Let’s be honest—kids love chips. That satisfying crunch, the salty, savory goodness—it’s hard to resist! But as a pediatrician and advocate for culinary medicine, I often remind parents that the foods we crave don’t have to come in ultra-processed, preservative-packed bags.

Instead, we can make our own potato chips at home with just a potato, a little seasoning, and a healthier cooking method. It’s cost-effective, easy, and way better for your family’s health—no artificial preservatives, inflammatory oils, or unnecessary additives. Plus, when you serve them in durable, environmentally friendly bowls , you can keep that homemade crunch fresh while making snack time feel even more special.

This blog will walk you through:

✅ Why store-bought chips are ultra-processed and unhealthy

✅ How to make crispy, delicious potato chips at home with minimal effort

✅ The best tools and techniques for time-saving preparation

✅ How homemade snacks support culinary medicine and long-term health

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Many parents grab a bag of chips as a quick snack, thinking it’s just potatoes, oil, and salt—right? Not exactly.

Most packaged potato chips contain:

❌ Ultra-processed oils (often inflammatory seed oils like canola, corn, or soybean oil)

❌ Artificial flavors & preservatives (linked to hyperactivity and gut health issues)

❌ Excess sodium & added sugars (yes—some flavored chips even contain sugar!)

❌ Acrylamide formation (a chemical that forms when potatoes are fried at high temps)

By making your own potato chips, you control the ingredients, cooking method, and quality—without sacrificing taste or crunch.

Most canned beans contain preservatives and are lined with BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical that can disrupt hormones. Cooking your own means you control exactly what goes into your food.

The beauty of homemade chips is that you only need three ingredients:

• Potatoes or sweet potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes work great)
• Healthy oil (Olive oil or avocado oil are the best options)
• Seasoning of choice (Sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, or even cinnamon for sweet potato chips!)

For crispy chips, you need thin slices. You can use:

✔ A sharp knife (takes time but works)

✔ A mandoline slicer (best for uniform, paper-thin slices)

✔ A food processor with a slicing blade (fastest method!)

Pro Tip: The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip! Aim for 1/16-inch slices for the best results.

You don’t need to deep-fry chips to make them crispy! Here are three better alternatives:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Soak potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (helps them crisp up).
3. Dry completely, then toss with a small amount of olive oil and seasoning.
4. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

1. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Toss dried potato slices with oil and seasoning.
3. Arrange in a single layer (work in batches to avoid overcrowding).
4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

1. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.
3. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with seasoning.

Bonus Tip: Want extra crispy chips? Let them cool completely before eating—they crisp up even more as they sit!

For the best experience, serve homemade chips in a sturdy, non-toxic bowl that keeps them fresh and crisp. Ahimsa’s stainless steel snack bowls are perfect for serving these chips at snack time, movie nights, game nights…or anytime! They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and completely free from harmful plastics or coatings.

Use one bowl for classic sea salt chips, another for a smoky paprika version, and maybe a third for a sweet cinnamon-sugar take on sweet potato chips. It’s an easy way to make snack time feel exciting while keeping things safe and sustainable.

Making chips at home might sound time-consuming, but it’s actually a fast, family-friendly activity when you have the right tools. Plus, it aligns with the philosophy of culinary medicine—cooking the foods you love at home in a healthier way.

✅ Cheaper than store-bought – A bag of chips costs $4-5; a pound of potatoes is $1-2.

✅ No preservatives or artificial ingredients – Just real food, real flavors.

✅ Less inflammatory oils – You control what you use.

✅ Fun for kids to help with! – Let them choose seasonings, toss the slices, or press the air fryer button.

If you’re already slicing veggies for a meal, it takes just 5 extra minutes to prep potato chips for later.

Swapping ultra-processed snacks for homemade options has long-term health benefits:

• Better gut health – No artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives.

• Steadier blood sugar – Whole potatoes have fiber, unlike highly processed versions.

• Less inflammation – Olive oil and avocado oil are anti-inflammatory alternatives to canola or soybean oil.

• More nutrients – Sweet potato chips add vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants!

Even small changes add up. Replacing packaged chips with homemade ones is one of the easiest ways to clean up your child’s diet.

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be simple, quick, and enjoyable. Homemade potato chips are proof that making your favorite snacks from scratch is worth it—for your family’s health, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

Try this: Next time you reach for a bag of chips at the store, grab a bag of potatoes instead. Pick a cooking method (oven, air fryer, or stovetop) and see how easy and delicious homemade chips can be!

And since how we serve food matters just as much as what we make, consider using Ahimsa’s stainless steel snacking bowls to keep homemade snacks fresh and free from harmful chemicals. Their stainless steel design is lightweight, durable, and dishwasher-safe, making them the perfect choice for families who want safer, healthier mealtimes.

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