Easy Air Fryer Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

These Easy Air Fryer Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips come out perfectly crispy with that classic tangy, savory flavor everyone loves. They’re quick to make, lighter than deep-fried chips, and way more addictive than you’d expect from something homemade.

If you love sour cream and onion chips but hate how fast a bag disappears, this Easy Air Fryer version is about to be your new snack obsession.

Thinly sliced potatoes turn golden and crispy in minutes, then get tossed in that tangy, savory seasoning that makes it impossible to stop at just one.

It’s the kind of snack that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort, perfect for movie nights, game days, or anytime your chip cravings hit hard.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crazy crispy without deep frying – All the crunch, none of the grease.
• Big flavor from simple ingredients – Tangy, savory, and totally snack-worthy.
• Ready fast – Fresh chips in minutes, not hours.
• Way better than store-bought – No mystery ingredients, just real food.
• Perfect for any snack moment – Movie nights, game days, or late-night cravings.

Ingredients Needed

• Potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes for crispy homemade chips.
• Buttermilk Powder – Adds tangy sour cream style flavor to seasoning.
• Onion Powder – Brings bold, savory onion taste to chips.
• Dried Chives – Adds mild onion flavor with fresh herb notes.

Recipe Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk powder, here are the best swaps that still nail that sour-cream-and-onion vibe:

Best alternatives:

• Sour cream powder – Closest match in flavor and tang.
• Ranch seasoning mix – Adds tang plus extra savory punch.
• Greek yogurt powder – Tangy, creamy, and works great on chips.
• Powdered milk + a pinch of lemon powder – DIY version that gets the job done.
• Plain powdered milk + vinegar spritz after cooking – Not fancy, but it works in a pinch

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

Step One: Use your mandoline slicer and slice the. But, if you do have a mandoline, use a sharp knife.

Step Two: Place the sliced potatoes into a large bowl. Cover the potatoes for about 20-30 minutes in cold water.

Step Three: Drain the water, and then lay them out on a paper towel or kitchen towel and cover them so that they dry off—cover for about an hour. (This is really the key to perfectly crispy chips)

Step Four: In a small bowl, add the buttermilk powder, onion powder, and dried chives, mix well. Dip your potato chips in the mixture.

Step Five: Place them into a greased air fryer basket or the air fryer tray as you coat them. Set the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F, (no preheating required) use air fryer setting, and set cook for 7-10 minutes, flip them about halfway during the cooking process. Remove when they are fully cooked.

Easy Air Fryer Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips Recipe Tips

• Dry the potatoes thoroughly – Removing excess moisture is key for extra crispy chips.
• Slice evenly – Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure all slices cook uniformly.
• Season while slightly damp – Helps the seasoning stick better to each chip.
• Cook in a single layer – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even crisping.
• Flip halfway through cooking – Ensures both sides get perfectly golden and crispy.

Storing Instructions

Let the chips cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crunch.

Easy Air Fryer Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different potato variety? Yes! Russet potatoes work best for crispiness, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used for a slightly creamier texture.

Do I need to soak the potatoes in water? Soaking the slices in cold water removes excess starch, helping the chips crisp up better in the air fryer.

Can I make these chips ahead of time? You can slice and season the potatoes in advance, but air fry them just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

Can I skip the buttermilk powder? Yes, you can use sour cream powder, ranch seasoning, or a powdered milk + lemon powder combo as a substitute.

More Easy Air Fryer Snack Recipes

• AIR FRYER CARAMELIZED ONIONS
• AIR FRYER ROSEMARY GARLIC SMASHED POTATOES
• EASY AIR FRYER LASAGNA
• AIR FRYER SOUTHERN STYLE SHRIMP
• TRADER JOE’S KUNG PAO TEMPURA CAULIFLOWER (AIR FRYER RECIPE)
• AIR FRYER LOADED TATER TOT SKEWERS
• AIR FRYER HOT CROSS BUNS

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