Easy Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips Recipe {35 minutes}

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Looking to make a batch of crispy, tangy, and incredibly addictive salt and vinegar potato chips at home? Whether you’re in the mood for a crunchy snack that hits all the right notes or simply want to impress friends with a homemade chip that rivals any store-bought version, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of saltiness and tangy vinegar flavor. It’s a perfect snack for movie nights, parties, or just a cozy afternoon on the couch.

Crunchy Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips Recipe

Homemade salt and vinegar chips not only taste better than packaged versions but also give you control over ingredients, ensuring a healthier, preservative-free treat. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step, provide expert tips, and offer a few creative variations. Ready to make your new favorite snack? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only a few pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Budget-Friendly: Skip the high-priced bags of chips by making your batch at a fraction of the cost.
  • Customizable Flavor: Adjust the salt and vinegar intensity to match your taste preferences.
  • Crispy Texture: Achieve that restaurant-quality crisp without a deep fryer.
  • Healthier Alternative: By making chips at home, you can avoid preservatives and additives found in store-bought versions.

Ingredients of Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips and Their Health Benefits

Potatoes are the base of this recipe and bring some surprising health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

  • Rich in Potassium: Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral essential for heart health.
  • High in Fiber: With the skin left on, potatoes are a great source of fiber, aiding digestion and fullness.
  • Packed with Antioxidants: Antioxidants found in potatoes shield cells from harm.
  • B Vitamins: Potatoes provide a boost of B vitamins, which help support metabolism.
  • Versatile Nutrient Profile: Low-calorie when baked and combined with healthy seasonings like salt and vinegar.

For more information about the health benefits of potatoes, check out this article.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  1. Potatoes – Opt for russet potatoes as they are starchy and yield a crisper chip. Yukon golds can work as well if you prefer a creamier texture.
  2. Vinegar – White vinegar provides the classic tang, but apple cider vinegar offers a milder flavor. For an extra punch, use malt vinegar.
  3. Salt – Sea salt or kosher salt work best as they cling better to the chips, but regular table salt will do in a pinch.
  4. Oil – Use a high-smoke-point oil, such as vegetable, sunflower, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as it can burn at higher temperatures needed for crisping the chips.

How to Make Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

  1. Wash and thinly slice the potatoes. For best results, use a mandoline to ensure uniform, thin slices. This will give you the crispiest chips.
  2. Submerge the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them become crispy.
Step 1 Prep the Potatoes

Step 2: Boil in Vinegar Solution

  1. Bring water and vinegar (about a 1:1 ratio) to a boil in a saucepan. After adding the potato pieces, simmer for 5 minutes. This infuses the vinegar flavor into each slice.
  2. After draining, use paper towels to pat the potatoes dry completely.
Step 2 Boil in Vinegar Solution

Step 3: Season and Bake (or Fry)

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Make sure the slices don’t overlap when you arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  2. Lightly brush or spray with oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
  3. In a deep pan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry for two to three minutes every batch or until golden and crisp.
Step 3 Season and Bake or Fry

Step 4: Final Seasoning

While the chips are still hot, sprinkle a bit more salt and vinegar powder if desired. Let them cool completely for maximum crispiness.

Expert Tips for Success

  • Pat Dry Thoroughly: Moisture on the potato slices will prevent them from crisping. After boiling, ensure the slices are as dry as possible.
  • Even Slicing: Use a mandoline to ensure all chips cook evenly, avoiding any soggy or burnt pieces.
  • Oven spacing: To ensure uniform browning and crisping, place chips in a single layer without overlap if baking.
  • Watch Closely: Chips can burn quickly, especially towards the end of baking or frying. You should watch them during the final 5 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

  • Extra Tangy: For fans of intense flavor, toss the chips in a splash of vinegar after cooking.
  • Low-Sodium: Use less salt or opt for salt substitutes to make these chips lower in sodium.
  • Vegan & Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for most diets.
  • Herbed Vinegar Chips: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking for a savory twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To keep your salt and vinegar potato chips crisp:

  • Storage: Place completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature. For up to five days, they will remain fresh.
  • Reheating: Lay out the chips on a baking pan and reheat them for five minutes at 300°F.

Serving Suggestions

  • Dips: Serve with a side of ranch, sour cream, or homemade hummus for a creamy contrast.
  • Side Dish: Pair these chips with sandwiches, burgers, or even as a side to a hearty soup.
  • Snack Boards: Add to a snack board with cheeses, pickles, and olives for a variety of flavors.
Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
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Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

150

kcal

Crispy, tangy salt and vinegar potato chips you can make at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup of white vinegar, plus extra if necessary

  • 4 cups water

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • Salt to taste

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (or heat oil for frying).
  • Submerge potato slices in water to remove starch, then boil in a vinegar solution.
  • Dry thoroughly, season, and bake or fry until crispy.
  • Sprinkle with salt and additional vinegar if desired. Let’s cool down and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust salt and vinegar to taste.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can dogs have salt and vinegar chips?

    No, dogs shouldn’t consume chips with salt and vinegar. Dogs may suffer gastrointestinal distress or even severe health problems as a result of the salt and acidity of vinegar. To keep your pet healthy, always give them goodies that are safe for dogs.

  2. How do you make salt and vinegar chips?

    Making salt and vinegar chips is simple! Thinly slice potatoes, boil in a vinegar solution, dry, and either bake or fry until crispy. Add salt and extra vinegar seasoning to taste for the perfect tangy snack.

  3. Are salt and vinegar chips bad for you?

    In moderation, salt and vinegar chips are a fine treat. However, they can be high in sodium and calories, so it’s wise to enjoy them occasionally rather than as a daily snack. Generally speaking, homemade chips are healthier than store-bought ones.

Conclusion

There’s something truly satisfying about making your own salt and vinegar potato chips from scratch. Not only are they incredibly delicious and customizable, but you also know exactly what’s in them. Perfect for sharing, these chips will quickly become a household favorite. So next time you’re craving that addictive salty, tangy flavor, skip the store and give this homemade recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!