How Do You Make Spiral Chips?

Spiral chips, also known as potato tornadoes or twisty fries, are a fun and delicious way to enjoy potatoes. You may have seen these crispy treats at fairs or street food markets, served on skewers for easy eating. Whether deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, spiral chips offer a crunchy texture that makes them irresistible. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make spiral chips at home using various methods and discover seasoning ideas that will turn your chips into a gourmet treat. So, grab your potatoes and spiralizer, and let’s get started!

History of Spiral Chips

Spiral chips have become a popular snack in recent years, particularly at outdoor events like fairs and carnivals. The concept is simple: thin, spiral-sliced potatoes are either deep-fried or baked until crispy. Their unique, eye-catching shape makes them stand out from traditional fries or chips, adding an element of fun to the snack experience.

This method of preparation originated in Korea, where street vendors began selling tornado potatoes on skewers. Their popularity quickly spread to other parts of the world, especially in places where street food culture thrives. Now, these crispy spirals are a favorite among home cooks who want to recreate the fair experience in their kitchens.

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Essential Equipment for Making Spiral Chips

To make spiral chips, you’ll need some essential tools. These tools not only make the process easier but also ensure that your chips have that perfect spiral shape. Here’s what you need:

Spiralizer: This is the key piece of equipment for making spiral chips. There are various types available, from handheld spiralizers to more sophisticated tabletop models. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a sharp knife, though it will take more time and effort to get consistent slices.
Deep fryer or large pot: If you choose to deep-fry your chips, you’ll need either a deep fryer or a large pot that can hold enough oil for frying.
Skewers: Skewers are essential if you want to recreate the fair-style tornado potatoes. Metal or wooden skewers work best, as they can easily pierce through the potato without breaking.

Pro Tip:

If you don’t have a spiralizer, check out this guide on how to make curly fries with a spiralizer, which can be adapted for spiral chips.

Choosing the Best Potatoes for Spiral Chips

Choosing the right type of potato is crucial for making perfect spiral chips. Here’s what you need to consider:

Russet potatoes: These are the best choice for spiral chips due to their high starch content, which makes them crispy when fried. The skin is also thick enough to hold the spiral shape, especially when using a spiralizer.
Sweet potatoes: If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option or want to add some sweetness to your chips, sweet potatoes can also be used. However, they require more attention during frying or baking because of their higher sugar content.
Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have a slightly buttery flavor, making them another great option for spiral chips. They’re less starchy than Russet potatoes, but they still crisp up well.

Preparing the Potatoes for Spiral Chips

Once you’ve selected your potatoes, it’s time to prep them for spiralizing. Follow these steps for the best results:

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. If you’re leaving the skin on, make sure to scrub away any dirt.
Peel the potatoes if you prefer skinless chips, although keeping the skin on gives the chips a rustic look and adds extra crispiness.
Secure the potato in your spiralizer. Make sure it’s centered so that the spiralizer creates even cuts. If you’re using a knife, carefully slice the potato into thin, even spirals. This part is more challenging without a spiralizer, so take your time.

Important Tip:

For rustic-style chips, leave the peel on the potatoes. It gives them extra texture and flavor.

Soaking and Drying the Potatoes

Before frying or baking your spiral chips, it’s essential to soak the potato spirals to remove excess starch. This step ensures that your chips turn out crispy rather than soggy.

Soak the spirals in cold water for at least 30 minutes. You can soak them longer if needed, but 30 minutes is the minimum.
After soaking, drain and pat the spirals dry with paper towels. Drying is crucial because any moisture left on the potatoes will cause the oil to splatter during frying and result in soggy chips.

Cooking Methods: Deep Frying, Baking, and Air-Frying

Once your potatoes are prepped, you have a few cooking options to choose from. Each method results in a slightly different texture, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Deep Frying Spiral Chips

Deep frying is the traditional method for making crispy spiral chips. Here’s how to do it:

Heat your oil to 365°F. Use a mix of oils for the best flavor and crispiness. We recommend a blend of:
- 1/3 corn oil
- 1/3 olive oil
- 1/3 peanut oil
Fry the spirals in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can make the chips soggy.
Fry for about 4-6 minutes, turning the spirals occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Remove the chips once they are golden brown, and let them drain on paper towels.

For more detailed frying instructions, including safety tips, this article provides excellent insights.

Baking Spiral Chips

If you’re looking for a healthier option, baking is a great alternative to deep frying. Here’s how to bake your spiral chips:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Toss the potato spirals in olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Spread the spirals in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Remove the chips when they’re golden and crispy.

Air-Frying Spiral Chips

For an even healthier version, you can use an air fryer to make spiral chips. Here’s how:

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
Lightly coat the spirals with oil, making sure they’re evenly covered but not drenched.
Place the spirals in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air-fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent the chips from sticking together.
Check for crispiness and remove the chips when they turn golden brown.

Seasoning Your Spiral Chips

The key to perfect spiral chips isn’t just in the cooking method—seasoning plays a huge role too. While plain salted chips are always a hit, you can get creative with your seasonings to take things up a notch.

Popular Seasoning Options

Sea salt: The classic choice. Sprinkle the chips with sea salt immediately after frying or baking to ensure it sticks.
Paprika and garlic powder: Add a smoky, savory flavor with a blend of paprika and garlic powder.
Herb blends: Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can add an earthy flavor to your chips.

Creative Seasoning Ideas

BBQ flavor: Mix smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and smoky BBQ seasoning.
Ranch seasoning: Combine powdered buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill for a homemade ranch flavor.
Cheesy chips: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on your chips while they’re still hot for a cheesy twist.

For a full recipe on making Dill Pickle Potato Chips, visit this resource.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making spiral chips, it’s time to think about how to serve them. While they’re delicious on their own, there are many ways to elevate your chips and create a snack worthy of any party or meal.

Serving Ideas

Fair-style on skewers: Serve the chips on skewers, just like at the fair. Not only does this look fun, but it also makes them easier to eat.
Loaded chips: Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, or bacon to turn your spiral chips into a fully loaded snack.
As a side dish: Serve your chips alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats for a crunchy side dish that pairs well with just about anything.

Vegetable Variations

If you’re looking for something beyond potatoes, try using different vegetables to make spiral chips. Some excellent alternatives include:

Sweet potatoes: Sweet and savory, these chips add a burst of flavor to any meal.
Zucchini: Light and crisp, zucchini spirals make for a healthy, low-carb alternative.
Carrots: Carrot spirals offer a slightly sweet and earthy taste, making them a great pairing with savory dips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Spiral Chips

Even seasoned home cooks can make a few mistakes when trying to make the perfect spiral chips. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

Soggy chips: Soggy chips are often the result of frying at too low a temperature. Make sure your oil is hot enough (365°F) before adding the spirals.
Uneven cooking: If your chips aren’t cooking evenly, make sure you’re not overcrowding the frying pan or baking sheet.
Sticking to the spiralizer: Potatoes can sometimes stick to the spiralizer, making it difficult to create even spirals. To prevent this, use firm potatoes and ensure your spiralizer blades are sharp.

FAQs

How do you make spiral chips without a spiralizer?

While a spiralizer makes the process easier, you can still create spiral chips with a sharp knife. Cut the potato into thin slices and twist them around a skewer for a similar effect.

What are the best potatoes for spiral chips?

Russet potatoes are the best choice due to their high starch content and firm texture, which helps them crisp up beautifully when fried or baked.

Can you make spiral chips in the oven or air fryer?

Yes! Spiral chips can be baked or air-fried for a healthier alternative to deep frying. Both methods result in crispy chips with less oil.

Conclusion

Making spiral chips at home is not only fun but also allows you to customize them with your favorite seasonings and cooking methods. Whether you choose to deep-fry, bake, or air-fry, you’re sure to end up with crispy, delicious chips that are perfect for snacking or serving alongside a meal. Try out different vegetables, get creative with your seasonings, and enjoy the versatility of this beloved snack!