Joybuy Insights

Choosing chips and potato snacks: practical tips for crispy chips and surprising flavours

A bag of frozen chips, crisps or potato sticks might seem like an easy choice. In practice, though, products can disappoint if you use the wrong cooking method, choose an inconvenient pack size or pick a flavour that doesn’t suit the occasion. When you shop online for chips and potato snacks, you’ll also often see terms such as “extra crispy” and “air fryer-ready” without knowing exactly what they mean.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

  • A pack isn’t the same as a portion. A large bag offers better value per gram, but it’s less convenient if you only eat chips now and then.
  • “Crispy” depends on more than the product name. The coating, cut thickness, amount in the basket and temperature all affect the result.
  • A distinctive flavour won’t suit everyone. Tomato, barbecue, aioli or jasmine tea might sound tempting, but check the allergens and ingredients first.

What should you look for when choosing chips and potato snacks?

1. Cooking method and size

First check whether the product is intended for the air fryer, oven, pan or deep fryer. Air fryer chips are usually coated or cut in a way that allows hot air to circulate around them. That doesn’t mean every air fryer will give you the same result, so always follow the pack instructions.

The thickness of the cut also affects the texture:

  • Thin chips usually cook faster and have more crispy surface in proportion to the potato.
  • Thick chips have a firmer potato centre and go well with stews, burgers or loaded chips.
  • Crinkle-cut or curly fries offer extra surface area and hold sauce well.
  • Potato sticks are usually ready-to-eat snacks that you can enjoy straight from the pack.

Don’t overfill the basket. A thick layer of frozen chips can trap steam, making them less crispy. Shake the basket halfway through if the instructions recommend it.

2. Weight and occasion

A 750-gram pack works well for a meal for several people or regular use. A 1 or 2.5-kilogram bag can be practical for families and parties, but you’ll need enough freezer space.

Smaller packs are more convenient for snacking. CRISUP French Fries Original Flavour comes in five 20-gram bags, making 100 grams in total. You can take them with you or share them without leaving a large bag open.

With a snack box, variety matters more than having one large pack. A Lay's Family Box contains 15 bags of Lay's, Cheetos and Bugles. It’s a good choice for a film night, birthday or casual get-together.

3. Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information

Check the label before you order, especially with international snacks. Look out for:

  • the potato base or use of potato starch;
  • added oil, coatings and flavourings;
  • allergens such as milk, soya, wheat, mustard or celery;
  • salt, fat and energy per 100 grams;
  • storage advice and the best-before date on the pack.

For example, the product information for Brets Frites Mayonnaise Chips says the product may contain celery, milk and mustard. Brets Salted Butter Chips lists milk, lactose and butter powder. A pack with an international flavour isn’t automatically suitable for everyone’s dietary preferences.

Claims about flavour or texture come from the manufacturer or seller. According to Aviko’s own product description, certain Supercrunch varieties are designed to turn out crispy in an air fryer. Treat this as product information, and always follow the label for temperature and cooking instructions.

Recommended choices for different shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Aviko Airfryer French Fries - 750 g

Aviko Airfryer French Fries - 750 g

Why it suits this shopper: The manageable pack size and the product description’s recommendation to cook it in an air fryer make this a practical choice for everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended cooking method is clearer than it is for standard frozen chips, so there’s less guesswork the first time you cook them.

Key benefits and features

750 grams; suitable for air fryers; according to the product information, free from the 14 main EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Aviko Supercrunch Airfryer Pommes Frites - 750 g

Aviko Supercrunch Airfryer Pommes Frites - 750 g

Why it suits this shopper: Its long, thin shape and recommended air fryer cooking method make it a good choice if texture and evenly sized portions matter to you.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies the cut thickness and cooking method, so you can make a more informed choice than by relying on the word “crispy” alone.

Key benefits and features

750 grams; thin, long chips; designed for air fryers according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent users
g'woon Crispy Fries - 2500g

g'woon Crispy Fries - 2500g

Why it suits this shopper: The 2.5-kilogram pack is aimed at families, parties and households that cook frozen chips regularly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

You can avoid buying several smaller packs, but check first that you have enough room in your freezer.

Key benefits and features

2.5 kilograms; par-fried and frozen; according to the product information, made with 97% potatoes and 3% sunflower oil.

If you enjoy international flavours, ready-to-eat potato sticks and crisps are an easy addition. CRISUP Crispy Potato Sticks Tomato Flavour comes in five 20-gram bags and, according to the product information, has a sweet-and-sour tomato flavour. chayanyuese Jasmine Crisp Fries combine potato sticks with jasmine tea and list soya and milk as allergens. If you’re looking for Japanese snacks, take a look at Frito-Lay Cheetos Barbeque Flavor; the product information lists soya and wheat, among other ingredients.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about chips and potato snacks

Which chips are suitable for an air fryer?

Choose a product whose packaging explicitly says it’s suitable for air fryer cooking, such as Aviko Airfryer French Fries or a Supercrunch air fryer variety. Don’t overfill the basket, and follow the temperature and cooking time on the label.

How do you make frozen chips crispy?

Keep frozen chips frozen until you’re ready to cook them, spread them out evenly and shake the basket if instructed. According to the product description, a coating or crinkle-cut shape may help create a crispy surface, but the final result also depends on your appliance, the amount you cook and the cooking time.

How should you store crisps and potato sticks after opening?

Store opened crisps and potato sticks in a tightly sealed pack in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Frozen chips should stay frozen. According to the usage information, once thawed, the product must not be refrozen.