Air-Frying French Fries: Is It Possible?

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but they can be messy and greasy to make at home. Air fryers offer a faster, healthier, and less messy alternative to deep-frying, resulting in crispy and crunchy French fries with a fluffy texture and a golden, crunchy exterior. With just a few basic ingredients and simple preparation, you can make delicious French fries in an air fryer without the excess oil and grease.

Soak potatoes in water for 10-20 minutes

Soaking your potatoes in water before air frying is an essential step to achieving the perfect homemade French fries. While it may seem like an unnecessary hassle, it is actually a crucial step in the process. By soaking the potatoes, you are removing excess starch, which is the natural component in potatoes that can make them less crispy. The water helps to draw out this starch, leaving your potatoes crispier when cooked.

The ideal soaking time for potatoes is between 10 and 20 minutes. However, if you are short on time, a quick rinse under cold water will suffice. On the other hand, if you want to soak your potatoes for longer, you can leave them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This extended soak will not negatively impact your potatoes. Just be sure to thoroughly pat them dry before moving on to the next step.

When it comes to the water temperature, there are different schools of thought. Some recipes suggest using hot water, as it slightly cooks the potatoes, creating the "double-fried" effect that makes restaurant fries so addictive. However, others recommend cold water, arguing that it is more effective at removing starch and that hot water can make the potatoes break down. Ultimately, the choice is yours, as both methods will result in delicious, crispy French fries.

After soaking, it is important to thoroughly dry your potatoes. Use kitchen or paper towels to pat them dry, ensuring no moisture is left on the surface. This step is crucial, as any remaining water will turn into steam during the air frying process, preventing your potatoes from achieving the desired crispiness.

Once your potatoes are dry, it's time to season and cook them. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings, and toss to coat evenly. Then, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, or no more than two layers, to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 375-390°F for 8 to 16 minutes, tossing them once or twice during cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Rinse and dry potatoes

Rinsing and drying your potatoes is an important step in the process of making French fries in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Rinsing the Potatoes:

• After cutting your potatoes into the desired shape and size, usually 1/4-inch thick sticks, place them in a large bowl or container.
• Rinse the potato sticks thoroughly with cold water. Ensure that all the pieces are rinsed evenly.
• For extra crunchy fries, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 10-20 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which can interfere with achieving the desired crispiness.

Drying the Potatoes:

• Once you've rinsed or soaked the potatoes, drain the water completely.
• Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat the potatoes dry. Make sure to get rid of as much moisture as possible.
• If you have the time, you can let the potatoes air-dry for a few minutes to ensure they are thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.

By rinsing and drying your potatoes, you are setting the foundation for achieving that perfect golden crunch in your air-fried French fries.

Oil and season potatoes

You can use extra virgin olive oil to help the potatoes brown and soften as they cook. However, you can also use vegetable oil, canola oil, or an oil spray.

Use just enough oil to coat the potatoes so that the seasoning will stick. A light drizzle of oil will be enough to make crispy French fries in the air fryer.

Seasoning

You can season the potatoes with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried dill, parsley, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, dried thyme, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or a packet of dry ranch seasoning.

It is recommended to season the potatoes just before air frying them. If you add salt too early, it will draw moisture out of the potatoes, and they won't be as crispy.

Air fry in batches

Yes, you can make French fries in an air fryer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy, golden fries:

It is important to air fry your French fries in batches to ensure even cooking and achieve the best results. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Here's what you need to do:

• Cut your potatoes into even-sized fries. Aim for a consistent size to ensure uniform cooking.
• Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
• After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry. Removing moisture is crucial for achieving that signature crispness.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure your fries get crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
• Now, it's time to air-fry! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in several batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Cook the fries for about 12-15 minutes, gently shaking the basket or tossing the fries with tongs every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries.
• Once they're golden and crispy, transfer the cooked fries to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
• Repeat this process until all your potatoes are cooked, ensuring you don't overcrowd the basket.
• Finally, season the hot fries with salt and your favorite seasonings. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!

Remember, cooking in batches ensures optimal results. By following these steps, you'll enjoy delicious, crispy French fries made right in your air fryer!

Reheat in the air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat leftover fries and restore them to their former glory. It's the fastest way to get crispy fries without drying them out. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket or tray. This allows for proper air circulation and even heating. If you need to overlap the fries, cook them in batches.
• Cook for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• For even crispier fries, spritz them with a light coating of neutral cooking oil before heating.
• Thinner fries will cook faster, while thicker fries may take a minute or two longer.
• If you're reheating a large batch of fries, you may need to do it in multiple batches to ensure even heating.
• Season with salt or your favourite fry seasoning and serve with your favourite dipping sauces!

Frequently asked questions