These home cut chips are healthier and easier to make than the original version. Perfect as they are or as a side to your favourite meal! Dunk them into this sour cream and chive dip! You can easily make triple cooked chips without a fryer! I should add here that when I say “chip”, I mean the British potato chip or what is known as “fries” in America. Triple cooking chips really is the ultimate way to prepare the humble potato. These three steps ensure your chip is as crispy outside and fluffy inside as it can be. I think of them as the Tom Cruise of chips. The best of the best. If you have the will power to actually wait through three steps, your reward is so worth it.
What are triple cooked chips?
Triple cooked chips are a type of potato chip (French fries) that are cooked three times, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They were developed by English chef Heston Blumenthal. The first step involves blanching the potatoes in hot water until they are soft but not fully cooked. Then they are removed and allowed to cool down. This process allows for small cracks to develop in the surface in which oil can cling to make the potato extra crunchy. A bit like the process of roasting potatoes. The second step is where the partially cooked chips are fried at a lower temperature. Once done, they are removed and the heat of the oil is increased to fry again. This stage allows for a rigid outer layer to form to allow the chips to withstand the high temperatures of the final fry. Simply frying once does not remove all of the moisture from the interior of the chip and leads to soggy exteriors. The final step is to fry the chips at a higher temperature to give them a final crispiness and golden brown colour. They are then drained, seasoned and served hot. Triple cooked chips are typically served in high-end restaurants and require more time and effort than traditional chips. The result is a deliciously crispy and fluffy chip that is worth the extra effort.
So, what are air fryer triple cooked chips?
Air Fryer triple cooked chips are chips that are air fried rather than deep fried. The initial step of blanching the chips remains the same but then the double fried process all happens in the air fryer. These chips are similarly crispy outside and soft inside but without the excess fat from the oil. I find them easier to make and safer than worrying about standing by a deep fat fryer filled with hot oil. The taste will not 100% replicate the deep-fried version but as far as Air Fryer Chips recipes go, I think this version comes close. They resemble Air Fryer Chunky Chips but have better texture thanks to the recipe method. I often use my air fryer for Air Fryer Garlic Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Garlic Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes and these Indian Masala Chips/Fries
Why you want to make chips in the air fryer
Healthier option: An air fryer uses hot air to cook food, so it requires less oil than traditional frying methods. This means that your chips will be lower in fat and calories than chips made in a deep fryer. Convenience: Making chips in an air fryer is quick and easy. You don’t have to wait for the oil to heat up, and you don’t have to worry about hot oil splatters. Simply toss the potatoes with a little oil and pop them in the air fryer. Crispy texture: The hot air in an air fryer circulates around the food, creating a crispy exterior. This means that your chips will have a satisfying crunch without being overly greasy.
Ingredients for Triple Cooked Chips
Potatoes For the best results, use potatoes high in starch. In the UK, use King Edward or Maris Piper. US readers can go for russet potatoes. You can get away with using all rounder potatoes too. Whether you choose to peel is totally up to you. I have peeled my potatoes. Be sure to cut the potatoes as evenly as possible so that they all cook at the same rate. You want to cut in chunky chips shape. Cooking oil spray I prefer cooking oil spray over normal oil simply because its easier to use. However, another oil such as sunflower or vegetable would work just as well. Salt – salt is adding during the blanching stage and for seasoning.
Best potatoes for chips
The best potatoes for making homemade chips are high-starch potatoes such as Russet or Maris Piper potatoes. These types of potatoes have a low moisture content, which helps them to crisp up well during frying. This results in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Avoid waxy potatoes as they have a higher moisture content and a lower starch content. This can result in a less crispy texture. When selecting potatoes for making chips, choose firm, unblemished potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. It’s also important to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into chips to remove any excess starch. Ultimately, the best potatoes for making chips will depend on personal preference and availability. I sometimes use all rounder potatoes as they are much cheaper and easier to get hold of and the results are not bad.
How to make triple cooked chips in air fryer
I have used my Instant Pot Pro Crisp but you can use any air fryer brand. First, prep your potatoes. Wash well and peel the potatoes. Cut into thick cut chips with a sharp knife. Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly. I went for 1cm wide or basically chunky chips size. Place the cut potato chips as you cut them in cold water to prevent the potatoes going brown Next, boil the chips before air frying (first cook) You can use any large pot here. Place the chips in a saucepan with plenty of cold salted water. Bring the water to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are partially cooked but still firm. To check, prick the potatoes with a knife – the knife should meet a little resistance. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely on a wire rack or place in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 140°C (280°F). Second Cook Once preheated, carefully add the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Add a generous coating of cooking oil spray or brush with oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until a crust forms but there is no colour on the chips. Remove the chips temporarily from the air fryer basket. Third cook – Now, preheat the air fryer to 170°C (340°F) and carefully add the chips again, cooking them for a further 5-10 minutes, until they are crispier and golden-brown. Adjust the temperature so that they do not burn too quickly at the edges. Sprinkle the chips with salt or flavoured salt to taste while they are still hot. Serve the triple cooked chips immediately, with your choice of dipping sauce or as a side dish for your favourite meal.
Pro Tips
Use potatoes that have high starch content for crispier chips. Ensure to cut all the chips approximately the same size. Blanch the potatoes until they are soft but not totally cooked through. You may have to adjust the timings, temperature based on your air fryer model and type of potato. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – this leads to steaming rather than air frying. Shake the air fryer half way and add more oil.
Serving Suggestion
I love chips as they are with a bit of salt and vinegar but after all this effort, it is worth making them into a whole meal. I like to pair chips with a delicious protein like these Sundried Tomato Chickpea Cakes. For a fusion meal, Tawa Burger and chips go great! You cannot beat a Vegan Cornish Pasty with these chips and lashings of gravy. Vegan Curry Puffs with a Thai filling are a good alternative. For a pizza and chips meal, try these Air Fryer French Bread Pizza which you can customise with your own toppings. Go chip shop style with homemade chip shop style curry sauce using curry masala powder. For weekend comfort, go for a vegetarian pie and a simple side salad. Use in this Chinese takeaway salt and pepper chips recipe.
Storage
These chips are best eaten immediately after cooking when they are at their crispiest. If you are not planning on eating them immediately, you could complete step 2 (air frying at low temperatures) and keeping in the fridge. Then, air fry on high heat and serve. You can store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer until hot through. I have not tried to freeze these chips once cooked but you could freeze them after completing step 2 then air fry the last step from frozen.
Air Fryer Potato Recipes
Baked Potato in Air Fryer (Microwave first) Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes. These Mexican flavoured potatoes make a great side Air Fryer Indian Potatoes. Aka Bombay Potatoes Sliced Potatoes in Air Fryer Our readers favourite! As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations! Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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