These Hot Chips with Chicken Salt are a classic Australian snack that brings crispy, golden fries to the next level with a flavor-packed chicken salt seasoning. Made using a triple-cooking method, these fries are fluffy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Full Recipe:
Why These Hot Chips with Chicken Salt Stand Out
- Triple-Cooked Perfection – Unlike standard fries, this method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside pillowy soft.
- Authentic Chicken Salt Flavor – This homemade seasoning mix delivers the signature taste found in Australian fish and chip shops.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Made with real potatoes and fresh oil, these chips are free from preservatives and artificial additives.
- Versatile and Customizable – Enjoy them on their own, with dips, or as a side dish for burgers, steak, or fish.
- Perfect for Sharing – Whether you’re making them for a game night, BBQ, or casual get-together, these hot chips are always a hit.
What is Chicken Salt? The Secret Behind the Flavor
Chicken salt is the signature seasoning that gives these fries their addictive umami flavor. While it originally contained dehydrated chicken extracts, many modern versions are vegetarian-friendly and rely on a mix of chicken-flavored stock powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and white pepper.
The combination of salty, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors makes chicken salt a favorite seasoning not just for chips, but also for roasted vegetables, popcorn, and even grilled meats.
The Triple-Cooking Method: The Secret to the Crispiest Chips
For truly crispy, restaurant-quality chips, the triple-cooking method is key. This technique ensures the perfect texture and maximum crunch by:
- Boiling the Potatoes First – This softens the interior, creating a light, fluffy texture inside the chip.
- First Fry at a Lower Temperature – This removes moisture and helps develop the crispy outer layer.
- Final Fry at a Higher Temperature – This gives the chips their golden-brown, extra-crispy finish.
Choosing the Best Potatoes for Hot Chips
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to making the perfect fries. For the best texture and crispiness, choose high-starch, low-moisture potatoes like:
- Russet Potatoes (Ideal Choice) – High in starch and low in water, making them crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Maris Piper (UK) or Sebago (Australia) – Similar to Russets, these varieties are perfect for frying.
- Kennebec Potatoes – A popular choice in gourmet burger joints and fish & chip shops for their superior texture.
Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or Yukon Gold, as they hold too much moisture and won’t crisp up properly.
Why Soak & Chill the Potatoes Before Frying?
Soaking and chilling the cut potatoes removes excess starch and helps achieve extra crispiness.
- Rinsing Under Cold Water: Helps remove surface starch, preventing fries from becoming gummy or sticky when fried.
- Boiling in Salted Water: Softens the inside, ensuring the chips are light and airy instead of dense.
- Chilling Before Frying: Cooling the potatoes in the fridge or freezer allows them to dry out, which results in a crispier texture when fried.
The Perfect Oil for Frying Hot Chips
To achieve light, crispy chips without a greasy texture, choosing the right frying oil is essential.
Best Oils for Frying:
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point.
- Canola Oil: A healthier alternative that still produces crispy results.
- Grapeseed Oil: Mild flavor with a very high smoke point, perfect for deep frying.
- Peanut Oil: Adds a slight nutty flavor and creates extra-crispy fries.
Avoid using olive oil or butter for frying, as they have low smoke points and can burn easily.
Making the Ultimate Chicken Salt Seasoning
The chicken salt seasoning is what sets these fries apart. It’s a blend of savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors that enhance the crispiness of the chips without overpowering them.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Salt:
- Chicken Stock Powder: The main umami booster, giving the seasoning its signature savory depth.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Adds richness and bold aromatic flavor.
- White Pepper: Milder than black pepper, adding a subtle heat and earthiness.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a slight hint of sweetness.
- Salt: The essential base of the seasoning that elevates all the flavors.
This seasoning isn’t just for fries—sprinkle it on roasted veggies, popcorn, or grilled meats for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions & The Best Dipping Sauces
These crispy hot chips are incredibly addictive on their own, but they’re even better when served with dipping sauces or as part of a full meal.
Perfect Dipping Sauces:
- Classic Tomato Sauce (Ketchup): A simple, tangy favorite.
- Aioli (Garlic Mayo): Creamy and rich, perfect for balancing the saltiness.
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky, adding depth to each bite.
- Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and creamy for those who love a little heat.
- Gravy: An Australian favorite—drench your hot chips in rich brown gravy for a next-level experience.
Pairing with Other Dishes:
- Fish & Chips: The classic combo, with a side of tartar sauce.
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Serve alongside your favorite burger for the ultimate fast-food experience.
- Loaded Fries: Top with cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream for an indulgent treat.
- Steak & Fries: A perfect pairing with a juicy steak and peppercorn sauce.
How to Store & Reheat Leftover Fries
Although hot chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat them for later use:
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in an Oven/Air Fryer: Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and reheat for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid Microwaving: This will make the fries soggy instead of crispy.
Why You Need to Try These Hot Chips with Chicken Salt
- Perfectly Crispy Every Time: The triple-cooking method guarantees the best texture—crispy outside, soft inside.
- Authentic Aussie Flavor: Chicken salt is a game-changer, adding the ultimate savory kick.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the seasoning, pair with different sauces, or turn them into loaded fries.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a snack, side dish, or party food, these chips will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Crispy, Flavor-Packed Snack
Hot Chips with Chicken Salt are the epitome of comfort food, delivering perfect crunch, bold seasoning, and endless pairing possibilities. Whether you’re recreating an Aussie classic at home or just craving the best homemade fries, this recipe will elevate your snack game.