Crispy Cajun-Spiced Oven Potato Chips
These Crispy Cajun-Spiced Oven Potato Chips are a perfect crunchy snack with a hint of spicy Cajun flair. Originally inspired by a recipe from the 1980s, these chips have stood the test of time in delivering bold flavors and crispy texture without the need for deep frying. A mandoline can be your best tool for achieving uniform slices, ensuring even baking. With the oven set at a high temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, these potato chips achieve a delightful golden crisp that is simply irresistible. You might want to make a full batch as these delectable chips tend to disappear fast!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
4 (peeled and sliced diagonally to 1/8-inch thick)
melted butter
1/4 cup (none)
coarse salt
to taste (or use kosher salt)
Cajun seasoning
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
2
Peel the russet potatoes and carefully slice them diagonally into 1/8-inch thick pieces. A mandoline can be very useful for consistent thickness.
3
Pat the potato slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a crispier texture post-baking.
4
Butter two cookie sheets evenly to prepare them for baking.
5
Arrange the potato slices in a single layer across the two prepared cookie sheets, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
6
Brush the tops of the potato slices generously with the melted butter.
7
Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the potato slices are golden brown and crisp.
8
Remove from oven and sprinkle the chips lightly with a pinch of Cajun seasoning and coarse salt while they're still hot for maximum flavor infusion.
9
Allow the chips to cool slightly on the baking sheets before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cajun-Spiced Oven Potato Chips?
They are a crunchy snack made from thinly sliced russet potatoes that are baked at high heat and seasoned with Cajun spices.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 russet potatoes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
How thick should the potato slices be?
The potatoes should be sliced diagonally to a thickness of 1/8-inch.
Is a mandoline necessary for this recipe?
While not strictly necessary, a mandoline is highly recommended for achieving consistent 1/8-inch thick slices.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify peeling the russet potatoes before slicing.
Why should I pat the potato slices dry?
Patting the slices dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, which ensures a crispier texture after baking.
How do I prepare the baking sheets?
You should butter two cookie sheets evenly before placing the potato slices on them.
Can I overlap the potato slices on the tray?
No, you should arrange them in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
A total of 1/4 cup of melted butter is required for the recipe.
How long do the potato chips take to bake?
The chips take approximately 15-20 minutes in the oven.
How can I tell when the chips are finished baking?
The chips are done when the edges are golden brown and crisp.
When should I add the Cajun seasoning?
The Cajun seasoning and salt should be sprinkled on the chips while they are still hot, immediately after removing them from the oven.
What type of salt is best for these chips?
Coarse salt is recommended, though kosher salt can be used as an alternative.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 3 servings.
Is this recipe deep-fried?
No, these are oven-baked chips, providing a crispy texture without deep-frying.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by a popular snack style from the 1980s.
Can I omit the Cajun seasoning?
Yes, the Cajun seasoning is listed as optional if you prefer a standard salted potato chip.
How do I apply the butter to the potatoes?
After placing the slices on the tray, brush the tops generously with melted butter.
Do I need to flip the chips while baking?
The instructions do not require flipping; the high heat and buttered tray help crisp both sides.
Should I serve the chips immediately?
You should allow the chips to cool slightly on the baking sheets before serving.
What type of potatoes are used?
Russet potatoes are used for this recipe because of their starch content which helps with crisping.
Are these chips spicy?
They have a hint of spicy Cajun flair, depending on how much seasoning you choose to sprinkle on.
Is this recipe considered gourmet?
Yes, these are described as a homemade gourmet snack.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe falls into the snacks and oven-fried categories.
Can I use more than two cookie sheets?
You can, as long as the slices remain in a single layer and you have enough oven space.
How do I ensure maximum flavor infusion?
Sprinkle the seasonings while the chips are still hot from the oven to ensure they stick and infuse properly.
Are these chips gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but you should check your specific Cajun seasoning brand to be sure.
What makes these chips different from store-bought ones?
These are homemade, baked at a very high temperature for a unique golden crisp, and seasoned to taste.
Can I use a different type of fat besides butter?
The recipe specifies melted butter for flavor and crisping, but other fats could be used with different flavor results.