Air Fryer Hack: Overlapping Fries For Crispy Results

There are many methods to making the perfect air fryer fries, but one of the most important steps is to avoid overlapping them. Overlapping or overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess, which is the opposite of what you want. It's best to work in batches, allowing enough space for air circulation. Ideally, your fries should be in a single layer, so they cook evenly and crisp up properly.

Should you overlap fries in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a fantastic, healthier alternative to deep-fat frying, and they can be used to make delicious, crispy fries. But, to get the best results, there are some important things to consider when it comes to preparing and cooking your fries.

Overlapping fries

It is not recommended to overlap fries in an air fryer. The key to getting crispy fries is to allow enough space for air to circulate around each fry. If the air fryer basket is overcrowded, the fries will cook unevenly and become steamy rather than crispy. It is best to cook the fries in batches, arranging them in a single layer in the basket, with a little space between each one. This will ensure that the hot air can reach all sides of the fries, making them golden brown and crisp.

Preparing the potatoes

The type of potato you choose is important when making fries. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which gives a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option, offering a slightly waxy texture and a buttery flavour.

Once you have chosen your potatoes, cut them into uniform sticks, generally between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick, to ensure even cooking. Thicker fries will take longer to cook, while thinner fries will crisp up faster.

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes is an essential step to remove excess starch, which can make your fries soggy. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly, as any remaining moisture can lead to a steam-cooked effect, ruining the crispy texture.

Cooking the fries

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the fries. Cook the fries in batches if necessary, and shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fries, but it usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes. For extra crunch, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes, keeping an eye on the fries to prevent burning.

Seasoning

Don't forget to season your fries! A good mix of salt, pepper, and other spices can enhance their flavour. You can also toss the cooked fries with shredded cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, or sprinkle them with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp on your fries, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a great option due to their high starch content, which contributes to a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes have a slightly waxy texture and offer a buttery flavour.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, the next step is to cut them into uniform sticks, generally between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking, with thinner fries crisping up faster and thicker fries taking longer to cook.

Before cooking, it's crucial to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent your fries from achieving that perfect crispiness. After soaking, be sure to thoroughly dry your potatoes using a clean kitchen or paper towel.

Now it's time to season and oil your fries. While air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, a small amount of a high-smoke-point oil is still necessary. Olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil are all excellent choices. Aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons per batch, ensuring all fries are evenly coated. Don't be shy with your spices! A good mix of salt, pepper, and other spices like garlic powder or paprika can really enhance the flavour of your fries.

When cooking your fries, it's best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess. Ideally, your fries should be in a single layer with a little space between each one, allowing the hot air to circulate and make contact with all sides of the fries. Preheat your air fryer to around 380°F and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping your fries halfway through.

Finally, once all your batches are cooked, toss them all back into the air fryer together (this time you don't need to worry about a single layer) and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to ensure all your fries are warm and crispy.

And there you have it! Perfectly crispy air fryer fries, golden brown and delicious.

Selecting the right potatoes

Potato Variety

Russet potatoes are often recommended for air fryer fries due to their high starch content, which yields a fluffier interior. This variety results in fries that are crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. However, other types of potatoes can also be used. For example, red potatoes will give you crispy and soft fries, while sweet potatoes offer a unique flavour and texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option, known for their creamy texture and slightly buttery taste.

Potato Size and Thickness

Consistency in potato size is important to ensure even cooking. Choose potatoes of similar size, and cut them into fries of uniform thickness. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch to ensure even cooking. Thicker fries may require longer cooking times to achieve the desired crispness.

Potato Preparation

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, dry them with a towel. Pricking the potatoes with a fork before cooking can help prevent steam buildup and promote even cooking. Soaking the potatoes in cold water after cutting them into fries can also help remove starch and enhance crispness, but it is not necessary. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before cooking.

Seasoning

Coating the potatoes with olive oil and salt before cooking will add flavour and crispness. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, or thyme.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you use is crucial when making fries in an air fryer. A light coating is usually enough, with around 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil for a pound of potatoes. This helps to achieve the coveted crispy texture while reducing excess calorie intake. Olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil are excellent choices.

You can also use oils such as vegetable or peanut oil, as they can withstand the higher temperatures of air frying without burning. If you opt for olive oil, it is typically recommended to use light or refined olive oil to avoid any bitterness.

For seasoning, a good mix of salt, pepper, and other spices can enhance the flavor profile of your fries. Here is a simple seasoning blend you can try:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

However, avoid using too much seasoning, as it can burn during the cooking process. A light and even coating will provide the best results without overpowering the natural flavor of the fries. You can always add more seasoning after cooking if desired.

• Onion powder or garlic powder
• Herbs de Provence salt
• Cajun seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cayenne for heat
• Cornstarch (sprinkled on the fries before cooking to absorb moisture)

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer French fries depend on several factors, including the type of potatoes used, the cut size, and your desired level of crispiness. Here are some detailed guidelines for cooking times and temperatures to help you achieve the perfect air-fried French fries:

Preheating and Preparation:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• For fresh-cut fries, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
• Pat the potatoes dry before adding any seasonings or oil.

Temperature Settings:

• The ideal temperature range for cooking French fries in an air fryer is typically between 350°F to 400°F (about 175°C to 200°C).
• For fresh-cut fries, a temperature setting of 375°F (190°C) is recommended.
• For frozen French fries, set your air fryer to a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C).
• The exact temperature may vary depending on the type of potatoes, cut size, and your desired crispiness level.

Cooking Times:

• Cooking times will depend on the thickness of your fries. Thinner cuts will require shorter cooking times, while thicker cuts may need longer.
• Thin-cut fries typically take around 10 to 15 minutes to cook.
• Regular-cut or traditional fries may need 15 to 20 minutes.
• Thick-cut or steak fries can take up to 25-30 minutes to reach the desired crispiness.
• It is important to shake or toss the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Always keep an eye on your fries, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to avoid overcooking or burning.

Batch Cooking:

• To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it is recommended to cook French fries in batches.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking smaller portions at a time.
• This allows for adequate air circulation and helps maintain the desired temperature.

Oil and Seasoning:

• While air fryers can produce crispy fries with minimal oil, adding a small amount of oil can enhance the flavor and texture.
• A light coating of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, improves crispiness and helps distribute heat evenly.
• For fresh-cut fries, you can also experiment with different seasonings before cooking, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.

Reheating Leftovers:

• To reheat leftover French fries, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Frequently asked questions