Air Fryer Fresh Cut Fries: The Ultimate Guide

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, offering a healthier, less messy, and faster way to cook. But can you make fresh-cut fries in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Here's an introduction to the topic, including some tips and tricks for achieving crispy, golden perfection.

First, choose the right type of potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are popular choices. Then, cut them into even-sized fries, about 1/4-inch thick. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes to an hour helps remove excess starch, which will lead to crispier fries. After soaking and drying the potatoes, toss them with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice, and season with salt and pepper, or other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded, as this can lead to soggy fries. Cook for about 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For the ultimate crispiness, work in batches and recrisp all the fries together for 1-2 minutes at the end.

So, if you're craving French fries but don't want the hassle and health concerns of deep-frying, break out your air fryer and some fresh potatoes, and get ready to enjoy delicious, crispy fries!

Soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch

Soaking potatoes in water helps to remove excess starch. Excess starch can prevent potatoes from cooking evenly and can cause a gummy or sticky texture on the outside. For this reason, it is recommended to use cold water, as hot water would react with the starch, activating it and making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

When preparing fresh-cut fries in an air fryer, it is important to note that the potatoes should be cut into similar-sized pieces, preferably about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure even cooking. After cutting, the potatoes should be rinsed under cold water and patted dry before being tossed with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. They can then be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each fry to allow for even cooking.

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer, but generally, the fries should be cooked at around 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. It is important to check the fries periodically and adjust the timing as needed to ensure they reach the desired level of crispness.

By soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking, you can help reduce the excess starch, promoting even cooking and a desirable texture for your fresh-cut air-fried fries.

Pat the potatoes dry to remove moisture

Pat your potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Make sure to get them as dry as possible. If you have the time, it is also recommended to let your potatoes air dry for 15-30 minutes after washing. This will help ensure that any residual moisture is gone before you cook them.

If you are in a hurry, be sure to pat them as dry as you can before coating them in oil and seasoning. The drier your potatoes are, the crispier they will become in the air fryer.

Work in batches to ensure even cooking

Working in batches is essential when making fresh-cut fries in an air fryer to ensure even cooking and maximise crispiness. If the air fryer basket is too crowded, the fries will turn out soggy instead of crispy.

When making fries, it's important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly. This is especially important when working in batches, as you want to ensure that each fry is cooked to perfection. Russet potatoes are the best type of potato to use, as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which helps them maintain their shape and texture during the cooking process.

Before cooking, rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Be sure to remove as much moisture as possible, as this will help the potatoes crisp up. You can also soak the cut potatoes in cold water overnight in the fridge for extra-crunchy fries.

After drying the potatoes, toss them in a bowl with oil and your desired seasonings. It is important to ensure that all surfaces of the potatoes are evenly coated before placing them in the air fryer basket. When arranging the fries in the basket, work in batches if needed, laying the potatoes in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate around all sides of the fries, resulting in an even cook and a golden brown, crispy texture.

The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but a good starting point is to air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing the fries halfway through. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, cooking as many batches as necessary. Finally, if you want to serve the fries all at once, you can toss them all back into the air fryer together for a quick reheat and to ensure they are all crispy and warm.

Test each batch to ensure they are cooked to your liking

It's important to test each batch of fries to ensure they are cooked to your liking. Every air fryer is different, and the timing will vary depending on your model. Therefore, it's a good idea to check your first batch at the 12-minute mark and adjust the timing accordingly.

Taste a fry from each batch to ensure it's tender on the inside and crisp on the outside before moving on. If they're still not crispy, continue cooking until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remember, when it comes to air-fried French fries, taste is more important than appearance!

Additionally, if you're making a large batch, you can keep the cooked fries warm and crispy by placing them on a wire rack in a single layer in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until you're ready to serve them.

Re-crisp all the fries together at the end

So, you've made a batch of fresh-cut fries in your air fryer, but you're not quite satisfied with the crispiness. What's the next step to ensure your fries are perfectly crispy? Well, it's time to re-crisp those fries! Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the desired crispiness:

• Gather your fries: After cooking your fries in batches, you might notice that the earlier batches have lost some of their crispiness. That's normal, and it's where the re-crisping step comes in. Gather all the fries you've cooked so far.
• Place them back in the air fryer: Don't worry about arranging them in a single layer this time. Just toss them all into the air fryer basket.
• Re-crisp for 1-2 minutes: Turn on your air fryer and set it to 380°F or a similar temperature. Let the fries re-crisp for 1-2 minutes. This short blast of hot air will help restore their crispiness.
• Check for doneness: Keep a close eye on your fries during this process. You don't want them to overcook or burn. Depending on your air fryer and the quantity of fries, this step might take less or more time.
• Taste and adjust: Once the time is up, take a fry out and taste it. Are they crispy enough to your liking? If not, continue re-crisping in small increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• Serve immediately: Once your fries are nice and crispy, it's time to enjoy them! Serve them with your favourite dipping sauces or as a side dish. Remember, fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer!

By following these steps, you can ensure that all your fries are hot, crispy, and ready to be devoured. No one likes soggy or cold fries, so this final re-crisping step is crucial to achieving that perfect texture. Enjoy your freshly made, crispy air-fried fries!

Frequently asked questions