Who doesn’t like crisps, but you must have the healthiest Crisps. It is one of the most consumed foods because they are delicious and easy to prepare.
But like everything good, it makes you fat. Good thing there are some tricks to reduce your calories. Few things are more pleasant than sitting down to watch a movie or a television series with a few chips.
They are also perfect as a garnish. But they have some nutritional problems. That’s why we’re going to show you some expert tricks to cook healthier healthy crisps.
The problem with this food is that it has enough carbohydrates, and you also have to fry them, which absorbs a lot of oil. Frying adds a lot of calories, and salt is bad for stress.
So together, French fries affect cholesterol and promote cardiovascular disease and obesity if consumed frequently. Here in this article, we will tell you how to make the healthiest crisps and about different healthy alternatives to crisps.
Table of Contents
Bake them instead of frying them
Frying the crisps is the main cause of their caloric intake. If you bake them, you won’t lose the flavor of the fried potato, but it will have fewer calories. In this way, you can make low-calorie crisps.
To prepare baked potatoes, put some aluminum foil on a tray, drizzle it with oil, and put the potatoes on top, making sure they are soaked in oil. Doing so takes longer to cook, but they are healthier.
Use the best oil for frying
There are oils created for frying to make low-fat crisps, which make them absorb less fat. Use one of these oils.
According to the WHO, the best oils for frying are olive, pomace, and high oleic sunflower oil. And within them, there are different qualities, which absorb less fat. Don’t use cheap oil.
Try to cook at low temperatures and do not reuse the oil a lot, since, with refried foods, toxic particles called aldehydes are added. This helps you make low-calorie crisps.
Swap the salt for spices
Another problematic ingredient in crisps is salt, which is usually very abundant since potatoes are quite bland by default.
The trick is to change all the salt, or at least part of it, for a spice that enhances the flavor. For example, the red pepper with which the patatas bravas are made. Or, less frequently, black pepper. There are people who add thyme or fry them with garlic or onion powder to make healthy crisps.
We will guide you through the process of preparing the healthiest crisps right in your own kitchen
1. Choosing the Right Potatoes
Selecting the right type of potatoes is crucial for the perfect homemade crisps. Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho, as they have less moisture content and will result in crispier chips.
2. Cleaning and Preparing the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt and debris. You can leave the skin on for added nutrition and flavor. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the potatoes into thin, uniform slices.
3. Soaking for Crispiness
Soaking the potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before frying is essential. This step removes excess starch, which helps in achieving a crispier texture once cooked.
4. Healthy Cooking Oil
Choosing the right cooking oil is vital for the healthiness of your crisps. Olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil are excellent alternatives to traditional vegetable oils, as they are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
5. Oven-Baked Method
Instead of deep-frying, opt for oven-baking your crisps. Lay the soaked potato slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, drizzle some oil over them, and toss to coat evenly. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
6. Seasoning Options
Experiment with various seasonings to enhance the flavor of your crisps. Sprinkle some sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, or nutritional yeast over the freshly baked crisps. You can also try rosemary, thyme, or chili flakes for a unique twist.
7. Air-Fryer Method
If you have an air-fryer, it’s an even healthier option to prepare crisps. Follow the same steps as the oven-baked method, but air-fry the potato slices at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
8. Storing Your Homemade Crisps
To maintain the crispiness and freshness of your homemade crisps, store them in an airtight container. Adding a small slice of bread to the container can help absorb excess moisture and keep the crisps crunchy.
9. Enjoying Your Healthier Crisps
Now that you’ve prepared the healthiest crisps at home, it’s time to enjoy your guilt-free snack. Serve them with your favorite dips, such as hummus, salsa, or guacamole, for a delightful treat.
The radical trick: fries without potatoes
One last trick you can try to make low-calorie crisps is to replace potatoes with other healthy ingredients. Try some or all of these tips, and you will continue to enjoy the delicious taste of crisps but in a healthier way. Here are some of the healthy alternatives to crisps.
- One option may be to choose to replace them with a similar tuber, the sweet potato, since it has a lower caloric intake (90 grams compared to 130 grams for potatoes) and carbohydrates (24 grams compared to 27 grams of the potato), which will make this version a little less fattening than regular potato crisps. Especially if you also bake them instead of frying them.
- From Better with Health, we also recommend opting for fried apples. To do this, cut this fruit into strips and fry it in the same way as you would prepare potatoes. You will get a delicious snack that will add a sweet touch to your meals and will add to the many benefits of this fruit.
- You can also simulate fried potatoes with carrots and subtract calories from this snack that we like so much. Rich in vitamin A, carrots are great allies to fight against cellular oxidation and, due to their shape and easy handling, perfect for simulating fried potatoes. In addition, it is a sweet vegetable that tends to like a lot, and they are very crunchy. Although you can mix them with Provencal herbs, we advise you to give them a simple touch of salt.
To make the healthiest crisps using carrots, peel, wash, and cut the carrots into strips. Put them on absorbent paper to lose excess moisture and fry them in the pan with olive oil for 10 minutes until you see them golden brown. You can also make them in the oven, as we tell you below for parsnips.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for crisps?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes can be a nutritious and tasty alternative to regular potatoes in making crisps. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthier choice.
Can I store the crisps for an extended period?
While homemade crisps are best enjoyed fresh, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. However, they may lose some of their crispiness over time.
Is it necessary to soak the potato slices before baking or air-frying?
Yes, soaking the potato slices helps remove excess starch, which is crucial for achieving crispy chips. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Are crisps a suitable snack for people with dietary restrictions?
Homemade crisps can be a suitable snack for many dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets, depending on the chosen seasoning and cooking oil.
Can I use a microwave to make crisps?
While it is possible to make crisps in the microwave, the results may not be as crispy as oven-baked or air-fried versions. The microwave method is quicker but may sacrifice some texture.
Conclusion
It’s simpler than you might think to make the healthiest chips at home. You may enjoy a tasty and healthy snack without feeling guilty by choosing the appropriate potatoes, using healthy cooking oils, and experimenting with savory seasonings. In order to have a healthier treat, head to your kitchen the next time you want crisps and create them from home.
