Five-Spice Inspired Salt and Pepper Crisps Recipe
Ridged, crinkle-cut crisps get dressed up with aromatic garlic, sweet peppers and a warming five-spice kick that transforms a simple snack into something utterly irresistible. The gentle sweetness of honey balances the heat whilst olive oil brings silky richness. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that's perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
- For the chips:
- 500g Maris Piper potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut into 1cm thick chips (no need to peel, skin adds texture and nutrients)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for finishing
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the aromatic toss:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced into half-moons (about 150g)
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
- 1 fresh red chilli, thinly sliced (deseeded if you prefer less heat)
- 3 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal into 2cm pieces, white and green parts separated
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (a fragrant blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel)
- 1 teaspoon honey, preferably raw and unprocessed
- Extra pinch of sea salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing your chips properly, as this is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. Cut your scrubbed potatoes into evenly-sized chips about 1cm thick, then place them in a large bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper, this step is absolutely essential because any moisture will prevent crisping. Once bone dry, toss the chips in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the sea salt and black pepper until every chip is evenly coated and glistening.
Step 2
Arrange your chips in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded as this prevents proper air circulation. If your air fryer is smaller, don't be shy about cooking in two batches, it's worth it for that golden crispiness. Set your air fryer to 200°C and cook for 20-25 minutes, giving the basket a good shake every 8 minutes to ensure even browning. You're looking for chips that are deeply golden with crispy edges and fluffy centres, they should look absolutely gorgeous when done.
Step 3
Whilst your chips are crisping up beautifully, prepare all your aromatics and vegetables so everything is ready for the quick toss at the end. Have your garlic minced, onions sliced, peppers cut into strips, chilli sliced, and spring onions prepped with the white and green parts separated. This preparation makes the final step smooth and stress-free, and you'll be grateful for the organisation when things start moving quickly.
Step 4
When your chips have about 5 minutes left to cook, heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and almost smoking, add your sliced onions and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to soften and caramelise at the edges. The high heat is important here as it creates that lovely charred flavour whilst keeping the onions slightly crisp, don't be tempted to lower the heat.
Step 5
Add your minced garlic and the white parts of the spring onions to the pan, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until incredibly fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic turns bitter. Immediately throw in your red and green pepper strips and sliced chilli, tossing everything together for 2 minutes until the peppers are just softened but still have a slight crunch. This is where the magic happens and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 6
Sprinkle the Chinese five-spice powder over your vegetables and toss for 30 seconds to release its aromatic oils, you'll notice the fragrance intensify beautifully. Drizzle in your honey and add the green parts of the spring onions, then toss everything together for another 30 seconds. The honey should coat the vegetables lightly and create a subtle glaze that balances the spices perfectly, if it seems to catch on the pan, that's fine, it adds lovely caramelised bits.
Step 7
The moment your chips are done and gorgeously golden, immediately tip them into the pan with your aromatic vegetables whilst everything is piping hot. Working quickly, toss everything together enthusiastically for 1 minute, making sure every chip gets coated with those beautiful aromatics and the glossy honey mixture. The residual heat will bring everything together whilst the chips stay crispy, this is crucial timing.
Step 8
Transfer your stunning salt and pepper chips to a serving bowl or plate, drizzle with just a touch more olive oil for extra richness and shine, then taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately whilst they're at their absolute best, gloriously crispy, fragrant and irresistible. These are perfect for sharing, though I won't judge if you keep them all to yourself, they're that good!
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Garlic
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was staying with Abu Ayyub. When he ate some food, he would send what was left to him. So one day he sent him some food but the Prophet ﷺ did not eat from it. So Abu Ayyub went to the Prophet ﷺ and mentioned that to him. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'It contained garlic.' So he said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Is it unlawful?' He said: 'No, I dislike it because of its odour.'
Onions
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Whoever eats from these - the first time, he said garlic, then he said - garlic, onion, and leek, then let him not approach our Masjid.'
Olives
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth... lit from the oil of a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light.
Olive Oil
Eat olive oil, and anoint with it, for it is from a blessed tree!
Honey
And your Lord inspired the bees: 'Make ˹your˺ homes in the mountains, the trees, and in what people construct, and feed from ˹the flower of˺ any fruit ˹you please˺ and follow the ways your Lord has made easy for you.' From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colours, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.
Black Seeds
In black seed there is healing for every disease, except death.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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