Golden, crispy, and salty. I love a good chip. How fun would it be making your own? Too bad it’s a lot of work. Who has the time to heat a pot of oil on the stove or get out the deep fryer? Then, there is the clean up. I’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy recipe for making your own. There’s a method switch up too. No deep frying here. I’ve got Microwave Potato Chips!
I Can’t Eat Just One
Potatoes that have been deep fried to a crispy and salty perfection constantly temp me. When Lay’s says, “I bet you can’t eat just one”, for me it’s true. However, there are also some things Lay’s doesn’t say.
- The great big bag is a lot of air and less chips than what you think.
- Watch the fat and calories in a serving of these chips.
- A serving size is only 1 ounce.
- An ounce of potato chips is only about 15 chips……..who only eats 15 chips???
- That 7 or 8 ounces of chips costs 3.00 or more. Do you know how many pounds of potatoes you can buy at that price??!!
When I think about those kind of things it’s a reminder that I can eat more than one, but not the whole bag at once.
What if I could make my own that were more healthy and affordable than the store bought? Maybe I could even figure out the deep fryer matter?
Check off all the boxes because that’s exactly what these Microwave Potato Chips do!
Can you Make Potato Chips in the Microwave?
The one word answer to the question is Yes! The chips cook up crispy in just a few minutes. It’s surprising how easy making this recipe is and how well the microwave cooks the chips.
Are Microwave Potato Chips Healthy?
This Microwave Potato Chips recipe uses oil but the chips are not deep fried so you’ll save some calories from that. You can certainly start at my oil amount used and reduce or increase the amount to see what works best for you. Also, using an oil that you are most comfortable with is fine. I like olive oil but use Vegetable, Coconut, or Avocado if you like those options better.
You also control the amount of salt on these chips. If you have a sodium restricted diet these are perfect. Making them without salt is not a problem.
These two little ingredients are easily adjusted making them more healthy than what’s in the bag.
How Many Calories are in Microwave Potato Chips
The oil and salt used in these chips makes them more healthy. This is easily seen in the calorie count. Let me break down the numbers for you in regards to these homemade chips and the ones purchased at the grocery store.
A medium potato is around 8 oz and has about 165 calories. 2 tablespoons of olive oil is 238 calories. This entire recipe of chips is 403 calories.
In comparison, 1 ounce of Lays Classic Potato Chips contains 160 calories. Let’s say a bag of chips is 8 oz. That makes an entire bag of potato chips 1280 calories.
With an 877 calorie difference between the two chips, I definitely think these chips are more healthy than store bought chips.
Remember, while this recipe is more healthy, they are still potatoes. They are much higher in calories than other vegetable choices when you are looking for snacks.
What Are Other Benefits to Homemade Potato Chips?
In addition to the the chips being better for your calorie intake there are other reasons these are great.
- The Price Comparison – The difference in price can’t be beat. A large bag of potatoes is a few dollars. One bag of chips is a few dollars. You’re getting around 5 pounds of potatoes for the same price as one bag of chips!
- You Choose the Potato Variety – I use Russet Potatoes for my chips but use whatever you prefer. White, Yukon Gold and Red Potatoes are all great options for this recipe.
- Season as You Like – I simply salted these chips but you could certainly add additional seasonings to yours. I plan on adding seasoning recipe options to the blog in the future for these chips.
- They’re Good for Dip – These chips are sliced ⅛ thick. They’re nice and sturdy for loading up with your favorite dip.
- No Crumbs – You know you get a little irked when a bag of chips is all crumbs at the bottom. These microwave potato chips don’t have that problem. They are all full size chips.
Tips for Making Microwave Potato Chips
- Slice the Potatoes into Thin, Even Slices – This allows the slices to cook quickly and evenly. I like using a mandoline. See below if you are unfamiliar with what a mandolin is.
- Use Parchment Paper – It makes for easy cleanup and keeps the potatoes from sticking to the plate or turntable. You can reuse it until all your potato chips are cooked
- Use the Microwave Turntable – It has a larger surface area than a plate and is totally flat.
- Watch the Potatoes Closely – Microwave oven wattages vary. I find that the first batch cooks in about 5-7 minutes. The other batches cook more quickly because the turntable and microwave are heated up.
- Season First – Salt or season the chips before cooking so the salt sticks to the potatoes.
What is a Mandoline?
A mandoline is a kitchen tool that thinly slices vegetables. The mandoline cuts vegetables into even slices more efficiently than a knife. The blade is adjustable to different thicknesses. The blade on a mandoline is very sharp. Mandolines come with a guard that keeps you from being cut when reaching the end of the vegetable you are cutting. The mandoline is not just used for slicing. It also makes waffle cuts and juliennes.
Are There other Ways to Make Microwave Potato Chips?
Another option for making potato chips in the microwave is by using a gadget. This gadget is a microwave potato chip maker. You can easily buy one of these online. They cost for around $6.00 -12.00. There is a stackable one that comes with two trays so can make a double batch of chips. If you don’t have a mandoline you can also find this one that comes with its own mandoline.
Making Microwave Potato Chips is a great way to save a few calories and dollars. It only takes a few minutes for crispy, dippable chips. The next time you’re wanting some potato chips use up those potatoes in your kitchen and make your own.
Other Uses for Those Potatoes
You already have a bag of potatoes for the chips, Now check out these other recipes and put those potatoes to more good use.
Microwave Potato Chips
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Unpeeled Russet Potatoes, washed and dried
- 1 ½-2 Tbs. Olive oil or Oil of Choice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cut a piece of Parchment Paper to to size of your microwave turntable
- Slice potatoes very thinly and place in a bowl. I like ⅛” slice.
- Coat potatoes in Olive Oil.
- Place potatoes in a single layer on the prepared turntable. I usually get two turntables full per potato.
- Season with Salt to taste
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes, especially after the 3 minute mark.
- As potatoes turn golden brown, check for doneness. The potatoes should be dried and crisp.
- Remove finished chips and continue cooking until the remainder of the chips are cooked.
- Repeat the process with the second batch.
- Serve potatoes as is or with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Store leftover chips for a day or two in an airtight container.
- Season your potatoes before cooking so the salt will stick to the potatoes.
- Once the potatoes start browning the cooking process picks up speed. Keep your eyes on the potatoes so they do not burn.
- The turntable gets hot during the cooking process so be sure to use potholders or oven mitt when when removing the turntable.
