If you don't have pocket tongs, there are several options for keeping a bag of chips crispy. The easiest way to do this is to fold the top of the bag a few times after removing the air from the bag. If you do this, store the chips with the folded side of the bag facing down and overlap the fold with a heavy object to keep the bag tightly closed. Another option is to fold the corners of the pouches in the middle before folding them several times over the folded corners of the pouches. Then, tuck your thumb into the corner crease and flip it over just above the pocket to lock the crease.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Creating Simple Folds
Step 1. Lay down the bag, then blow out the air by flattening the bag
Shake the bag slightly to allow the chips to drop to the bottom of the bag. Lay down the bag with the back label facing up. Smooth the top of the bag 3-4 times until it is completely flat. Press from the bottom up to remove air from the bag.
- This method is easy, but it won't hold air in from the outside unless you're pressing down on the opening of the bag with a heavy object.
- The more air in the bag, the faster the chips will go down.
Step 2. Fold the pocket opening
Rotate the bag so that the opening is facing you. Grasp the two corners of the pouch opening with your index finger on top of the pouch and your thumb underneath. Fold down the opening 2-5 cm wide to close the bag.
Step 3. Continue folding with a 2-5 cm layer of folds
When the first fold is complete, press down on the edge you folded. Then, slide your thumb under the crease and grasp the top of the bag. Make another fold that is the same size as the first fold. Repeat the process until 5-6 folds are formed.
Press each fold to seal the bag tightly
Tip:
You can also continue folding the bag until it touches the chipped area at the bottom, if you prefer. However, the more you fold, the more likely the pockets will open.
Step 4. Store the bag upside down
Take the bag of chips and turn it over with the folded side down. The bag of chips should automatically stay folded. To prevent these folds from unfolding over time, place a vase, bowl, or something heavy on top of the folds for weight.
The folds will slowly come off if you don't put them on top
Method 2 of 2: Making Stronger Folds
Step 1. Lay the bag of chips on the table and flatten the top to let air out of the bag
Shake the bag slightly so that the chips collect at the bottom. Place the pouch on a flat surface with the back label facing up. Then, use your palms to flatten the top half of the bag. Do this 4-5 times to even out the sides of the bag.
- This method produces the best pocket cover, but requires more effort. The bag of chips should also be more empty. So, you may not be able to do this if the bag of chips is still a bit full.
- This method is especially difficult for smaller chip bags. You're better off making simple folds for the smaller bag of chips.
Step 2. Fold the top corner to the center so that the two folds meet
Hold the pouch flat, then fold the two corners of the pouch opening towards the center of the pouch. Point each corner down so that they meet about 5-7 cm below the bag opening.
Alternative:
If you're having trouble holding the bag flat while doing this step, place your finger over the corner of the bag you're about to fold. Then, use your free hand to fold the corner over your index finger before removing it and pressing the crease. Repeat this process on the other side to fold the corners.
Step 3. Fold the top of the folded corner 2 cm wide
Hold the folded corner flat as you fold the top into the area where the corner crease meets the center of the pocket. Carefully fold the top 2 cm down.
Holding the pouch should not be difficult. The easiest way to do this is to use your middle, ring, and pinky fingers to press down while folding the top of the pouch
Step 4. Continue to fold the top of the bag in 2-3 layers
Hold the fold and repeat. Hold the first fold and make a second layer of the same size fold. Repeat this process until you have 2-3 layers. You have successfully completed this step when there is at least 2cm of corners left.
Press the folded part of the bag with your palm to flatten it out
Step 5. Tuck your thumb into the corner crease and flip over the top of the pouch
To lock the pouch, grasp the folds at the top of the pouch with four fingers, index, middle, ring, and little fingers. Slide your thumb between the folded corner and the pocket. Lift the bag, and press the folds while pulling the corners to flip it over the bag and lock it.
