Air Fryer Fries: Can You Make Them?

Yes, you can make fries in an air fryer! They will be just as crispy and crunchy as regular fries, but they use far less oil. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, and you can season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and more. The key to crispy fries is to soak the potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes to remove excess starch, and then to ensure they are completely dry before cooking. You will also need to cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make them soggy.

Soak the potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes to remove excess starch and moisture

Soaking potatoes in water before frying is a crucial step in the process of making fries. It helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the potatoes from crisping up and turning golden brown during frying. The presence of excess starch can lead to soft, brown, and mushy fries.

To effectively remove the excess starch, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or even a few hours if possible. This process allows the surface starch to dissolve in the water, and it can be further enhanced by changing the water a few times during the soaking period. After soaking, it is important to thoroughly dry the potatoes before proceeding to the frying step.

By taking the time to soak and dry the potatoes, you can achieve the desired crispiness and colour in your air-fried French fries. This technique is especially useful when using an air fryer, as it helps to reduce the amount of oil required during cooking while still yielding delicious, crispy fries.

Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture

Once the potatoes are thoroughly dry, you can proceed to season them with oil, salt, and pepper, or any other desired spices and herbs. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are dry so that the olive oil can properly coat the potatoes and help them crisp up without becoming soggy.

Additionally, when cooking the potatoes in the air fryer, be sure to cook them in a single layer, leaving space between each fry. This allows hot air to circulate around each fry, promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, truffle, parmesan, or Cajun seasoning

Seasoning Air Fryer Fries

When making fries in an air fryer, you can season them with a variety of herbs and spices to add flavour. Here are some ideas for seasoning potatoes before or after cooking them in an air fryer:

Salt and Pepper

The simplest option is to season your air fryer fries with salt and pepper. You can add this before or after cooking, or both, depending on your preference.

Paprika

For a hint of spice, paprika is a great option. You can add this to your salt and pepper mix, or use it on its own.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder will add a savoury depth to your fries. You can also use fresh garlic, but be aware that this may burn during the cooking process and leave a bitter taste.

Onion Powder

Onion powder is another great option for adding flavour to your fries. It can be used on its own or in combination with other spices.

Rosemary

Fresh or dried rosemary can be used to season your air fryer fries. It has a strong, distinctive flavour, so a little goes a long way.

Truffle

Using truffle oil to season your fries will give them a luxurious, earthy flavour. You can also use truffle salt to add a different flavour profile.

Parmesan

Adding grated parmesan cheese to your fries will give them a delightful umami flavour and extra crispiness.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that can add a kick to your fries. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Other Options

You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme, basil, chilli powder, or parsley.

Tips for Seasoning Air Fryer Fries:

• If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of cooking to avoid burning.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the circulation of hot air and prevent your fries from crisping up.
• Cut your potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
• Taste your fries before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect flavour profile!

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is a good idea if you want to speed up the cooking time or if you want your food to be extra crispy. It's not necessary, but it can help you achieve the desired results, especially if you're cooking frozen or breaded foods.

To preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C), follow these steps:

• Turn on the air fryer and ensure it's clean and ready to use.
• If your air fryer has a preheat button, press it and set the temperature. The air fryer will alert you when it reaches the desired temperature.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, manually heat it to the desired temperature for 3-5 minutes. You can set the temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) or follow the cooking temperature in your recipe.

Preheating your air fryer can improve the texture and taste of your French fries. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and you should always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Air fry the potatoes for 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway through

Now that your potatoes are seasoned and ready to go, it's time to air fry! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are all on the same level and not stacked on top of each other. Leave a little space between each potato so the hot air can circulate and get them golden brown and crisp.

Air fry at 380°F for 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on how thick your potatoes are and how crispy you like your fries. If you're using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in two batches.

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, they're ready to be served! If you're cooking in batches, you can place the first batch on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack while the second batch cooks. You can then return all the fries to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to rewarm and ensure they are all crispy before serving.

Frequently asked questions