These Crispy Microwave Potato Chips are a game-changer for snack lovers, delivering golden, crunchy perfection in just 13 minutes. Thinly sliced potatoes transform into irresistibly light and crispy bites, seasoned to your taste with a sprinkle of salt, herbs, or spices.
The microwave method ensures a quick, fuss-free process, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or impressing guests with a homemade treat.
Each chip boasts a satisfying crunch and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals store-bought versions. With only 10 minutes of prep and 3 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a batch of warm, flavorful chips ready to enjoy. Whether paired with dip or savored solo, these chips are a guilt-free indulgence that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Crispy Microwave Potato Chips
- 2 medium-sized potatoes (Russet or any type you prefer, skins on for extra texture)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing, adjust as needed)
- 2 teaspoons salt (for seasoning, adjust to taste)
- Ice water (for soaking to remove starch)
- BBQ Flavor (optional):
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Ranch Flavor (optional):
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Rinse and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. Peel if desired, but leaving the skins on adds texture.
- Slice the potatoes: Using a sharp knife, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible (1/8 – 1/16 inch thick). Aim for slices that are almost transparent.
- Soak in ice water: Immediately place the slices in a bowl of ice water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes to remove starch and ensure crispiness.
- Dry the slices: Pat the potato slices dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll become.
- Arrange on a plate: Line a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper. Lay the potato slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Brush and season: Lightly brush both sides of the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1.5 – 2.5 minutes on one side, then flip and microwave for another 1 – 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Add flavor (optional): For BBQ flavor, mix smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and chili powder in a bowl or bag, then sprinkle over the chips. For Ranch flavor, combine dried parsley, dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle over the chips.
- Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain crispiness. Repeat the process with the remaining slices.
Flavor Boosters: Creative Toppings for Your Chips
Take your crispy potato chips to the next level with these easy flavor ideas! For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the chips right after microwaving. If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
For a tangy kick, squeeze fresh lemon juice or sprinkle with vinegar powder. Sweet and savory fans can try a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a mix of honey and sea salt. The possibilities are endless—experiment and find your favorite combo!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These homemade chips are a versatile snack or side dish. Serve them alongside a creamy dip like guacamole, hummus, or sour cream and chive. They’re also a great addition to a charcuterie board or a bowl of chili.
For a fun party snack, set up a DIY chip bar with different seasonings and dips so everyone can customize their own. Don’t forget to pair them with a cold drink—they’re perfect with iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer!
Quick Tips for Crispy Success
To ensure your chips turn out perfectly crispy every time, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible—use a mandoline slicer if you have one for even, paper-thin slices. Dry the slices thoroughly before microwaving; any moisture can prevent crisping.
Keep a close eye on the microwave, as cooking times can vary. If some chips brown faster than others, remove them early to avoid burning. Finally, let the chips cool for a minute before eating—they’ll crisp up even more as they cool!
Storage Secrets: Keeping Chips Fresh
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. To maintain their crispiness, add a small piece of parchment paper between layers of chips. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make them soggy.
If they lose their crunch, pop them back in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive them. Enjoy within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Prep your potato slices in advance and store them in ice water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just dry and microwave. If you’re making a large batch, use multiple plates and rotate them in the microwave to speed up the process.
For even faster results, invest in a microwave-safe chip maker or silicone mat designed for crisping. These tools can help you cook more chips at once and reduce cleanup time!
Crispy Microwave Potato Chips
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 medium sized potatoes (Russet, or any type you like)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ice water
BBQ Flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Ranch Flavor
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley , crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Rinse potatoes, scrubbing any dirt off skin. Peel if desired, but I like chips with the skins on.
- Thinly slice your potatoes using a knife. The thinner, the better, so you want to slice thinly enough that you are almost shaving the potato; so thin they are transparent. Slices should be between 1/8 – 1/16 inch thick.
- Immediately place slices in ice water. This helps to remove the starch and create crispy chips with those delicious air pockets.
- Dry both sides well on a kitchen towel or paper towel. The dryer they are the better they will crisp.
- Line a plate with a piece of parchment paper. Lay the potato slices out so they aren’t touching. Brush with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt.
- Microwave on high for roughly 1.30- 2.30 minutes on one side, and then roughly 1 – 2 minutes on the other side or until golden brown. Timing may vary based on your microwave. You will know when they are done as they will crisp and turn a toasted brown color.
- Sprinkles the finished potato chips with salt and enjoy
- BBQ flavor : In a freezer bag or bowl combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and chili powder. Sprinkle mix over finished potato chips
- Ranch flavor : In a freezer bag or bowl combine all of the ingredients. Sprinkle mix over finished potato chips
- If not eating straight away, then store in an airtight container or plastic bag. Transfer chips to a bowl, then repeat with the remaining slices. And enjoy!
