One of the world's most beloved snack foods is potato chips.They are the perfect companion for everything from a picnic lunch to a weekend-long binge of your favorite TV shows.You may find yourself adding potato chips to your grocery list when you get down to the crumbs at the bottom of the bag.There's no need to leave the house if you have potatoes, salt and oil in the pantry.You don't have to sacrifice crunch or flavor when you make your own potato chips with an ordinary microwave.
Step 1: Cut the potatoes into slices.
Cut the potatoes in half.Use a sharp kitchen knife, hand slicer or mandoline to slice them into sections that are between 1/6th and 1/16th thick.As you go, place the potato slices into a strainer.A single potato is enough for a snack.To have enough to share, use at least two large potatoes.If you prefer, you can peel the potatoes before slicing them.If you use potatoes that aren't as fresh, it's a good idea to peel them.
Step 2: The potato slices should be washed with cold water.
Cool water can be run over the slices.The water may appear cloudy or dirty for the first few moments as dirt, starch and natural juices wash out of the potatoes.Continue rinsing until the water clears.The potatoes should be thrown in the strainer to keep the dirty water out.
Step 3: The slices need to be soaked for 10 minutes.
Drop in the potato slices from the large bowl of water.They should be given 10 minutes to soak.This will help prepare them for cooking by cleaning them more thoroughly.It will make the potato slices cook up more light and crisp.The higher the water content, the less likely the potatoes will burn.
Step 4: The slices need to be dried between paper towels.
The slices should be pressed firmly between the layers.Water should not be visible on the outer surface of the slices.Lay the slices out side-by-side on the paper towels.Don't break the slices while you're drying them.The potatoes should not get too dry.They may be unpredictable while cooking.A pat and press will do.
Step 5: The potato slices should be brush with oil.
A small bowl with a couple ounces of cooking oil in it.It's up to you if you want to use vegetable, peanut, or olive oil.Spread a small amount of oil over the outside of each slice after dipping the tip of the brush.Similar to frying, the addition of oil will crisp and brown the potatoes.The oil has a high smoke point.Microwave heating can cause oils with low smoke points to burn.
Step 6: Add a dash of salt and other spices.
Sprinkle a generous pinch of kosher salt over the slices.You can add whatever seasonings you want, such as cracked black pepper, seasoned salt, garlic salt or onion powder.Use as much or as little of each spice as you please.Try different combinations of seasonings to make your own chip varieties.
Step 7: Place the slices in the bowl.
Transfer the slices to the bowl.Use a circular motion to toss them lightly.The oil and seasonings will be able to coat the potato slices more thoroughly.A large bag can be used to shake the chips, oil and seasonings.Don't cook the potatoes if you have excess oil.
Step 8: Place the potato slices on the plate.
You have to microwave the potatoes in small batches in order to cook them.Place as many slices as you can fit in a single layer on a plate or platter.You should leave a little space between the slices to make sure they are lying flat.The heat will be distributed correctly if the slices are separated.The calories can be brought down by cooking the chips on a bacon tray.
Step 9: For 3 minutes, heat the potato slices.
The first round of potatoes can be microwaved.Keep an eye on the slices to make sure they don't get done too fast.When they start to crisp up, they should brown around the edges.After the initial heating, you may not notice much of a change in appearance.The potato will be cooked.Different microwaves have different temperatures.Depending on the intensity of your unit, your potato chips might not need a full 3 minutes at a time, or they may require a little longer.Use your best judgement and watch them closely as they cook.
Step 10: The slices should be turned over and microwaved again.
Carefully flip over each potato slice after removing the plate.They should be put back in the microwave at 50% power.Once the chips are golden brown in the center, they will have a nice texture.Continue microwaving for 3 minutes at 50% power until the chips are cooked.Consistency in golden coloring is what you should look for.Before they burn or blacken, remove the chips from the heat.When cooked in a microwave, potato chips need to brown in order to be crisp.Don't worry, chips that come out a little darker will not affect their flavor.
Step 11: The chips should be kept cool.
After two trips through the microwave, the potato slices will be very hot.Allow them to sit for a while.Throw the chips into a bowl large enough for everyone to grab a few.As the chips are cooling, you can add another sprinkle of salt.
Step 12: Store the potato chips in a container.
Enjoy the potato chips while they are still warm.They are that addictive if you have leftovers.They can be put in a large lidded Tupperware container or a gallon freezer bag.The chips will last for a few days.You can serve French onion dip or hot pimento cheese with it.
Step 13: It was finished.