Crispy Microwave Potato Chips

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: My Crispy Microwave Potato Chips recipe is the faster, healthier way to enjoy everyone’s favorite snack! Homemade chips have never been so easy!

• Hot, fresh chips: If you’ve never had warm potato chips, you’re in for a treat!
• Three ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, and salt are all you need.
• Crunchy and crispy: They’re surprisingly crisp and satisfyingly crunchy with a fraction of the oil used for traditional deep-fried potato chips.
• Endlessly customizable: Enjoy as is, try our BBQ or Ranch flavorings, or use your own seasoning.
• Budget-friendly! A bag of kettle potato chips is around $6, but you can make these homemade chips for a fraction of the price.

Homemade potato chips—those three words are enough to make anyone’s mouth water! And with my quick and easy Crispy Microwave Potato Chips, you don’t have to fuss with boiling oil (or feel a bit guilty about indulging!) to enjoy fabulous, crisp, fresh chips. Thinly sliced potatoes are simply soaked in ice water, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt, and cooked in the microwave.

My top tip for you here is to dry the potato slices thoroughly after soaking them in ice water. If you remove as much moisture as possible, you’ll get crispier chips. After you learn how to make potato chips in the microwave, check out more of our satisfying potato recipes like my Irish Potato Farls, Potato and Cheddar Pastries, Boxty Recipe (Irish Potato Pancakes), and Loaded Baked Potato Bread.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 8/8/2026, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What are Crispy Microwave Potato Chips?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Crispy Microwave Potato Chips
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• More Snack Recipes

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“These are a winner. I made 6 large trays in the oven, and everyone wants more.”—Lynne

“Gemma, these are absolutely amazing. I see absolutely no need to spend several $$$ on bags of chips.” —MKSW

“AMAZING! I would definitely make again. They taste like shop-bought crisps.”—Sue

“Who knew? Potato chips cooked in a microwave? Amazingly easy and delicious!” —Jane

What are Crispy Microwave Potato Chips?

Crispy Microwave Potato Chips are crispy chips made with thinly sliced potatoes that are lightly coated in oil and cooked in the microwave, rather than deep-fried. While traditional potato chips have been enjoyed since the 1800s, microwave versions have become popular more recently as home cooks look for quicker, easier, and healthier ways to recreate this classic snack. Microwave chips are perfect on their own, with sandwiches, soup, burgers, or chili, and as part of a charcuterie or cheese board.

Tools You Need

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Potato peeler
• Knife or mandoline
• Strainer
• Kitchen towel

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Microwave Potato Chips

Potatoes

• Thinly-sliced potatoes get crisp and golden in the microwave.
• Additionally, the potatoes develop a sweeter, earthier flavor as they cook.
• The potatoes must be cut very thin. Use a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline.
• For the best texture, I recommend using russet potatoes in this recipe. Their high starch content makes the crispest potato chips.
  • I don’t recommend using red potatoes or Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes, as they won’t crisp up. 

Olive oil

• Olive oil, added as a light coating on the potato slices, helps the chips crisp up and become golden brown.
• Importantly, the olive oil adds rich flavor.
• Additionally, olive oil helps the salt and other seasonings cling to the potato slices.

Salt

• Salt enhances the potato flavor.
• You can use table salt, kosher salt, flaky salt, or seasoned salt for the microwave chips.

Ice water, for soaking

• An ice water soak removes excess starch from the surface of the potato slices. This helps the potatoes cook up crisp, not chewy. 
• Using cold water keeps the potato slices from browning.

BBQ Seasoning (Optional)

Smoked paprika

• Paprika adds a smoky, savory flavor and vibrant color.
• Substitute: Use the same amount of sweet paprika.

Garlic powder

• Garlic powder gives a mellow roasted garlic flavor.

Onion powder

• Onion powder adds savory-sweet flavor.

Salt

• Salt enhances all of the spices and complements the potato flavor.
• You can use table salt, kosher salt, flaky salt, or seasoned salt.

Chili powder

• Chili powder adds pleasant heat without being overly spicy.
• Omit for a milder flavor.

Ranch seasoning (Optional)

Dry buttermilk powder

• Buttermilk powder gives the ranch seasoning its signature tang.

Dried parsley, crushed

• Dried parsley adds fresh, herbal flavor and adds visual appeal.
• Substitutes: You can use the same amount of minced chives.

Dried dill

• Dill contributes a signature tangy ranch flavor.
• Substitute: For a different flavor, use dried tarragon.

Onion powder

• Onion powder adds savory flavor with a touch of sweetness to the microwave crisps.

Salt

• Salt enhances all of the spices and complements the potato flavor.
• You can use table salt, kosher salt, flaky salt, or seasoned salt.

Garlic powder

• Garlic powder gives a mellow roasted garlic flavor.

Ground pepper

• Ground pepper adds pleasant spice and heat.

How to Make Crispy Microwave Potato Chips

Prepare the Microwave Potato Chips

1. Prepare potatoes. Peel and very thinly slice the potatoes by hand or on a mandoline, about ⅛-¹⁄₁₆ inch thick.

2. Soak slices. Place the potato slices in a bowl of iced water for 5-10 minutes while you make the seasonings (if using). This helps to remove excess starch and makes the chips extra crispy.

To Make BBQ Seasoning (optional)

3. Mix BBQ Seasoning ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and chili powder. Set aside.

To Make Ranch Seasoning (optional)

4. Mix Ranch Seasoning Ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together the dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Set aside.

Season the Microwave Potato Chips

5. Drain and dry slices. Drain and dry the potato slices thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
6. Arrange slices on plate. Line a large microwave-safe plate with a piece of parchment paper and arrange the potato slices in a single layer (without overlapping).
7. Add oil and seasoning. Brush both sides of the potatoes with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt, or the seasoning of your choice.

Cook the Microwave Potato Chips

8. Cook one slide, then flip. Microwave on high for 1½ – 2½ minutes on one side. Then carefully flip all potato slices.
9. Finish cooking. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes on the other side until the chips are golden brown and crispy. (Cooking time will vary depending on your microwave.)

10. Add more salt. While still hot, sprinkle the cooked potato chips with a little extra salt.
11. Cool. Allow the chips to cool and become even crispier.

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW! 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Use Russet potatoes for the best results. Starchy potatoes are key to creating crispy potato chips.
• You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on. Go with your preference—both ways work fine.
• The potato chips must be very thin. Use a mandoline or a sharp chef’s knife to cut the potatoes thinly.
• Don’t overcrowd the slices. When making chips in the microwave, lay them in a single layer. This will ensure that they crisp up and don’t steam and get soft.
• Use dried herbs. They will cling better than fresh herbs.
• Use leftover seasoning mix as dry rub or brine. Any leftover seasoning will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Because the seasoning mixtures contain salt, they make an excellent dry rub or brine for meats.
• Experiment with seasonings. For other quick and tasty flavoring ideas, try everything bagel seasoning, taco seasoning blend, Italian seasoning blend, Old Bay Seasoning, or truffle salt.
• Give the chips time to cool. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Serve with a dip. These chips are amazing with Sundried Tomato Cream Cheese, Garlic and Chive Cream Cheese, or onion dip.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• These Crispy Microwave Potato Chips are best enjoyed immediately.
• They will keep for two days in an airtight container at room temperature, but they won’t be as crisp as they are right after cooking.

FAQs

What kind of potatoes make the best potato chips?

• Varieties like russets make the best potato chips because they have a high starch content. As the chips cook, the starch molecules expand, creating a crispy shell.
• Additionally, because russets are low in moisture, there’s less steam that can make microwave chips soft.
• Do not use waxy potatoes, like red potatoes or Yukon Gold.

How can I make sure my microwavable potato chips are crispy?

• To make sure your microwavable potato chips are crispy,
  • Slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. Thin slices lose moisture more quickly and become crispy.
  • Dry them thoroughly after soaking. Excess water will result in steaming, creating soft chips.
  • Arrange the slicers in one layer on the plate without overlapping. Crowding the slices will create steam.

Why is it necessary to soak the potatoes in ice water?

• Soaking removes excess surface starch from the slices.
• Too much surface starch can cause the chips to stick together or have a chewy texture.

Why Do My Homemade Potato Chips Turn Brown Before They Get Crispy?

• If chips are cut too thickly, they can turn brown before cooking through and becoming crispy.
• For best results, slice the potatoes as thinly as you can.

Can I make these potato chips in the oven?

Yes, you can make these potato chips in the oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the potatoes as directed, soaking the slices in ice water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
3. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Brush or lightly coat both sides of the potato slices with 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, then season with salt or your favorite seasoning blend.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove any chips that brown more quickly to prevent burning, and continue baking the remaining chips as needed.
6. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while still hot, then let the chips cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes to crisp up even more before serving.

More Snack Recipes

• Microwave Sweet and Spicy Nuts
• Homemade Pocky Sticks
• Frozen Yogurt Bark
• Microwave Sweet Potato Chips
• Homemade Goldfish Crackers

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 8/8/2026, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

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