Air Frying French Fries: Is It Possible?

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but deep frying can be a hassle and an unhealthy option. Air fryers provide a healthier alternative to deep frying, and can be used to make delicious, crispy french fries. Air fryers are small countertop appliances that cook food by circulating hot air in an even manner around the food, helping to create a crispy exterior without the need for extra oil. This article will explore the process of making french fries in an air fryer, including the best types of potatoes to use, preparation methods, and cooking tips for achieving the perfect air-fried french fry.

Russet potatoes are best for air fryer French fries

Russet potatoes are the best option for making French fries in an air fryer. This is because they have a classic, rich, buttery potato flavour and their starch content helps them puff and crisp up perfectly. They also have the ideal texture for French fries—crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Ingredients:

• 3 large Russet potatoes
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Wash the potatoes well and peel them if desired. You can leave the peel on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to scrub off any excess dirt, eyes, or bruises.
• Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries. The size of the fries can vary, but try to keep them relatively uniform so they cook at the same rate.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries. Let the potatoes soak for at least one hour, changing the water once or twice if desired.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• After soaking, drain the water from the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure crispy fries.
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Make sure the spices and oil are well distributed.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the potatoes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 13-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
• Enjoy your homemade French fries! You can serve them with various dips and seasonings, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, rosemary, or Parmesan cheese.

Soak the potatoes in water for 20 minutes to an hour

Soaking the potatoes in water before air frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness for your French fries. By soaking the potatoes, you are removing excess starch, which is the key to getting that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The potatoes should be cut into the desired fry shape and then placed in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes, or even up to an hour if you have the time. If you're really short on time, you can skip this step, but your fries may not turn out as crispy.

While the exact duration of the soak can vary, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step. Once the soaking process is complete, remove the potatoes from the bowl and lay them out on a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. It is essential to pat them down until they are completely dry. This step will help ensure that your fries don't end up soggy.

After drying, you can proceed to season and coat your potatoes with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer. The soaking process, combined with the right seasoning and cooking technique, will help you achieve that perfect French fry texture and taste.

Pat the potatoes dry before air frying

Allowing the potatoes to dry thoroughly before air frying has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that the oil and seasonings you apply to the potatoes adhere properly. Oil and water don't mix, so if the potatoes are wet, the oil will not coat them effectively. Similarly, seasonings will have trouble coating the potatoes evenly if they are still damp. By patting the potatoes dry, you create a surface that can better absorb the oil and seasonings, resulting in a more flavorful and crispy fry.

Additionally, drying the potatoes helps prevent them from becoming mushy during the air frying process. Excess moisture can lead to steam buildup inside the air fryer, causing the potatoes to soften instead of crisping up. By taking the time to pat the potatoes dry, you reduce the chances of ending up with soggy or undercooked fries.

Moreover, drying the potatoes can also impact the texture and taste of the final product. The drying process helps remove any remaining starch from the potato surfaces, which can affect their crispness. Removing this starch by drying, or even soaking the potatoes in water beforehand, ensures that your fries will have that desirable crunchy texture.

Finally, patting the potatoes dry is a simple yet crucial step for food safety. Moisture on the surface of the potatoes can promote the growth of bacteria, which can cause food spoilage and potential health risks. By ensuring that the potatoes are thoroughly dried before cooking, you reduce the chances of bacterial growth and improve the overall safety of your air-fried French fries.

In conclusion, don't skip the step of patting the potatoes dry before air frying. It might seem like a small detail, but it has a significant impact on the overall quality, texture, and safety of your French fries. By taking the time to properly dry the potatoes, you'll be rewarded with crispy, flavorful, and safely cooked fries that you can enjoy as a delicious snack or side dish.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When making French fries in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your fries from getting crispy. Here are some tips to avoid overcrowding and ensure your fries turn out perfectly:

Work in Batches

It's best to cook your French fries in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Even if you're cooking for a large group, it's worth taking the time to cook the fries in several batches rather than trying to fit them all in at once. This will ensure that each fry has enough space to get crispy.

Single Layers

When placing the fries in the air fryer basket, arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring they cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If you stack the fries or cram them too close together, they will steam instead of crisp.

Shake and Toss

To ensure even cooking and browning, it's important to shake the air fryer basket or toss the fries with tongs at least once halfway through the cooking time. This helps to ensure that all the fries get their turn at the bottom of the basket, where the hottest air is, and promotes even crisping. You can even shake or toss them multiple times if you want each fry to be perfectly browned.

Avoid Overfilling

When cooking a large batch of fries, be careful not to overfill the air fryer basket. A few layers of fries are fine, especially if you're shaking the basket periodically. However, avoid filling the basket more than 75% full. If it's too full, the fries won't have enough exposed surface area to crisp up properly, and you'll end up with soggy fries.

Choose the Right Air Fryer

If you find that you're frequently cooking for large groups or making big batches of fries, consider investing in an air fryer with a larger basket. This way, you can cook more fries at once without overcrowding the basket. A larger air fryer will also give you more flexibility in cooking other types of food.

By following these tips and avoiding overcrowding your air fryer basket, you'll be well on your way to crispy, golden French fries that are sure to impress!

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil

Seasoning your French fries is a crucial step in the cooking process. It can make or break the flavor of your fries, so it's important to get it right! Here's a detailed guide on how to season your fries with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil for your air fryer:

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients: potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste preferences, but a good starting point is 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a few dashes or pinches of each spice.

Start by chopping your potatoes into fries. Aim for them to be around 1/4-inch thick, as this will ensure even cooking. You don't need to peel the potatoes, as the skin can help them crisp up nicely. Once you have your potato fries, it's time to season them.

Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with oil. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the potatoes. Again, toss the potatoes until the spices are evenly distributed. You can also add other spices like paprika or Cajun seasoning to experiment with different flavors.

After the potatoes are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Spread the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the fries for 12-20 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as the timing may vary depending on your air fryer.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, they're ready to be served! You can enjoy them as is, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or even something more creative like chipotle sauce or chimichurri.

Feel free to experiment with different types of potatoes, oils, and seasonings to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried French fries!

Frequently asked questions