Understanding How Chips Behave in a Pizza Oven

Yes, you can cook chips (fries) in a pizza oven, but they must be prepared properly to benefit from the oven’s intense heat. A pizza oven typically reaches 300°C to 450°C, creating powerful radiant and conductive heat that can crisp potatoes quickly. While chips cannot be deep-fried inside a pizza oven, they can be oven-baked, roasted, or skillet-crisped for a golden, crunchy finish. With the right tools—such as a baking tray, cast iron pan, or mesh roasting basket—the pizza oven becomes an efficient high-heat fryer alternative.

Why a Pizza Oven Works Well for Chips

A pizza oven delivers multiple advantages for cooking chips:

1. High, Even Heat for Crisping

The strong radiant heat from the dome ensures the chips brown evenly from all sides.

2. Faster Cooking Time

Because of the high temperature, chips cook in 10–18 minutes, depending on thickness.

3. Excellent Texture

The combination of high heat and stone-based cooking environment helps develop a crisp exterior and soft interior.

4. Works With Fresh or Frozen Chips

Both fresh-cut potatoes and frozen chips cook well when placed in a suitable pan.

Best Methods for Cooking Chips in a Pizza Oven

1. Baking on a Tray

• Use a high-temperature baking sheet

• Spread chips in a single layer

• Toss with oil and seasoning

• Cook at 350°C–400°C, rotating halfway

This method creates evenly crisped chips with minimal effort.

2. Cast Iron Skillet Method

Cast iron absorbs heat effectively, creating a fryer-like environment.
Steps:

• Preheat the skillet inside the oven

• Add lightly oiled chips

• Stir occasionally for even browning

This method delivers deeper color and stronger crust texture.

3. Using a Mesh Basket

A perforated basket allows hot air to surround the chips.

Benefits include:

• Faster crisping

• Reduced turning

• More even cooking

This method works especially well for frozen chips.

Recommended Temperature Ranges

Different potato styles benefit from different heat levels:

• Frozen chips: 300°C–350°C

• Fresh thick-cut chips: 350°C–400°C

• Shoestring or thin fries: 280°C–320°C to avoid burning

Pizza ovens cook aggressively, so watching closely prevents charring.

Tips for Perfect Chips

• Preheat the oven and cooking tools thoroughly

• Spread chips evenly to avoid steaming

• Toss with a small amount of oil (fresh chips only)

• Avoid overloading the pan

• Rotate pans for even browning

• Season after cooking for crisp texture

These practices help achieve professional-level results.

What You Can Serve With Pizza Oven Chips

A pizza oven allows you to cook multiple items at once. Great combinations include:

• Roasted chicken

• Burgers

• Sausages

• Pizza

• Flatbreads

• Grilled vegetables

This makes the pizza oven a complete outdoor cooking solution.

How TopGrill Outdoor Pizza Ovens Enhance Chip Cooking

TopGrill Outdoor manufactures high-performance pizza ovens with strong insulation and durable refractory plates that maintain stable, even heat—ideal for crisping chips quickly.
Their ovens feature:

• Thick cooking plates for consistent bottom heat

• Well-balanced radiant heat from the dome

• Efficient gas or wood systems for precise temperature control

• Strong metal construction suitable for cast iron and heavy cookware

• Insulated chambers that retain heat for continuous batch cooking

These engineering strengths allow TopGrill Outdoor ovens to function not only as pizza makers but also as versatile, high-heat outdoor cookers capable of roasting, baking, searing, and crisping foods like chips with excellent results.