recipe

Rice Chips Perfect for a Tasty Snack (Oven-Roasted and Fried)

Total time: 65 mins.

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 4 people

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By Ojonugwa Lawrence

Rice chips are a simple homemade snack made from cooked rice that is blended, shaped, and baked or fried. They require only a few ingredients and are lightly seasoned with cheese and spices, making them suitable for everyday snacking or as a crunchy side. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, rice chips are a practical way to turn cooked rice into a crispy snack.

What Are Rice Chips?

Rice chips are crispy snacks made by transforming cooked rice into a smooth dough, flattening it into thin rounds, and cooking them until crunchy. They turn everyday rice into something completely different, with a texture closer to crackers or chips. Popular in many home kitchens and online food trends, they’re loved for how customizable they are. A little cheese, a dash of spice, and suddenly plain rice becomes snack gold.

Pro Tips for the Best Rice Chips

For ultra-crispy results, make sure the rice is fully cooked and soft before blending becuase undercooked rice won’t give you a smooth dough.
Press the disks as thin as possible, because thinner chips mean more crunch and less chew.
If baking, keep an eye on the edges, as they brown faster and give you a clue when they’re ready.
You should not hold back on seasoning, as rice loves bold flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice to make rice chips?

Yes, leftover rice works well as long as it’s plain and not overly dry. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water when blending to get a smooth, pliable dough. Just avoid rice that’s been heavily seasoned or mixed with sauces.

Why are my rice chips not crispy enough?

Rice chips usually turn out soft if they’re too thick or undercooked. Pressing them thinner and extending the cooking time slightly can make a big difference. Moisture is another culprit, so make sure the rice is fully blended and evenly spread.

What seasonings work best for rice chips?

Parmesan and paprika are classic, but garlic powder, chili flakes, or dried herbs work beautifully too. Rice has a mild flavor, so it welcomes bold seasonings without getting overwhelmed. You can even split a batch and try different toppings. Think of the chips as a blank canvas.

Can I Freeze Rice Chips?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped but uncooked rice disks for later use. Lay them flat between sheets of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. When ready to use, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. This is perfect for quick snack emergencies.

How to Store Rice Chips

Once cooked, let the rice chips cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they lose some crunch, a quick reheat in the oven can revive them. Fried versions tend to stay crisp a bit longer than baked ones.

Ingredients

water

350ml (1 1/2 cups)

Rice

300g

extra virgin olive oil

20ml

salt

a pinch

parmesan

Paprika

for the fried version

Oil for frying

How to Make Rice Chips

Step 1

Add the water and rice to a pot and bring everything to a boil. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes, until the rice has absorbed all the water and looks soft and fluffy.

Step 2

Transfer the cooked rice to a food processor, then add the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Blend for a few seconds.

Step 3

Scoop teaspoonfuls of the rice dough and roll them gently into small balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4

Peel off the top parchment carefully and sprinkle the flattened disks with grated Parmesan and a dusting of paprika.

Cover the rice balls with another sheet of parchment paper and press them down using a glass or flat object. Flatten them into thin disks, because thin chips mean better crunch.