Dehydrating Potatoes In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, less greasy potato chips. They are a convenient alternative to deep frying, and can be used to make a variety of potato-based snacks, such as French fries, wedges, and even sweet potato chips. The key to getting crispy chips is to soak the potatoes in water before cooking, which helps to remove the starch and prevent them from sticking together. The potatoes should then be dried thoroughly and seasoned before being placed in the air fryer. The air fryer's powerful fan and high heat work together to cook the potatoes to a perfect golden brown crisp.

Soaking potatoes before air frying

Benefits of Soaking Potatoes

When preparing traditional deep-fried French fries, it is highly recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water ahead of time. This process helps to remove excess starch, which is the key to achieving that desirable crispiness associated with French fries. Soaking also prevents the potatoes from sticking together during the frying process, ensuring each fry has that perfect, individual crunch.

Soaking Time

The duration of soaking can vary. Some people soak the potatoes for about an hour, while others have soaked them for up to 24 hours without any negative effects. It's important to remember to pat the potatoes completely dry before proceeding to the next step. You can conveniently soak them in the fridge in a bowl of water while you go about your day.

Preparing Potatoes for Air Frying

After soaking, it is essential to dry the potatoes thoroughly. You can use paper towels or clean kitchen towels for this step. Once they are completely dry, return the potatoes to a dry bowl and add your desired seasonings and a small amount of oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.

Air Frying Process

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 325°F to 400°F. Spread the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer or staggered layers for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can affect crispiness. Air fry the potatoes for about 20 minutes, tossing them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the potatoes to prevent overcooking or burning.

Seasoning Variations

While salt and pepper are classic seasonings for potato chips, you can also experiment with various combinations to create unique flavors. For a spicy kick, try seasoning your potato chips with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. If you're craving something tangy, go for a sour cream and onion mix with buttermilk powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. For barbecue lovers, a blend of paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder will tantalize your taste buds.

Storage Tips

These homemade potato chips can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is an option. Freeze the chips in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature and enjoy!

The best type of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are fantastic for making crispy, crunchy, and addictive potato chips. They are healthier than deep-fried chips as they use less oil and are easier to clean up. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust, while the insides become soft, tender, and incredibly flavorful.

The best potatoes for air frying

The best potatoes for air frying are those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Here are some specific types of potatoes that are recommended for air frying:

• Russet potatoes: These potatoes are dry and starchy, resulting in fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They have a mild flavor and will crisp up beautifully with a pale golden color.
• Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes are waxier and have a lower starch and higher sugar content. They will crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden color. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavor.
• Baby potatoes or new potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well when cooked in an air fryer.
• Red potatoes: These potatoes will turn a darker golden brown when cooked in an air fryer due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy at first but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Tips for air frying potatoes

• Soaking: Soaking potatoes in cold water before air frying helps to remove excess starch and achieve the coveted French fry crispiness. It is recommended to soak them for at least 30 minutes, but they can be soaked for up to 24 hours.
• Preheating: Allow your air fryer to preheat for maximum crispiness.
• Spacing: For even cooking, cut the potatoes into same-sized pieces and ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Drying: Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer to ensure crispiness.
• Oil: Use oil to help the seasonings stick to the potatoes. A small amount of oil is also necessary to make the potatoes crispy.

Potato chip seasonings

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that completes the potato chip experience.
• Ranch: Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the potatoes for a tangy flavor.
• Spicy: Turn up the heat with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
• Sour cream and onion: Toss your chips with buttermilk powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Barbecue: Use paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder for a delicious BBQ flavor.
• Dill: Add some fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder to your chips for a pickle-inspired flavor.
• Cajun: Use a blend of Cajun spices for a spicy kick.
• Greek: Combine garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper for a Mediterranean twist.
• Parmesan truffle: Add truffle salt and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant, restaurant-worthy spin.
• Garlic salt: For a simple yet flavorful option, sprinkle on some garlic salt.

How to cut potatoes for air frying

To cut potatoes for air frying, you can use either a knife or a mandoline slicer. The mandoline slicer is the best way to achieve thin, even slices. If you are using a knife, aim for a thickness of around 1/16 of an inch (2 mm).

For potato wedges, cut the potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again to create quarters. With the cut side facing up, cut down the centre of each quarter to create a wedge. Repeat until the entire potato is cut into wedges.

For French fries, cut the potatoes into matchsticks. For potato chips, cut the potatoes into thin rounds.

How long to air fry potatoes

Air-frying potatoes is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable. The time it takes to air fry potatoes depends on the type of potato, the preparation method, and the desired texture.

Preparation

Before air-frying potatoes, it is important to prepare them properly. This includes:

• Washing and peeling the potatoes.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and improve crispiness (optional but recommended).
• Drying the potatoes completely before cooking.
• Cutting the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

Cooking Time

Once the potatoes are prepared, it's time to cook them! The cooking time will depend on the type of potato and the desired texture. For example:

• Russet potatoes cut into thin fries typically take around 10-30 minutes in an air fryer.
• Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes cut into chunks and cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit will take around 15-20 minutes.
• For crispy potatoes, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Dehydrating Potatoes

It is also possible to dehydrate potatoes in an air fryer to extend their shelf life. The dehydration process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the potato slices and the humidity levels. The ideal temperature for dehydrating potatoes is around 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store air-fried potatoes

Air-fried potatoes can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to a week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let the potatoes thaw for a few minutes before serving.

• Make sure the potatoes are completely cool before storing them.
• Store the potatoes in a dry, cool, and dark place to extend their shelf life.
• If you plan on storing the potatoes for more than a week, consider freezing them instead of keeping them at room temperature.
• To save space, you can also crush or blend the leftover potatoes and store them in a container or bag.
• If you want to reheat the potatoes, you can do so in an oven, toaster oven, or even back in the air fryer! Just make sure they are heated through before serving.

Frequently asked questions