Prepare the Potato Chips:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help create the crispiness you want while keeping the chips healthy.
2. Wash and Slice the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice the potatoes very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
3. Soak the Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch and results in crisper chips.
4. Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, drain the water and pat the potato slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It’s important to dry them well to ensure they crisp up in the oven.

Season the Chips:

5. Toss with Olive Oil and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potato slices with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure the potato slices are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Bake the Chips:

6. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Lay the seasoned potato slices out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to avoid overlapping the slices to ensure even cooking.
7. Bake the Chips: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as the chips can go from golden to burnt quickly.
8. Cool and Crisp Up: Once the chips are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them crisp up even more as they cool.

Serve the Chips:

9. Serve and Garnish: Once the chips are fully cooled and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with some fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.