Name: Salt and Vinegar Kettle Potato Chips
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vinegar powder; 1/2 teaspoon table salt; 2 quarts vegetable oil , for frying; 1 pound russet potatoes , unpeeled

Why This Recipe Works

To produce deeply crunchy kettle-style chips, we start by cutting russet potatoes into substantial 1/16-inch-thick slices. Frying them in moderately hot oil ensures that they cook up crunchy—not hard or delicate. Initially heating the oil to a relatively hot 375 degrees quickly dries out the potatoes' exterior starches so they are less sticky; stirring them frequently also prevents them from fusing together. Grinding the spice mixtures to a fine powder and tossing them with the chips while hot ensures that the spices stick.

Before You Begin

We strongly recommend using a mandoline to slice the potatoes. A heavy 7-quart Dutch oven safely accommodates the full batch of chips and helps the oil retain heat; do not use a smaller, lighter pot. Stirring the potatoes during frying minimizes sticking. Look for vinegar powder online.

Instructions

for topping

Grind vinegar powder and salt in spice grinder to fine powder.

Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet and line with double layer of paper towels. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat to 375 degrees. While oil heats, slice potatoes crosswise 1/16 inch (1½ millimeters) thick. Carefully add all potatoes to oil, 1 small handful at a time, separating slices as much as possible (oil will bubble vigorously). Cook, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until bubbling has calmed (it will not completely stop) and slices begin to stiffen, 2 to 4 minutes.

Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until shape of chips is set and slices are rigid at edges (chips will make rustling sound when stirred), about 5 minutes longer, adjusting heat as needed to maintain oil temperature between 240 and 250 degrees.

Continue to cook, stirring and flipping potatoes frequently with spider skimmer or slotted spoon, until all bubbling ceases and chips are crisp and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes longer, adjusting heat as needed during final minutes of cooking to maintain oil temperature between 280 and 300 degrees. Using spider skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer chips to prepared rack. Sprinkle with salt or, if using topping, let chips cool for 30 seconds, then transfer chips to large bowl with topping and toss until evenly coated. Serve. (Chips can be stored in zipper-lock bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.)