Air Fryer French Fries: Double Frying For Crispy Perfection

Double frying French fries in an air fryer is a great way to achieve the ultimate crunch without the mess of deep frying. The process involves frying the potatoes at a lower temperature, letting them cool, and then frying them again at a higher temperature. This technique is usually done with oil, but it can also be done with an air fryer for a healthier alternative.

The best type of potato for French fries

French fries are a common guilty pleasure and can be made in a variety of ways, including deep frying, air frying, baking, and boiling. However, to make the perfect French fries, you need to start with the perfect type of potato. There are several hundred types of potatoes available in the market, but the best ones for making French fries are starchy potatoes with high starch content and less moisture. These include Russet (also known as Idaho) and Maris Piper potatoes.

Russet potatoes are the most common variety of starchy potatoes and are known for their rich, buttery taste and classic potato flavour. They are easily available worldwide and are also a great source of fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Maris Piper potatoes, on the other hand, are mostly available in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. They are known for their incredibly floury texture, which further enhances the taste of well-cooked fries.

When choosing potatoes for French fries, it is best to avoid waxy potatoes, which have low starch content and high moisture. This category includes red-skinned potatoes, new potatoes, and fingerling potatoes. These potatoes tend to hollow out when fried because of the high water content, which evaporates during the frying process.

To summarise, the best type of potato for French fries is the Russet potato, also known as the Idaho potato. It is easily available worldwide and has the ideal starch content and moisture level for making crispy and fluffy French fries. For those in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, the Maris Piper potato is another excellent option for achieving the perfect French fry texture and taste.

How to prepare the potatoes for frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Select potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. The type of potato you use will depend on your preference for texture and colour. For example:

• Russets: These potatoes will air fry beautifully, resulting in a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft, fluffy, and mildly flavoured.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes will crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their crisp will be a tad softer, but their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy initially but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early and are high in sugar. They roast perfectly in the air fryer and hold their shape well.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into your desired shape and size. For French fries, cut them into thin sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. For roasted potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces or halves if using baby potatoes.

Step 3: Soak the Potatoes (Optional)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) helps remove excess starch, which will make the potatoes crisp up better during frying. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but your potatoes may not crisp up as much.

Step 4: Dry the Potatoes

After soaking, it is crucial to pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Any residual moisture will result in soggy potatoes.

Step 5: Season the Potatoes

Place the cut and dried potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Then, season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavour.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

Preheating your air fryer to around 350-400°F (180-200°C) will help the potatoes achieve maximum crispiness. Not all air fryers have a preheat function, so check your model's instructions.

Step 7: Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 8: Air Fry the Potatoes

Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, then shake or stir them for even cooking. For French fries, cook for an additional 8-10 minutes at a higher temperature (around 400°F/200°C) until crispy and golden brown. For roasted potatoes, cook for an additional 8-10 minutes at the same temperature until golden and tender.

Step 9: Serve the Potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are best served hot and crispy. You can serve them as a side dish with your favourite dipping sauce or use them as an ingredient in dishes like breakfast tacos or burritos.

Tips:

• If you're making a large batch, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions regarding temperatures and timings.
• For roasted potatoes, a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can enhance their flavour.

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple and quick process that can elevate your meals. Enjoy experimenting with different types of potatoes and seasonings to find your perfect combination!

The ideal temperature for frying

Some recipes suggest frying in batches at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 16 minutes, turning them once or twice. Others recommend an initial fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, tossing halfway, followed by a second fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.

If you are using a heavy stock pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, you can fry at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a second fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long to fry the potatoes for

The length of time you should fry potatoes for depends on the type of potato, the size of the fries, and the number of layers you are frying.

For a single layer of fries, fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. For a double layer of potatoes, fry for 8 to 16 minutes, turning once or twice. For three or more layers, the potatoes will be less crispy.

If you are frying in batches, you can keep the first batch warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a warm oven (set to a maximum of 250 degrees Fahrenheit) while you fry the remaining potatoes.

For thicker-cut fries, you may want to try air fryer potato wedges, which will require a longer cooking time.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your French fries in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow:

Choose the right type of potato

The type of potato you use can make a big difference in the crispiness of your fries. Russet potatoes are a popular choice as they are starchier, which results in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside. This gives them that classic French fry taste you would get in a restaurant.

However, if you prefer your fries to have a firmer and creamier inside with a rich, buttery taste, then Yukon gold potatoes are a great option. They are waxier and will give you equally crispy results.

Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes

For even cooking and crispiness, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes. Aim for matchsticks that are about 1/4-inch wide and 3 to 4 inches in length. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get even fries.

Soak the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in water helps to remove excess starch, which is key to getting crispy fries. The recommended soaking time varies, with some sources suggesting a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight, while others suggest just 10 minutes in very hot tap water. You can also add vinegar, salt, or both to the water for extra flavour.

Dry the potatoes thoroughly

After soaking, it is important to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Any residual moisture will result in soggy fries.

Season the potatoes

Toss the potatoes with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning to give your fries an extra flavour boost.

Cook in a single layer

For the crispiest results, cook the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in multiple batches.

Double fry for maximum crispiness

For the ultimate crispy texture, use the double frying method. First, fry the potatoes at a lower temperature (around 350°F) for about 10 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and fry for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

Serve immediately

For the best results, serve your air-fried French fries immediately after cooking. You can also keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) between batches if needed. Don't forget to season them with flaky sea salt and serve with your favourite dipping sauces!

Frequently asked questions