Answer

In Jain Dharma, potato is generally not considered acceptable to eat, even if it is dried in the sun and then fried, because potato is a root vegetable.

Explanation

Potato grows underground and is counted among kandmool. In Jain practice, many Jains avoid root vegetables because:

• Uprooting them can destroy the whole plant.
• They may contain many subtle living beings.
• They are associated with greater himsa compared to many other vegetables.

Drying potato in the sun and frying it may remove moisture, but it does not change the basic nature of the food as a root vegetable.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain food discipline is based on reducing harm as much as possible. So, from the traditional Jain point of view, sun-dried fried potato chips should still be avoided.

Takeaway

If you follow Jain dietary discipline strictly, you should not eat potato chips, even if they are homemade, sun-dried, and fried.