ETCHING METHOD AND ELEMENT CHIP MANUFACTURING METHOD

An etching method including: a preparation step of preparing a resin layer and an electronic component supported thereby; and a resin etching step of etching the resin layer. The electronic component has a first surface covered with a protective film, a second surface opposite thereto, and a sidewall therebetween. The second surface is facing the resin layer. The resin layer is larger than the electronic component when seen from the first surface side. The resin etching step includes: a deposition step of depositing a first film, using a first plasma, on a surface of the protective film and a surface of the resin layer; and a removal step of removing, using a second plasma, the first film deposited on the resin layer and at least part of the resin layer. The deposition and removal steps are alternately repeated, with the protective film allowed to continue to exist.