Most people I know share my love for potato chips. Sadly, the store-bought versions of this delectable snack are not very healthy, because they are all made with oil. But what if you knew how to make potato chips in the oven without oil? When I learned how to do this, it was a real game-changer for me.
Potato chips come in many varieties. There are lots of different brands on store shelves, all competing to catch your eye, tempt your tastebuds, and find their way into your shopping basket. When you stroll down the snacks aisle of your local supermarket, you will see that potato chips dominate.
The most popular ones are the straight cut, plain salted variety, but you have so many other options. Crinkle cut, potato sticks, potato puff balls, an array of flavors like salt and vinegar, barbecue, sour cream and onion, hot chili pepper, Mexican spice, pickled onion, and the list goes on.
Then there are all the alluring packages. Shiny foil bags, brightly colored pictures, familiar brand logos, tall cardboard tubes…I can picture myself walking down that aisle, looking at all of these, and I start salivating at the thought of that crunchy deliciousness in my mouth.
I’m sure that by now you have guessed that I REALLY love potato chips. But all of those scrumptious brands, types and flavors have one thing in common: they are all cooked in oil.
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Why are Potato Chips so Unhealthy?
Because all of your favorite potato chips are cooked in oil, they are loaded with unhealthy trans fats. Trans fats are a particularly dangerous form of fat because they not only raise LDL (so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol), but they also lower HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol). Trans fat increases blood triglyceride levels. This causes damage to the arteries and can ultimately lead to a heart attack. No matter how much you might love potato chips, I think you will agree that it is not worth risking your life for them.
Is there a healthier option?
Fortunately, there is a healthier way to enjoy your favorite snack. A guilt-free version can be yours to enjoy once you learn how to make potato chips in the oven without oil. It is really quite simple to do, as long as you have the right tools and equipment.
What do I need?
Luckily, you most probably already have these items in your kitchen. You need the following:
- Two large, flat baking trays
- A sharp vegetable peeler
- Parchment paper
- A food processor with a mandoline slicer attachment
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can manage without a food processor, but you will then need a very sharp knife and a little more time.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
There are numerous different varieties of potatoes available. The one that I like to use to make potato chips in the oven without oil is called the Yukon Gold. But you can use any type that you like. It’s basically a personal preference. Some varieties are seasonal, and may also be area-dependent. But one thing that they all have in common is that they are actually a very healthy vegetable.
So many people are under the false impression that potatoes are bad for you, but this is large because of the unhealthy methods that are used to prepare them. It is usually the added oil, butter, or sauces that are unhealthy, and not the potatoes themselves. Potatoes are filled with healthy nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They contain potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and fiber. These are all an important part of a normal, healthy diet.
A step-by-step guide for how to make potato chips in the oven without oil:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash the potatoes well and dry them thoroughly.
- Prepare your baking trays by lining them with parchment paper.
- Peel the potatoes.
- Put them through the food processor, slicing them into thin slices. If you don’t have a food processor, slice carefully with a very sharp knife. Your slices should be 2-3 mm thick.
- Lay the potato slices out on the baking trays, taking care not to let them overlap at all. If they do, the chips will not crisp up and will remain soft and soggy.
- Place the trays in a hot oven.
- After 20 minutes, rotate the trays to ensure even heat distribution.
- Cook for another 20 minutes, or until nicely browned and crisp. (Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily)
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle generously with the seasoning of your choice.
What seasonings are the most suitable for home-made, oil-free potato chips?
What seasoning to use depends mostly on what flavors appeal to your taste buds. There are so many different options available. The most common way to season potato chips is with plain fine salt. However, many people enjoy more spicy flavors. Here are a few suggestions, but you can use anything that you have in the spice rack that appeals to you.
- Salt and vinegar
- Barbecue spice
- Paprika
- Chilli spice
- Thai sweet curry powder
- Fresh herbs
- Powdered parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese powder
- Dried onion powder
- Dried mushroom powder
You might want to be a little adventurous and experiment with different combinations of some of the above seasonings and spices, such as parmesan cheese mixed with a little mushroom powder, or, for those of you with a sweet tooth, cinnamon and sugar. My personal favorite is a mixture of cheddar cheese powder with dried onion powder. That sensation of the mingling of flavors on your tongue will leave you wanting to make another batch.
Hint: This is why I always make at least two trays at a time. One does not go very far!
Whatever flavor you choose, I am sure that now that you know how to make potato chips in the oven without oil, your family will thank you forever and this crunchy, healthy snack will become a firm favorite in your household.
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