Air Fryer Fresh Cut Fries: How To Make Them?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, offering a healthier way to cook food with less oil. You can make fresh-cut fries in an air fryer, but the process varies depending on the desired crispiness and texture. Some recipes suggest parboiling or soaking the potatoes before air frying, while others recommend simply rinsing and drying the potatoes. Seasoning and oil are usually added before air frying, and it's important to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the air fryer model and the desired level of doneness.

How to cut potatoes for an air fryer

Step 1: Wash and Peel (Optional)

Before cutting your potatoes, give them a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the peel on, depending on your preference. Peeling the potatoes will give you a smoother texture, while leaving the peel on adds flavour, texture, and nutrients to your fries.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. You can use a mandoline, a sharp knife, or a fry cutter to get evenly sized pieces. The key is to ensure that all the pieces are the same size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Soak the Potatoes (Optional)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for about an hour or up to 24 hours can help remove excess starch and improve the crispiness of your fries. However, this step is optional, and you can choose to skip it if you are short on time. If you do soak the potatoes, make sure to pat them completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or another vegetable oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated, then season with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavour of your fries.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook the potatoes for 10-20 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your potato slices.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or bowl to absorb any excess oil. Serve your air fryer fries hot with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, fry sauce, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!

How to season potatoes for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering convenience, speed, and a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Here are some tips on how to season potatoes for an air fryer.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose will impact the final result. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer fries due to their ability to crisp up nicely. Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are also a good option, as they will turn a deeper golden colour and have a creamy texture. Red potatoes will result in an even darker golden brown colour and a crispy exterior, but they will soften quickly. Baby potatoes or new potatoes are also suitable, but they can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before seasoning, it is important to wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on, which is recommended for added texture and flavour. Cut the potatoes into uniform, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 3/4 inch for fries. You can leave the peel on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to wash the potatoes well to remove any dirt.

Seasoning Options

Now, for the fun part—seasoning! Here are some ideas to elevate your air fryer potatoes:

• Olive oil: Coating the potatoes with olive oil will help the seasonings stick and promote browning.
• Salt and pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Flaky sea salt or powdered salt can provide a light, salty flavour that distributes evenly.
• Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic or garlic powder for a savoury, umami flavour boost.
• Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning adds a burst of flavour. You can also make your own blend or substitute with dried thyme.
• Spices: Try smoky spices like smoked paprika, or add some heat with chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• Cheese: Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan or shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavour. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme, chives, or dill.
• Other seasonings: Experiment with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or thyme to find your perfect combination.

Cooking Instructions

After seasoning, it is important to arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches. Air fry at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 20 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer potatoes make a versatile side dish and can be served with a variety of main courses. Try them with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, sandwiches, grilled meat, or a green salad. They also pair well with dishes like butternut squash soup, broccoli cheddar soup, quiche, or frittata.

Get creative with your seasonings, experiment with different types of potatoes, and enjoy the convenience of air-fried potatoes!

How long to cook potatoes in an air fryer

The length of time you'll need to cook potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the temperature of the air fryer. On average, it takes between 10 and 20 minutes to cook potatoes in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Settings

Air fryers can vary in terms of their temperature settings and how they cook food. Some air fryers have pre-set programmes, while others have a temperature dial. Some of the recipes found online specify a temperature of 375-400°F (190-200°C), while others suggest 380°F or 400°C.

Potato Types

The type of potato you use will also affect the cooking time. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer recipes, but you can also use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes. Russet potatoes tend to crisp up well and turn a pale golden colour, while Yukon Golds will turn a deeper golden brown. Red potatoes will turn an even darker brown and have a crispier outside.

Potato Preparation

Before cooking, potatoes should be washed and cut into similar-sized pieces. Some recipes recommend leaving the skin on, as it adds texture and flavour, while others suggest peeling the potatoes first. You can also soak the potatoes in water for an hour to help remove excess starch, which will make them crisp up better during cooking. However, this step is not essential.

After cutting and soaking (if desired), the potatoes should be dried thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Any residual moisture will result in soggy, rather than crispy, potatoes.

Cooking Time

Once the potatoes are prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato and the temperature of the air fryer, but it typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes. For example, one recipe recommends cooking baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes, then tossing the potatoes and cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Another recipe suggests cooking potatoes at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and adding an extra minute or two if they're not crispy enough. Similarly, a third recipe recommends cooking potatoes at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so it's a good idea to check on the potatoes periodically during cooking to ensure they don't overcook or undercook. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on your particular air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer potatoes can be served as a side dish or a snack. They can be paired with various proteins, salads, soups, or quiches/frittatas. They also go well with dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayo, or chipotle sauce.

How to get crispy potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2-3 medium-sized russet potatoes
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional spices: onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, chili powder, cumin, ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning
• Optional dips: ketchup, fry sauce, garlic aioli, comeback sauce, or skillet queso

Method

• Prep: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries. You don't need to worry about making them all the same size, but they should be around 1/4-inch thick.
• Soak: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. This will help remove excess starch and improve crispiness.
• Preheat: Set your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Dry and season: After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, as well as any other desired spices.
• Air fry: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, tossing halfway through.
• Enjoy: For the crispiest results, serve immediately. However, if you are cooking in batches, you can place the first batches in a warm oven (no more than 250°F) to keep them warm and crispy until you are ready to serve.

Tips

• Work in batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to ensure they have enough space.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: For the potatoes to get crispy, it's important that air can circulate around them.
• Adjust cook time as needed: Every air fryer is different, and factors like humidity can impact cooking time. Keep an eye on your potatoes and adjust the timing as needed.
• Don't skip the soaking step: Soaking the potatoes in water helps remove starch and improves crispiness. If you skip this step, your potatoes may not get as crispy.
• Dry potatoes thoroughly before air frying: Wet potatoes will not crisp up properly, so it's important to pat them dry after soaking.

How to reheat potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can make fresh-cut fries in an air fryer! Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

How to Make Fresh-Cut Fries in an Air Fryer:

• Start by slicing your potatoes into fries. Aim for a similar size, about 1/4-inch thick, so they cook evenly. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for extra texture and flavor.
• Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about an hour. This helps remove excess starch and will improve crispness.
• After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any residual moisture. Wet potatoes won't crisp up as well.
• Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 12-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once crispy and golden brown, remove the fries from the air fryer and enjoy!

Now, onto the main event—reheating potatoes in an air fryer!

Reheating potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to bring your leftover spuds back to life. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Cut your leftover potatoes into small cubes.
• Place the potatoes in a single layer on the crisper tray of a convection-type air fryer or in the bottom of an air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Heat the potatoes for 3-4 minutes. If needed, give the basket a shake or toss the potatoes halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Check if the potatoes are warmed through. If not, return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Enjoy your crispy, warmed potatoes!

Tips for Reheating Potatoes:

• For best results, use room temperature potatoes. If your potatoes are cold, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.
• Avoid reheating potatoes in the microwave, as this can make them soggy and unpleasant.
• If you're short on time, the air fryer is your best option for quick and crispy reheated potatoes.
• You can also reheat potatoes in the oven or a frying pan, but these methods may take longer and require a bit more attention.

Now you know how to make delicious fresh-cut fries and reheat potatoes like a pro! Enjoy your crispy, golden treats.

Frequently asked questions