Chips mean different things to different people. They are known as French fries in North America and crisps in the UK. Still, in the UK, chips refer to the longer, thicker and rectangular fried potato slices while French fries denote the thinner and crispier type. Our review of the best air fryer for chips focuses on both variations to provide you with a healthier alternative to traditional frying and versatile ways to make crisp, low-calorie and mouth-watering chips which are devoid of harmful seasoning.
To identify the most suitable model, consider important features such as capacity, temperature range, and dimensions. Look at the listed capacity for an air fryer that will suit the number of people you intend to feed or allow you to batch cook for regular ready meals. You will also need to check the temperature range, which will allow you to prepare a wide range of dishes in various styles and dimensions that will fit in your available space. Other key factors we analyzed are the wattage for efficiency and additional features like timers, nonstick coating, and dishwasher safe parts for greater convenience.
After researching individual features and customer feedback, we have compiled a list of the top-rated models that make the best air fryer for chips. In this comprehensive review, you will find a comparison table, detailed analysis of the features, pros and cons of each of the air fryers, an all-encompassing buying guide which deeply examines the key features, and a summary of our top three picks.
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Editor's Choice: COSORI CP-158AF"This advanced air fryer features digital one-touch LED panel where you can select between a whopping 11 settings to make not only chips and fries but also whatever you desire."
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Best Energy-Efficient: NuWave Brio Air Fryer"A somewhat compact device that is ideal for a small family; boasts of a programmable timer and a pre-heat option."
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Best Air Fryer for Potato Chips: Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer"An air fryer with a huge capacity that is enough to feed a big family and several friends as well."
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Best Versatile Air Fryer for Chips: Dash DFAF455GBAQ01"Featuring an incredibly eye-catching design, this air fryer is also available in several color options to blend in with your kitchen décor seamlessly."
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Best Air Fryer for Fish and Chips: Philips HD9621/96"An easy-to-use appliance from the pioneer in the air fryer production; uses the patented TurboStar technology for even heat distribution."
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Budget Pick: Chefman 3.5-Liter Air Fryer"Users rave about this model thanks to the non-stick coating, decent capacity, and user-friendly controls."
Top 6 Air Fryers for Chips Review 2022
COSORI CP-158AF
- Capacity: 5.8 qt.
- Wattage: 1,700
- Temperature range: up to 400ºF
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 12.6 x 11.7 inches
- Warranty: 2-year limited
More features: 11 presets; one-touch LED panel; 100 recipes are included
Our Editor’s Choice holds industry certifications for compliance to safety standards and energy efficiency. The PFOA-free & BPA-free unit is certified by ETL and listed by UL which protects consumers from harmful products.
To make your cooking not only healthier but also more diversified, COSORI CP-158AF air fryer features a deep and square design which can hold up to 5.8 quarts of food, a cookbook with 100 original recipes, a beeping reminder to shake your food for even cooking, maximum cooking temperature of up to 400ºF, a large LED display and a digital touchscreen panel with 11 built-in settings for steak, poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, frozen foods, French fries, vegetables, root vegetables, bread, desserts, and the preheat function to save time.
Safety features include automatic shut off which prevents overcooking food or overheating the air fryer and a handle that stays cool and a sliding button guard which secures the basket to prevent accidental detachment.
Customers count this top-rated model as the best air fryer for fresh chips because it allows them to customize the seasoning for personalized flavor while using 85% less fat than in a deep fryer. They also like the Keep Warm function, which gives it an edge over other models in the same price range.
You have to toggle between the timer and temperature because they share a button. This is somewhat inconvenient but not a deal breaker.
What are its best features?
- Large display
- Multiple presets
- Keep warm and preheat function
- UL-listed and ETL-certified
- Cool handle
- Button guard
- Reminder to shake food
What could be improved?
- Shared button for timer and temperature
NuWave Brio Air Fryer
- Capacity: 6
- Wattage: 1,800
- Temperature range: 100-400ºF
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 17.7 x 16.2 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: programmable timer up to 100 hours; pre-heat option; comes with a 3-piece accessory kit
What makes this model the best air fryer for homemade chips is the sheer number of adjustable settings so that you could personalize your meals as opposed to the usual temperature and time dials found on other air fryers. You can even choose among 900, 1500 and 1800 watts to broil steaks or fry chicken in low heat or select any of the six pre-set settings for French fries, frozen fries, nuggets, steak, poultry, or fish. Select your preferred wattage once the unit powers on and starts blinking. Otherwise, it will automatically operate on the highest wattage.
NuWave Brio Air Fryer comes with a three-piece gourmet kit consisting of a nonstick baking pan, a stainless-steel cooking rack, and a cookbook as well as a programmable timer that runs up to 100 hours and cooking temperature of 100 to 400ºF to accommodate versatile menus.
This unit has a 6-quart capacity and is quite large in size. It is actually the largest on our list, with dimensions of 19.6 x 17.7 x 16.2 inches. It also features a black sleek design and an LED digital control panel with user-friendly touch buttons, including a preheat option and an automatic re-heat button which runs for four minutes at 360 ºF.
The cooking rack, basket and the basket divider which allows you to prepare different dishes in one go are dishwasher safe, and you can line the base of the Teflon basket with aluminum foil to trap grease for convenient cleanup.
When you first use this air fryer, it may emit the smell of burning plastic, which soon disappears.
What are its best features?
- Multiple adjustable settings
- Black sleek design
- Automatic reheat
- Programmable timer
- LED digital panel
- Touchpad controls
- A three-piece kit included
What could be improved?
- Initial plastic smell
Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer
- Capacity: 16
- Wattage: 1,300
- Temperature range: up to 480ºF
- Dimensions: 16 x 12.5 x 13.5 inches
- Warranty: 2-year limited
More features: includes 50+ recipe book 2 cooking racks
Heat fluctuations will be a thing of the past with this model which uses halogen, convection, and infrared heat to distribute heat evenly while locking in the juices to prevent the meat from drying out, making it the best hot air fryer for chips and other healthy meals. The transparent glass bowl allows you to monitor food progress without opening the heat chamber to limit heat loss and maintain temperatures of up to 480º F.
Big Boss Oil-Less Air Fryer comes with two cooking racks for simultaneous preparation of different meals and an extender ring which fits onto the rim to expand the cooking capacity to 16 quarts and increase the height for larger meals such as a full turkey. Customers particularly praise its prowess for making chips with a little spritz of oil so it may just be your best shot at recreating the popular Lay’s potato chips in the comfort of your home. Since it doubles up as a dehydrator, you can also prepare desserts with dried fruit.
Other notable features include instant heating which eliminates the need to thaw or preheat food, a timer with an auto shut-off safety function, food icons with their respective cooking temperature on the unit, and a book with 50+ versatile recipes.
This Big Boss model is ideal for big servings, but its size is quite bulky, and the round design does not help much.
What do we love it for?
- Three heating elements
- Large expandable capacity
- Two cooking racks
- Transparent bowl
- Dehydrator function
- No thawing or preheating required
What were we disappointed with?
- Quite bulky
Dash DFAF455GBAQ01
- Capacity: 6 qt.
- Wattage: 1,700
- Temperature range: up to 400ºF
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.8 x 14.8 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: FDA tested and ETL certified
If you have a large family or you enjoy the convenience of batch cooking and would like a healthier and cheaper substitute to dining out while retaining the mouth-watering flavor and the crispy and crunchy texture of your favorite delicacies, we have the right model for you. Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 air fryer is the best air fryer for crispy chips on Amazon, a bestseller which boasts of impressive ratings by satisfied customers.
The FDA tested, and ETL certified cooker requires 1,700 wattage to fry up to six quarts of food at once using air crisp technology which reduces added oil by up to 70 to 80%. Whether you want to indulge in crispy chicken that will not clog your arteries, or utilize the compatible 110 voltage in North America to make the French fries which are known as crisps in the UK, this air fryer is adequately equipped to cook a variety of meals at varied temperature up to a maximum of 400º F while the timer with an auto shut-off function prevents undercooking.
Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 is available in black, white, red and aqua colors and it comes with a recipe book and instant access to a larger recipe database, making it a versatile cuisine vessel that will blend in with most décor and other kitchen appliances.
You will also like the tray and basket which easily slid and can be lifted out for cleaning in a dishwasher as well as their non-stick coating which eliminates buildup.
A few customers have complained about the basket’s handle, which comes off loose.
What are our favorite features?
- Approved by FDA and ETL
- Sizeable capacity
- Multiple colors
- Recipe book and database
- Non-stick coating
- Healthier crispy food
- Impressive ratings
What could be better?
- Handle comes off
- No fancy programmable settings
Philips HD9621/96
- Capacity: 2.75 qt.
- Wattage: 1,425
- Temperature range: up to 390ºF
- Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.4 x 11.4 inches
- Warranty: 2-year limited
More features: comes with a removable non-stick mesh; dishwasher safe parts
Although the initial cost of this bestselling countertop cooker may seem prohibitive to some considering the small capacity of 2.75 quarts, Philips Viva Air Fryer is cheaper to operate in the long run because it requires low maintenance and also provides you with healthier fried foods with up to 75% less fat. You can explore more culinary options with temperatures of up to 390º F, the bonus 150+ recipe booklet that is included in the package as well as the Airfryer recipe app and the reference chart on the unit itself which shows cooking time and temperature for meat and other dishes.
It is just as easy to operate, requiring no preheating and using the company’s patented TurboStar technology to constantly circulate heat for thorough cooking that is also much faster than an oven. The result is delicious dishes which are tender inside and crispy on the outside, akin to the texture of the chips that are popular with fish in the UK.
We like the glossy, streamlined look which is convenient for small cooking spaces and the removable handle, which makes it easy to assemble or disassemble the non-stick and dishwasher safe drawer and basket for convenient cleaning.
The shut-off mechanism could be better. Currently, you have to unplug the air fryer or wait for the integrated 30-minute timer to run out.
What makes it special?
- Patented technology
- No preheating required
- Streamlined design
- Convenient handle
- Recipe app and booklet
What cons did we find?
- Small capacity
- Inconvenient shut-off
Chefman 3.5-Liter Air Fryer
- Capacity: 3.6 qt
- Wattage: 1,200
- Temperature range: 175-400ºF
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 12 x 12 inches
- Warranty: 3-year limited
More features: nonstick coating; flat basket design
The low pricing of Chefman 3.5-Liter Air Fryer is just one of the many things that make this budget-friendly model a bargain; it also comes with a space-saving design, simple controls that are easy to operate and dishwasher safe parts that make cleaning a breeze and make this unit the best air fryer for homemade chips.
The non-stick basket has a capacity of 3.5 quarts to provide a small family with healthier crispy meals prepared by rapid air circulation, which uses little to no oil to reduce calories. The basket is detachable and has a flat design which increases the cooking capacity by 40 percent without increasing the footprint, therefore complementing the compact size of the air fryer for convenient placement on counters and other limited spaces.
A dial at the top of the unit allows you to adjust the temperature from 175 to 400ºF while the front dial is used to set the 60-minute timer to ensure your food is cooked evenly. For additional safety, two LED indicators on the front indicate when the unit is turned on and when the set cooking temperature is achieved.
Additionally, you will also receive a recipe booklet with instructions which include the temperatures and timings of a variety of dishes to diversify your diet.
When you warm this air fryer for the first time, you may notice a smell of burning plastic which may last for a few minutes to a week.
What makes it stand out?
- Detachable non-stick basket
- Oil-free frying
- Simple control dials
- LED indicators
- Recipe booklet
- Compact design
- Low pricing
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
- Initial smell
Things to Consider
As we promised earlier in this review, we have outlined the most important features you should take into account prior to purchasing the best air fryer for crispy chips which are also healthier, owing to usage of little to no oil. You will also find examples of the myriad dishes you can prepare with an air fryer in the FAQ section at the end of this definitive buying guide, and the other ways you can benefit from owning one below.
A healthy way to make potato chips and French fries
Since they were first introduced by Phillips in 2010, air fryers have been a consistent hit with buyers who are becoming increasingly health-conscious. Instead of deep-frying with oil, they use hot air circulating more rapidly than in an oven to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure heat is evenly distributed in all directions for thorough cooking.
- Healthier meals: The best air fryer for homemade chips uses little to no oil to make potato chips and French fries with the same taste and texture we love in our deep-fried food but with fewer calories, making it a heart-friendly alternative to ovens and microwaves. Check out this easy-to-follow air fryer baked potato recipe as well to make the most of your appliance.
- Timesaver: It heats up fast and achieves a higher range of temperature to speed up your cooking process. The programmable settings such as cooking presets and timers allow you to perform other important tasks of yours instead of babysitting the frying food.
- Energy-efficient: By heating food faster and hotter, the best hot air fryer for chips shortens your overall cooking time and subsequently saves energy.
- Economical: Most models in this guide are available in reasonable prices, despite the versatile options which allow you to batch cook and prepare both fresh and frozen food in different styles, saving you money on takeaways and dining out.
- Compact design: Spacious capacity coupled with space-saving sizes is a winning combination which has earned air fryers a constant presence on kitchen countertops in several households.
Features to consider while choosing an air fryer for chips
The features below are designed to guide you on the most essential factors to consider so you can get the most suitable that will suit your budget and cooking needs.
Capacity
Since the various models on the market hold different amounts of food, capacity – measured in quarts, pounds or liters – is one of the key features you need to prioritize to pick the best air fryer for fresh chips that will meet the demand of your household and any guests you typically host. The capacity usually ranges from 1 to 16 quarts. The Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer which has a capacity of 16 quarts would be an ideal option for a large family or for people who enjoy batch cooking while the Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 and the NuWave Brio Air Fryer which both hold six quarts of food would adequately feed one to four people.
You can increase the capacity with additional cooking racks, separators, or extenders, which allow you to fit larger meals and prepare separate dishes simultaneously. A good example of this is the Big Boss Oil-Less Air Fryer which comes with two cooking racks as well as an extender ring which fits onto the rim to expand the cooking capacity to 16 quarts and increase the height so you can fit in a full turkey.
Wattage
As you may have deduced from our review of the best air fryer for homemade chips, the power consumption varies from one model to another. For instance, the Chefman 3.5-Liter Air Fryer uses 1,200 watts, and both the COSORI CP-158AF and the Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 have a wattage of 1,700. Then you have the NuWave Brio Air Fryer with adjustable wattage of 900, 1,500 and 1,800 watts, a convenient feature for multiple cooking options at varied temperature. A common misconception is that an air fryer with a high wattage will rack up your energy bill. On the contrary, these models generally heat faster and hotter, speeding up your cooking to save time and energy.
Temperature range
Keeping in mind that different dishes cook at different optimal temperatures, the best air fryer for cooking chips and other types of food should feature a wide range of adjustable temperature, ideally up to 400 Fahrenheit, to accommodate a larger variety of dishes and cooking styles. The NuWave Brio Air Fryer which ranges from 100 to 400º F and the Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer which cooks meals at up to 480º F are great choices for versatile cooking.
Timer
Depending on your choice, your model will include an analog or digital timer which runs at different intervals. A timer frees you up so you can focus on other tasks as your food is cooking.
A number of products we have reviewed for the best hot air fryer for chips illustrate the different durations you can set their respective timers; 30 minutes for the Philips HD9621/96, 60 minutes for the Chefman 3.5-Liter Air Fryer, and an impressive maximum time of 100 hours for the NuWave Brio Air Fryer which is convenient for slow cooking.
Dimensions
Most air fryers are compact because they are designed to fit on your counter, but you will still need to factor in the physical size of your intended model in relation to the space available in your kitchen. Large capacity usually comes with a corresponding large size so you may need to strike a balance between your cooking needs and cooking space. If you have limited space, consider the COSORI CP-158AF or Philips HD9621/96 which measure 11.8 x 12.6 x 11.7 inches and 14.3 x 10.4 x 11.4 inches respectively.
Warranty
Consider the length of the warranty, usually one or two years, and the option for extended warranties to increase the period you are covered in case of defects and malfunctions. Check out reviews from verified buyers and authoritative review sites such as ours for feedback on customer support as well as the performance of your potential air fryer.
Extra features
Nonstick coating: Look for a cooking basket and grills with a non-stick coating to reduce the overall cleaning time.
Dishwasher safe parts: All the models we have recommended for the best air fryer for cooking chips feature baskets which you can detach and toss in a dishwasher for greater convenience.
Programmability: Built-in presets are time-saving options which eliminate guesswork because they automatically cook various dishes at optimal settings for the best results. That is why our Editor’s Choice for the best air fryer for crispy chips is the COSORI CP-158AF which features eleven built-in settings for steak, poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, frozen foods, French fries, vegetables, root vegetables, bread, desserts, and a useful preheat function.
Control: Do you prefer the manual dials like the one on the Chefman 3.5-Liter Air Fryer or touchpad controls like on the NuWave Brio Air Fryer? In addition to a touchscreen panel, the COSORI CP-158AF and the Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 also come with a large digital LED display which shows the settings you have selected. Your choice of control will depend on your personal preference.
Safety Features: Although the best air fryer for fresh chips cooks your food in enclosed spaces which eliminates sputtering of the little oil you may use for coating, you will still need to take precautions to avoid burning your hands or overheating your food and damaging the unit.
Safety features come in form of an auto shut-off mechanism which stops the unit from operating after the timer runs out and is a standard function in most air fryers, a cool-touch handle which eliminates the need for cooking gloves, and a button guard (like on the COSORI CP-158AF) which secures the cooking basket to prevent accidental detachment.
Accessories: Majority of air fryers come with a basket, a cookbook with diverse recipes, and probably a rack or two. Accessories provide more cooking options and can save you the money you would have spent on acquiring them separately. Accessories for our featured products include an extender ring and two cooking racks for the Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer and a three-piece gourmet kit for the NuWave Brio Air Fryer. Purchasing the Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 gives you instant access to a large recipe database.
How to make chips in an air fryer
- Slice the potatoes into thin pieces for thorough cooking.
- Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes to remove the sticky starch for optimal crispiness.
- Use paper towels to blot the potatoes dry after draining them, and then add salt, pepper and your favorite seasoning for personalized flavor.
- Coat the bottom of the cooking basket with a little spritz of oil and place a small batch of the slices in few layers to avoid overcrowding which causes uneven cooking.
- Fry at 180 degrees for half an hour and remember to shake the potatoes after every few minutes.
- Increase the heat to 400 degrees for 3 minutes or until the potato slices become crispy.
How to make French fries in an air fryer
- Slice the potatoes into long 1/2-inch thick rectangular pieces.
- Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes to an hour to achieve the coveted crispy exterior. The key to getting ultra-crispy French fries is to soak the cut potatoes in water to help remove some of their starch content. This helps the centers get tender, and the outsides get crispy!
- Drain the sliced potatoes and add salt, pepper, and seasoning of your choice.
- Drizzle the basket’s inner base with a little oil then put the potatoes in few layers.
- Cook at 300°F for 30 minutes or until the sliced potatoes are tender, shaking them at 5-minute intervals.
FAQ
You can make a whole lot of dishes. The innovative appliance is really all that and a bag of chips, pun intended. Our top pick for the best air fryer for crispy chips is the versatile COSORI CP-158AF which features eleven built-in settings for steak, poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, frozen foods, French fries, vegetables, root vegetables, bread, and desserts. Alternatively, you can opt for the multipurpose NuWave Brio Air Fryer with a multitude of customizable settings for wattage, presets for six different dishes, timer for up to 100 hours, variable temperature from 100 to 400 ºF, and a three-piece gourmet kit consisting of a nonstick baking pan, a stainless steel cooking rack and a cookbook. With all these options, you can only be limited by your imagination.
Ticking timers, rotating fans, and beeping reminders will make some noise. Ideally, this noise should not exceed 65 decibels. The models we have endorsed for the best hot air fryers for chips fall within this decibel range, generating a range of humming sound similar to an air conditioner, a microwave or a dishwasher. For instance, the maximum noise output for the COSORI CP-158AF and the Philips HD9621/96 is 65 dB and 64.4 dB respectively.
With the best air fryer for crispy chips, you will definitely get low-calorie food that is crispier and crunchier than the one cooked in an oven. Based on online reviews and ratings by verified buyers, the NuWave Brio Air Fryer and the COSORI CP-158AF are particularly noteworthy for crispy cuisine.
Our Verdict
The COSORI CP-158AF may be the one thing that will finally make us agree on one definition for chips because it is equipped to handle all the variations of the popular potato snack as well as steak, poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, frozen foods, vegetables, root vegetables, bread, and desserts.
The NuWave Brio Air Fryer is all-inclusive in every sense of the word yet still variable for tailored individual preferences. Tap the buttons on the LED digital panel to customize wattage and temperature or select a preset for both French fries and frozen fries. Use the rack and basket separator to fit in an assortment of dishes and set the timer to slow-cook before leaving for the weekend getaway with your girlfriends so you can all find your favorite fried gourmet ready when you return.
If you prefer a large capacity and faster frying with fiery temperatures to speed up batch cooking, then the 16-quart Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer with triple heat output would make the best air fryer for cooking chips and other diverse dishes.
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