Air Fryer Curly Fries: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Curly fries are a delicious snack, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can cook frozen curly fries in an air fryer, and they will be ready in less than 15 minutes. If you want to make them from scratch, you will need to use a spiralizer to cut the potatoes into the right shape. You can then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or black pepper. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 10 minutes to get crispy curly fries.

Cooking Curly Fries in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your curly fries cook evenly and come out crispy. While some air fryer models may not require pre-heating, it is generally recommended to do so, especially when cooking frozen foods.

To preheat your air fryer, start by selecting the pre-heat function if your model has one. If not, simply set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and let it run for about 2 minutes. This temperature setting is ideal for cooking curly fries, as it will give them that desired crispiness without burning them.

If your air fryer has a basket, you can give it a light coating of cooking spray before adding the fries. This step is not necessary for all air fryers, as some models have non-stick baskets. However, if you're concerned about your curly fries sticking to the basket, a light spray of cooking oil can help prevent that.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to keep in mind that the timing may vary slightly depending on the size and brand of your appliance. Larger air fryers, for example, may reach the desired temperature faster than smaller ones. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your air fryer while it's preheating to avoid overheating or overcooking your curly fries.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with adding the curly fries and following your chosen cooking instructions. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping, and always serve your curly fries hot with your favourite dipping sauces!

Soak the potatoes

Soaking potatoes before frying them is a crucial step to achieving the perfect crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside. The process helps remove excess starch, which can prevent potatoes from sticking together and affect their texture.

To soak potatoes, start by scrubbing them clean and slicing them into desired shapes, such as long, thin fries. If you're making curly fries, you can use a spiralizer with a fine blade to cut the potatoes, then cut the strands into pieces. Once cut, place the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. You can also add ice to the water for better results. Soaking for at least 30 minutes is ideal, but you can leave them for up to an hour or even 24 hours if you plan ahead. If you're soaking for an extended period, it's best to refrigerate the bowl to keep the water cold.

After soaking, remove the potatoes from the bowl and lay them on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. It's essential to dry them thoroughly before proceeding. You can also add them to a medium bowl and toss them with oil and seasonings of your choice, such as rosemary, salt, and pepper, at this stage.

Once dried and seasoned, your potatoes are ready to be air-fried. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature and arrange the potatoes in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the potatoes to turn golden brown and crispy. Don't forget to toss them halfway through for even cooking.

Seasoning options

Curly fries can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. A simple option is to season them with salt and pepper. For something more complex, you can try a garlic parmesan mix by combining grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley. If you're feeling adventurous, a Cajun seasoning can be made by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect blend. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, and cumin. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different seasonings to find your favorite.

Additionally, curly fries go well with a variety of dipping sauces. You can try a healthy ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite traditional fry dips like ketchup or barbecue sauce.

When seasoning your curly fries, remember to add the seasoning while they are still hot so that the flavors meld together. This will ensure your curly fries are tasty and flavorful.

Dipping sauces

Curly fries in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some options:

• Cheese sauce: A decadent option, this sauce is made by melting cheddar cheese with milk and butter.
• Yum Yum Sauce: A tangy and fun choice.
• Garlic Parmesan: A mix of grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
• Cajun: A spicy blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
• Ranch: Use a packet of ranch seasoning mix or make your own at home.
• Smoky BBQ: A combination of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
• Chili Lime: A tangy and spicy mix of chili powder, lime juice, and salt.
• Garlic Aioli: A creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
• BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite brand or make your own homemade version.
• Marinara Sauce or Pasta Sauce: A flavorful option that is more interesting than plain tomato sauce.

You can also get creative and experiment with your own dipping sauce recipes to pair with your air-fried curly fries.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for curly fries in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size, brand, and type of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the curly fries. It's important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on these factors, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your fries as they cook to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

When cooking frozen curly fries in an air fryer, most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F/200°C. However, some sources suggest preheating to 375°F or 350°F, especially if you prefer a crispier texture. The cooking time for frozen curly fries typically ranges from 8 to 18 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. It's important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

For fresh, homemade curly fries, the cooking time and temperature may differ slightly. Some sources recommend cooking fresh curly fries at a lower temperature of 390°F for 6 minutes per side, while others suggest cooking at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket twice during cooking. It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fresh curly fries.

It's important to note that if you're cooking multiple batches of curly fries back-to-back, the subsequent batches may cook faster. Therefore, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes for the following batches. Additionally, if you're using a larger air fryer, the curly fries might cook quicker, so it's crucial to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Frequently asked questions