, these chips deliver maximum crunch with minimal effort.
✅ Only 2 core ingredients
✅ No oil, no preservatives
✅ Crispy like fried chips but lighter
✅ Family & kid-approved
✅ Works in oven or air fryer
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes – 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- Best choice: Russets (high starch, low moisture) → maximum crisp.
- Substitutes: Yukon Gold (softer), Sweet Potato (naturally sweet, watch browning).
- Salt – ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
Optional Flavor Boosters: paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, rosemary, smoked salt, or nutritional yeast.
⏱ Time Overview
- Active Prep: 15 minutes
- Soaking (optional): 30 minutes
- Cooking:
- Oven: 20–30 minutes
- Air fryer: 10–15 minutes per batch
- Cooling: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45–70 minutes (depending on soaking)
Skill Level: Easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍴 Equipment Checklist
- Mandoline slicer (for even thin slices)
- Large bowl + clean kitchen towels
- Baking sheets + parchment paper (or silicone mats)
- Wire cooling rack
- Air fryer (optional method)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat Oven – 400°F (200°C). Line trays with parchment or silicone mats.
- Wash & Slice – Scrub potatoes well (peel optional). Slice ultra-thin (1/16 in or 1.5 mm).
- Soak (Optional) – Soak slices 30 minutes in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain.
- Dry Completely – Lay slices between towels and pat bone dry.
- Season – Toss in a bowl with salt and any optional spices.
- Arrange & Bake – Lay slices in a single layer, no overlaps. Bake 10–15 min, then flip/rotate trays. Bake another 5–15 min until golden and crisp.
- Cool on Rack – Transfer immediately to a wire rack. Let cool fully for maximum crunch.
⚡ Air Fryer Method
- Follow steps 2–4 above (slice, soak, dry).
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Season slices and place in a single layer.
- Cook 8–12 minutes, shaking basket halfway. Add extra minutes if needed until golden crisp.
- Cool on rack before serving.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, based on 3 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 27 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg (adjustable)
Compared to store-bought chips (160 cal, 10 g fat, higher sodium), these are lighter, fat-free, and clean-label.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Classic snack: Eat plain or with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- With dips: Hummus, guacamole, salsa, or Greek yogurt dip.
- As a side: Swap fries for chips alongside burgers, wraps, or paninis.
- Crunchy topping: Crumble over salads, soups, or casseroles.
- Snack board: Serve with veggies, fruits, and plant-based dips.
🌍 Flavor Variations (Global Twist)
- American BBQ: Smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder.
- Indian Masala: Curry powder, chili powder, cumin.
- Mediterranean: Rosemary, oregano, sea salt.
- Japanese Style: Sprinkle of nori flakes or sesame seeds.
- Sweet Version: Cinnamon + a light dusting of coconut sugar.
🧪 Expert Tips for Maximum Crispiness
- Uniform Slices = Even Cooking → use a mandoline slicer.
- Dry Thoroughly → moisture = steam = soggy chips.
- Don’t Overcrowd → bake/air fry in single layers.
- Cooling Rack Magic → always cool on a rack, never pile hot chips.
- Convection Advantage → if available, use convection bake for faster drying.
🧾 Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chips soggy | Slices too thick / not dry | Slice thinner, pat dry fully |
| Burned edges | Oven hot spots | Rotate trays, lower temp slightly |
| Stuck to tray | No parchment paper | Always line trays |
| Not crunchy | Overcrowding / underbaked | Spread slices out, bake longer |
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make these with sweet potatoes?
Yes! They brown faster, so bake at 375°F (190°C) and monitor closely.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Best eaten fresh. Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temp. Re-crisp in oven/air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Q: Are these good for meal prep?
Not ideal for long storage, but great for same-day party prep. Make a few hours ahead, then re-crisp before serving.
Q: Are they really healthier than store-bought chips?
Absolutely. They’re oil-free, lower in sodium, and contain just whole potatoes + salt — no additives or preservatives.
📌 Final Thoughts
These Two-Ingredient Oil-Free Chips prove that simplicity wins. With the right technique, you get shatteringly crisp chips that are wholesome, customizable, and family-friendly. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, prepping a snack board, or just craving something crunchy, this recipe guarantees satisfaction without guilt.
✨ Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to healthy snack!