You know those boring beige snacks that disappear into the background? Yeah, me neither anymore once I discovered purple potato chips, my snack game changed forever. There’s something magical about pulling a batch of these vibrant violet crisps from the oil – they’re like edible jewels that crunch with satisfaction.
I first fell for purple potatoes at a farmers market, drawn to their royal hue like a magpie to shiny objects. “These would make incredible chips,” I thought immediately. Turns out, I was right their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with just a sprinkle of salt, creating a snack that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
What makes these chips special isn’t just their Instagram-worthy color (though that’s a bonus). Purple potatoes pack anthocyanins – those same antioxidants found in blueberries – giving you a colorful reason to indulge. Trust me, once you’ve made a batch of these crispy purple wonders, regular potato chips will seem downright dull in comparison.
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Why You’ll Love These Purple Potato Chips
Let me tell you why these purple potato chips are about to become your new snack obsession:
- That addictive crunch: When fried just right, they deliver the most satisfying crispiness that’ll have you reaching for “just one more” every time.
- Nature’s food coloring: The vibrant purple hue makes these chips a total showstopper – perfect for impressing guests or jazzing up lunchboxes.
- Shockingly simple: With just potatoes, oil, and salt, you’re about 20 minutes away from gourmet-quality chips without any fancy ingredients.
- Guilt-free snacking: Packed with antioxidants, these beauties let you indulge while feeling good about what you’re eating.
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for the oil to heat up.
Ingredients for Purple Potato Chips
Here’s all you need to make these gorgeous purple potato chips – I bet you have most of this in your kitchen already.
- 2 large purple potatoes (look for firm ones with deep color – slice them paper-thin right before frying)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (I use peanut oil for high heat, but canola works too)
- 1 teaspoon salt (flaky sea salt is my favorite, but regular works – taste as you go)
That’s it three simple ingredients transform into the most magical, crunchy snack. Pro tip: pick potatoes that feel heavy for their size – they’ll give you the best chips.
Equipment You’ll Need for Purple Potato Chips
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these beauties here’s what I always grab:
- Mandoline slicer (trust me, this is the secret to those perfect, paper-thin slices)
- Deep frying pan (I use my trusty cast iron – it holds heat like a champ)
- Paper towels (for draining – lots of them)
- Slotted spoon (to fish those crispy chips out safely)
That’s the whole lineup now let’s get slicing…
How to Make Purple Potato Chips
Alright, let’s turn those gorgeous purple potatoes into crispy works of art I’ve made these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – no judgment), and I’ve learned all the little tricks to get them perfect every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
First, give those purple beauties a good scrub under cold water – we want to keep the skins on for extra color and nutrients now, here’s where the magic happens: grab your mandoline (and that handy guard – safety first). Slice them paper-thin, about 1/16 inch thick. The first time I tried slicing by hand? Let’s just say some chips looked like potato wedges – not ideal.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour your oil into the pan – it should come up about 1.5 inches. Here’s my secret: clip that candy thermometer to the side and slowly heat to 350°F. Too low and they’ll be soggy, too high and they’ll burn before crisping up. I learned this the hard way when I impatience-fried a batch at 400°F – instant charcoal.
Step 3: Fry the Purple Potato Chips
Small batches are key here – overcrowding drops the oil temp and gives you limp chips. Gently drop in a handful of slices (they should bubble immediately) and fry for 2-3 minutes until the edges curl and turn golden. That moment when they stop bubbling? That’s your cue they’re done Watch them like a hawk – they go from perfect to overdone in seconds.
Step 4: Drain and Season
Scoop them out with your slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet – the more layers, the better while they’re still piping hot, sprinkle with salt. This is crucial – the heat helps the salt stick. I like to toss them gently with my hands (quickly they’re hot ) for even seasoning. The first bite of that warm, crispy chip? Absolute heaven.

Tips for Perfect Purple Potato Chips
After burning (literally) through countless batches, I’ve nailed down the secrets to purple potato chip perfection:
- Slice like a pro: That mandoline isn’t just for show – consistent thickness means even cooking. No one wants half-raw, half-burnt chips.
- Thermometer is your BFF: 350°F is the sweet spot. I keep mine clipped to the pan because oil temps can fluctuate like crazy.
- Salt while hot: Season immediately after draining – the residual heat helps the salt cling to every nook and cranny.
- Patience pays: Let the oil come back to temp between batches. Rushing = soggy disappointment.
Trust me, follow these and you’ll be the purple potato chip hero of your household.
Variations for Purple Potato Chips
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to play these purple beauties are like a blank canvas for flavors. My current obsession? Tossing warm chips with smoked paprika and a pinch of garlic powder – it’s like a party in your mouth rosemary lovers, try sprinkling fresh chopped leaves with the salt. For heat seekers, chili powder or cayenne will make those chips pop. The best part? You can mix and match flavors in small batches to find your perfect combo.
Serving and Storing Purple Potato Chips
Here’s the honest truth – these purple potato chips are best eaten fresh, still slightly warm from the fryer. That irresistible crunch deserves to be enjoyed immediately but if you must store them (I rarely have leftovers), pop them in an airtight container ASAP. They’ll keep their crisp for about 3 days – just refresh them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes if they soften. Pro tip: layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together
Purple Potato Chips Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk nutrition – because yes, these gorgeous purple chips actually pack some health benefits too (Not that we need excuses to eat them, right?) Just remember: nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
The purple color isn’t just for show – those anthocyanins (the same antioxidants in blueberries) give these chips a nutritional edge over regular potato chips. Of course, they’re still fried snacks – but when you’re indulging, why not get some extra benefits with that crunch?
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FAQs
Can I bake purple potato chips instead of frying?
Absolutely, Toss your slices with a tiny bit of oil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy as fried, but they’ll still have that gorgeous purple color and great flavor. Just watch them closely – they go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Where can I find purple potatoes?
I hunt for mine at farmers markets (chat up the vendors – they’ll point you to the best ones!) or the organic section of grocery stores. Some regular supermarkets carry them too – just look for that signature deep purple skin. Asian markets are another great spot to check for these exotic beauties.
Why are my purple potato chips turning brown?
Don’t panic! The purple hue can fade slightly when exposed to high heat – it’s totally normal. To keep maximum color, don’t overcrowd your pan and keep that oil temp steady at 350°F. The chips will still taste amazing even if they’re not quite as vibrant.
Can I use other colored potatoes?
You bet! The method works great for sweet potatoes, yukon golds, or those stunning blue potatoes. Each brings its own unique flavor and color to the party. Mix and match for a rainbow chip platter that’ll wow everyone! If you enjoy colorful snacks, you might also like this pink beet chips recipe.
Irresistible Purple Potato Chips Recipe in Just 20 Minutes
Make crispy homemade purple potato chips for a colorful snack.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large purple potatoes
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice the purple potatoes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
- Fry potato slices in small batches until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for even slices.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.





