I couldn’t resist the temptation of munching on a bag of crisps while watching my favorite TV show. But the store-bought ones are packed with unhealthy ingredients, and I wanted a healthier alternative. So, I decided to try making crisps in the microwave. I was skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Not only were they delicious and crispy, but they were also so easy to make. In this quick and easy guide, I will share with you my step-by-step process of making crisps in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
– Potatoes:
Choose firm potatoes like russet or red potatoes. These varieties work best for making crisps as they hold their shape and crisp up nicely.
– Cooking oil:
Any cooking oil with a high smoke point will do. Olive oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil are all good options.
– Salt and additional seasonings:
Salt is a must-have for a classic crisp flavor. You can also experiment with different seasoning blends like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder to add a twist to your crisps.
Preparation
– Thoroughly wash and slice the potatoes:
Start by giving your potatoes a good wash under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Afterward, pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the potatoes into thin, even slices. Aim for slices around 1/8th of an inch thick.
– Soak the potato slices:
Fill a bowl with cold water and immerse the sliced potatoes in it. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, resulting in crispier chips.
Cooking Process
– Prepare a microwave-safe plate:
While the potatoes are soaking, take a microwave-safe plate and lightly coat it with cooking oil. This will prevent the potato slices from sticking to the plate and help them crisp up evenly.
– Dry the potato slices:
After the 30-minute soaking period is over, remove the potato slices from the water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step, as any residual moisture can make the crisps soggy.
– Arrange the potato slices:
Arrange the dried potato slices in a single layer on the prepared microwave-safe plate. Make sure to leave some space between the slices to allow for even cooking.
– Microwave on high:
Place the plate with the potato slices in the microwave and cook on high power for around 4-6 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of your potato slices. Keep an eye on them as they cook, and remove any chips that start to brown and become crispy. Continue cooking the remaining chips until they are all crispy and golden.
– Season and enjoy:
Once the potato crisps are cooked and still hot, sprinkle them with salt and any additional seasonings of your choice. Give them a gentle toss to evenly distribute the seasoning. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving bowl. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade, microwave crisps!
Final Tips
– Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
– For extra crispy chips, consider using a microwave-safe cooling rack instead of a plate to allow air circulation underneath.
– Avoid overcrowding the plate with potato slices, as this can result in uneven cooking and soggy crisps.
– Store any leftover crisps in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Making crisps in the microwave is a quick and easy way to satisfy your snack cravings without compromising your health. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy crispy, homemade potato crisps in no time. So, why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your microwave cooking skills? Happy snacking!