Make snacking exciting and worthwhile by making this crunchy and tasty Chin Chin recipe – a genuine African snack! It is also a healthy dish that you can use as a replacement for processed chips for a balanced diet.

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Relish the delicious, addictive, and homemade snacks you can make in the comfort of your home!
How to Make Flat Chin Chin
Chin chin is not just enjoyable to eat, it is also fun and easy to make! You might even find the process therapeutic and satisfying. You don’t have to skip snack time, you just need to improve it.
Ingredients
Plain flour
Flour is the primary ingredient for every chin chin recipe. It is needed to build a gluten network to make the dough flexible. This ingredient is also loaded with protein, fiber, and minerals to aid in your health.
I also use this ingredient for Thanksgiving Turkey Pie, Chicken Pizza, and Pancakes.
Sugar
To give chin chin a sweet and distinct flavor, simply use sugar. This also helps with the golden brown finish of the snack for a more appetizing snack. Consuming sugar can help with better sleep, energy, and immunity.
Salted butter
Aside from a rich, creamy, and buttery flavor, this component also balances out the overall quality of the chin chin. It’s a popular element of puff pastry recipes.
Powdered milk
For enhanced flavor and texture, don’t forget to use powdered milk. It blends well with the salted butter and sugar to intensify the snack’s flavor and crispiness.
Seasoning
Nutmeg and sea salt are some of the best condiments for this recipe. These ingredients are not overpowering but they contribute a notable quality to the chin chin by escalating the palette.
Water
Water is needed to soften the dough for flexibility. It also helps with better consistency and texture after frying. Once added to the flour, the mixture will react to activate the gluten network.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is one of the most recommended oils for deep frying. It can withstand high temperatures for long periods of time. It even adds nutritional value to the dish!
With all of these nutritious ingredients, just think about how this chin chin recipe can impact your lifestyle and your health. You get to snack on these without worrying about harmful preservatives or additives!

Directions
- Combine flour, sugar, milk powder, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Add butter and mix it with your hands or mixer until crumbly.
- Incorporate water and knead until it forms a dough.
- Place it in a bowl and cover it with a towel for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cut the dough into four pieces with a dough cutter on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a rolling pin to thinly roll the dough.
- Cut it to your preferred size and shape. Then, set it aside.
- In a pan, allow the oil to heat over medium-low fire.
- Gently lower a piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the surface, then the oil is ready.
- Toss them around with a skimmer or skewer. Deep fry until golden.
- Transfer onto a plate lined with a kitchen towel or tissue to remove excess oil.
Wasn’t that so much fun and satisfying? Congratulate yourself because you just made the best homemade chips ever! Serve these as treats and I can guarantee you that your family and friends will never get enough of them!
Tips
How to Store Dry Ingredient
Puff pastry ingredients are best stored in their original packaging or in airtight containers. Remember to secure them to prevent molds and insects from seeping into the condiments.
Place them in cool and dark areas of your kitchen to keep them away from sunlight and moisture. There is no need to refrigerate or freeze them.
How to Preserve Dough
In case you never want to run out of this amazing snack, you can store dough for future use. Roll the dough into your preferred shape and size. Wrap it in foil or cling film. Place it in resealable bags or airtight containers and use it within 5 days.
You can also freeze it to last up to 10 days or even several weeks. If you prefer freezing it, coat it with a bit of oil and vacuum seal the bags. To thaw, place the frozen dough near a hot surface until it rises.

Alternative Ways to Cook Chin Chin
Aside from cooking this dish on the stove, you can try other ways of frying it.
In the oven
First, preheat the oven to 160°C for a few minutes. Grease the baking tray and arrange the chin chin dough on top. You can also use parchment paper. Let it bake for up to 20 minutes. Constantly check for doneness.
In the air fryer
Set the air fryer at 170°C and cook the chin chin in batches. Then, let them air fry for up to 18 minutes. Shake it occasionally for even browning.
Chin Chin Variations
To add flavor to the chin chin, use different kinds of seasoning such as cayenne, orange zest, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chili powder, and more. Furthermore, you can slice it into different sizes or strips.
Aside from all-purpose flour, you may also opt for oats flour or gluten-free flour for healthier alternatives. In case you don’t have sunflower oil, you can use canola oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil.
You can also make chin chin in different flavors such as coconut, beetroot, and even milo!
Recommended Tools
- Frying pan: Deep fry the chin chin in a deep pan.
- Dough cutter: Slice the dough with a dough cutter or a knife.
- Rolling pin: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough.
- Whisk: Mix the dry ingredients with a whisk.
- Glass bowl: Prepare the ingredients and the mixture in a glass bowl.
- Cutting board: Work on the dough on a chopping board.
- Strainer skimmer : Toss the chin chin in the oil with a skimmer.
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How to Serve Chin Chin
Chin chin are is perfect for snacking on a busy day. Alternatively, it’s a great option for cereal to pair with pure almond milk or chocolate almond milk. You can even toss them into salads to add crunch to the dish.
Additionally, you can serve it with sauces such as chocolate syrup or other dips. You may even cook it as side dish for lunch or dinner with family and friends. In fact, this can even be a product for a food business!

Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Put the chin chin in airtight containers or resealable bags and store and room temperature for several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chin chin healthy?
Yes, it is absolutely healthy because it does not contain preservatives, additives, or extenders! Since this is homemade, you get to ensure that it’s safe to consume and all-natural.
Eat chin chin if you want to energize your body and mind for the day. This snack also promotes clear vision, boosts immunity, and supplies essential vitamins.
Is it recommended for diabetics?
This snack is not recommended for diabetics due to the carbs and sugar.
Can babies have chin chin?
Chin chin is not recommended for infants due to its texture and some of its ingredients. It’s best to feed this to toddlers aged older than 3 years old or with full teeth.

This post may contain general information and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always seek information or advice from a qualified medical professional. Please read the full disclaimer for details.

Chin Chin
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2½ tbsp salted butter
- 3 tbsp powdered milk
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- a pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup water
- sunflower oil
Instructions
- Make the dough. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, milk powder, nutmeg, and salt. Add butter and mix it with your hands until crumbly. Incorporate water and knead until it forms into a dough.Place it in a bowl and cover with a cloth for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cut the dough into pieces. Sprinkle flour on a flat and clean surface. Place the dough on top. Cut it into 4 pieces. Flour each dough and roll it out as flat as possible. The thinner you roll it out, the more bubbles will form. Cut it to your preferred size and shape. Then, set it aside.
- Fry the chin chin. In a pan, allow the oil to heat over medium-low fire. Gently lower a piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the surface, the oil is ready. Cook the dough in batches. Toss them around with a skimmer or skewer. Deep fry until golden. Transfer onto a plate lined with a kitchen towel or tissue to remove excess oil.
Video
Notes
- Make sure that the oil is hot enough before frying the chin chin.
- This is not recommended for diabetics and infants aged younger than 3 years old.
- If you see that the dough easily tears, try adding water in small amounts until the dough becomes smooth and flexible.
- Test the oil by dropping a piece of dough and if the dough floats to the top, then it is ready for use.
- Cook the chin chin in batches and do not overcrowd the pan.
- If you want to make a soft chin chin version, you can easily add an egg or a bit more butter to the dough mixture.