Stacking French Fries In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to make French fries. They are healthier than deep-fried French fries as they use less oil and work more like a small convection oven. However, a common question people have is whether or not you can stack French fries in an air fryer. The answer is that it is not recommended to stack French fries or any other food item in an air fryer as it will not cook the food properly. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food at a high temperature, and if the food is stacked, the hot air will not be able to reach all the surfaces of the food, resulting in uneven cooking. It is best to cook French fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and work in batches if needed. This will ensure that the French fries are crispy and golden brown on all sides.

How to cut potatoes for fries

Using a Knife

First, peel the potatoes. Then, cut a thin slice off the edge of the potato to create a flat, stable base. Place the potato on the flat base so that it doesn't roll around while you cut. Next, cut the potato lengthwise into slabs. The thickness of these slabs will determine the thickness of your fries—a quarter of an inch is a popular size, but you can go thicker or thinner according to your preference. Just make sure to be consistent, as uneven slices will lead to uneven fries. Now, stack the slabs, making sure their flat edges are aligned, and cut them lengthwise into sticks, maintaining the same thickness.

Using a Basic Mandoline-Style Slicer

If you have a basic mandoline-type slicer, you can use it to cut the potatoes into slabs of even thickness. Once you've cut the slabs, stack them and use a knife to cut them into sticks.

Using a Mandoline with Cross-Cutting Teeth

If you have a mandoline with cross-cutting teeth, simply choose the desired slice width and tooth spacing, and push the peeled potatoes through.

Tips:

• Russet potatoes are the classic choice for fries due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors.
• Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about an hour can help remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before frying.
• For safety, always use a sharp knife and watch your fingers when cutting.

Why soak potatoes before air frying?

Soaking potatoes before air frying helps to remove excess starch and will make the fries crispier. The potatoes should be soaked in cold water for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours, and then patted dry before cooking. Soaking the potatoes also helps to prevent them from sticking together.

When cooking french fries in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are not overcrowded in the basket. It is best to cook them in a single layer, with a little space between each fry, so that the hot air can circulate around them. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy. If cooking a large batch of fries, it is recommended to cook them in multiple batches.

It is also important to dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking and before cooking. Wet fries will not crisp up properly.

In addition to soaking the potatoes, there are a few other tips that can help ensure crispy air fryer french fries. One is to use the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are often recommended for frying because they have the right balance of starch and moisture, resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Another tip is to cut the potatoes into uniform sticks, so that they cook evenly. Finally, seasoning the potatoes with salt, pepper, and other desired spices can also help to enhance their flavour and crispiness.

What seasonings to use

The great thing about making your own fries is that you can season them exactly how you like them. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Basic Seasonings

A little salt and pepper is all you need to make delicious, crispy fries. You can use any type of salt and pepper you normally cook with. For example, Himalayan salt or smoked paprika.

Herbs and Spices

Add some extra flavour with herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, chilli powder, chipotle powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, or Cajun seasoning.

Dried Herbs

For a rustic French twist, try using Herbs de Provence salt.

Cheese

For a more indulgent option, sprinkle over some grated Parmesan cheese.

Lemon and Garlic

For a tangy, addictive flavour, try dipping your fries in Zhoug (Skhug) Sauce, or make some lemon garlic fries by sprinkling over some lemon pepper.

Dipping Sauces

Don't forget to serve your fries with a tasty dipping sauce! Ketchup and mayonnaise are classic options, but you could also try something different like garlic or chipotle aioli, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or even spicy whipped feta.

Other Ideas

If you want to get creative, you can try adding truffle salt, curry powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or, for a healthier option, use no oil at all and coat the air fryer rack with non-stick spray instead.

How to prevent fries from getting soggy

To prevent your fries from getting soggy, follow these steps:

Firstly, avoid stacking your fries in the air fryer. This will prevent them from cooking evenly and may result in sogginess. Instead, arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each fry. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure that all sides of the fries cook evenly. If you need to cook a large batch, work in batches or use an accessory like a wire rack to create a second layer.

Secondly, make sure your fries are dry before placing them in the air fryer. Pat them with paper towels or a clean dish towel to remove any residual moisture. Wet fries are more likely to become soggy.

Thirdly, don't overcrowd the air fryer. Give the fries enough room to cook evenly and get crispy. If needed, add more fries and increase the cooking time, shaking the basket often to distribute the heat evenly.

Finally, check on your fries regularly during the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries. Taste a fry to ensure it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside before removing them from the air fryer.

How long to air fry french fries

Air fryer French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries, as they use far less oil. They are also easy to make and take less than 30 minutes to cook. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to air fry French fries:

Preparation

Slice your potatoes into fries of roughly equal thickness, preferably around 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and flavour, and it also has the added benefit of leaving some vitamins intact. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours if you prepare them the day before. This will help remove excess starch and improve the crispiness of the fries.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400°F. Different air fryers may have different optimal temperatures, so you may need to experiment a little. Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the potatoes from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Drizzle or toss the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, garlic powder, or onion powder to taste. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each fry. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through. Check the fries and continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are crispy and golden brown.

Serving

For the best results, toss all the fries back into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to warm them up and ensure they are all crispy. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. Some popular options include ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or cheese sauce. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions