Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thin, even slices.
Place the potato slices in a bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps in achieving crispier chips.
Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a clean towel.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle them with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning – the chips should be golden and crispy.
Once baked, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked potato chips with your favorite dip or meal!
Variations & Tips
For a fun twist, try using different types of potatoes like sweet potatoes or purple potatoes, which add unique flavors and colors. You can also experiment with various seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. If you have picky eaters, consider offering a variety of dips to make the chips more enticing. For an extra crispy texture, you can bake the chips on a cooling rack placed over the baking sheet to allow better air circulation.
