• Making Zaxby’s tater chips is straightforward and fun. You get to embrace your inner chef while creating a snack that’s just as good as the original. Ready to dive into the details? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

• Start with fresh potatoes. Give them a good scrub to remove any dirt. You want all that potato goodness intact. Slice them into thin rounds. A mandoline slicer can make this step a breeze, but a sharp knife works too. Just strive for evenness in size for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

• In a frying pan or deep pot, pour in 1 to 2 tablespoons of canola oil—enough to lightly coat the bottom. Heat it over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a potato slice; it should sizzle upon contact.

Step 3: Fry the Chips

• Carefully drop in the potato slices, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if you have to. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to burnt in the blink of an eye!

Step 4: Season the Chips

• Once browned to your desired crispiness, remove the chips with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Now, here’s where the magic happens.
• Sprinkle them immediately with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, dried thyme, and a good pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. The warmth from the chips helps the seasoning adhere beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• The last step? Devour them! Arrange them on a platter or just grab the bowl and settle in for a delicious snacking experience. They pair wonderfully with dips, but sometimes, I enjoy them just as they are — simple and full of flavor.