Air Fryer Triple-Cooked Chips: A Crispy, Golden Feast!

Triple-cooked chips are a type of potato chip or French fry that is cooked three times, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They can be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it uses less oil. The process of making triple-cooked chips in an air fryer involves cutting the potatoes into uniform-sized chunks or chips, blanching or boiling them, and then air-frying them in multiple batches at different temperatures to achieve the desired texture and colour.

Triple-Cooked Chips in an Air Fryer

Air fryer temperature

Triple-cooked chips are typically served in high-end restaurants and require more time and effort than traditional chips. The result is a deliciously crispy and fluffy chip that is worth the wait. The key to achieving this texture is to cook the chips at different temperatures in the air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized, thick chunks. The potatoes should then be blanched until they are soft but not completely cooked. This is a crucial step to ensure the chips are soft and fluffy on the inside after frying.

The next step is to preheat the air fryer. The ideal temperature for the first round of frying is between 140°C and 180°C. The chips are then placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer and coated with cooking oil spray. They are cooked at this temperature for 8 to 15 minutes, until a crust forms. It is important to shake the basket regularly to ensure even cooking.

For the final round of frying, the air fryer temperature is increased to 170°C. The chips are cooked for an additional 5 to 10 minutes at this higher temperature, until they are golden brown and crispy. It is important to keep an eye on the chips at this stage to prevent them from burning. The chips should be served immediately with a sprinkle of salt or flavoured salt, and your choice of dipping sauce.

The temperature and timing guidelines provided may need to be adjusted based on the specific model of your air fryer and the type of potato used. It is also crucial to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Potato varieties

Triple-cooked chips are a type of potato chip or French fry that is cooked three times, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. The method was first developed by Heston Blumenthal and is now a favourite with many chefs.

The first step is to cut the potatoes into chunky chips of roughly the same size. The second step is to blanch or parboil the potatoes until they are soft but not totally cooked through. The potatoes should then be chilled until cold and dry. For the third step, the potatoes are fried at a low temperature of around 130-140°C until a crust forms. They are then chilled again. Finally, the potatoes are fried for a second time at a higher temperature of around 170-180°C until they are crispy and golden brown.

When it comes to potato varieties, it is recommended to use potatoes with high starch content as they will result in crispier chips. Floury varieties with some waxiness that hold their shape are ideal. Varieties favoured by chefs include:

• Maris Piper
• Dutch Agria
• Fontaine
• Maris Bard
• Rooster
• Sebago
• Bintje
• Russet

Gourmandistan also mentions using brown potatoes, not red ones, for triple-cooked chips.

Oil types

When making triple-cooked chips in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils to achieve the desired crispiness and flavour. Here is a detailed guide to the different types of oils you can use:

• Vegetable oils: These oils are a good option for triple-cooked chips as they create a similar texture to deep-fried chips with less cholesterol. However, they may result in a less flavourful chip. Examples include rapeseed, sunflower, and safflower oil.
• Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for the high temperatures required in an air fryer. It is also flavour-neutral, allowing the taste of the potatoes to shine through.
• Canola oil: With a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, canola oil is another excellent choice for air-frying chips. It will help you achieve the desired crispiness without imparting a strong flavour.
• Refined safflower oil: Like peanut and canola oil, refined safflower oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it a good option for air-frying chips.
• Olive oil: While olive oil is a popular cooking oil, it is not recommended for air-frying chips. It has a lower smoke point than other oils, which means it may not perform well at the high temperatures required for air frying.
• Beef fat and lard: For a traditional flavour, you can use beef fat or lard for frying your chips. These options will give your chips a full flavour and a crispy, brown exterior with a soft interior.

When using an air fryer, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and choose an oil with a smoke point suitable for the temperature settings of your specific model. Additionally, always exercise caution when working with hot oil, and ensure proper ventilation in your cooking area.

Potato preparation

Preparing the potatoes is the most important step in making triple-cooked chips in an air fryer. The following steps will help you prepare your potatoes for the perfect, crispy chips.

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. Waxy varieties are best for this recipe, and if you want crispier chips, choose potatoes with high starch content. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, depending on your preference. Peeled potatoes will look more like traditional chips, while unpeeled potatoes are more nutritious and offer a unique appearance.

Next, cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces. You can cut them into thick chips, straight batons, or even square-shaped fries. The size should be somewhere between American fries and British chips, avoiding thin or thick extremes that may affect cooking.

After cutting, rinse the potatoes in cold water and drain them once the water turns cloudy. This process helps remove excess starch, which can be further reduced by soaking the chips for up to 30 minutes before frying. You can also parboil the chips for 8-10 minutes to reduce cooking time and make them fluffier.

Before cooking, ensure the potatoes are dry. Spread them out on a chopping board and pat them dry with a towel or kitchen paper. At this stage, you can also add seasoning. For example, toss the chips with olive oil, salt, and paprika for flavour and colour.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the basket is not overcrowded. This step is crucial, as overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of the desired air frying effect. You can always cook in batches to avoid this issue.

Seasoning

The first step in seasoning is to choose your spices and herbs. This is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic granules, curry powder, and dried herbs. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices to find your perfect flavour profile. For example, truffle oil and truffle salt are a great combination, or you could try Bart Fajita seasoning, which is a spicy salt that adds a kick to your chips. If you want to add a crunchy texture to your chips, you can coat them in cornflour before adding the oil and seasonings.

Once you have selected your seasonings, it's time to prepare the chips for cooking. After cutting your potatoes into the desired shape and size, you'll need to decide whether to peel them or leave the skin on. Peeling the potatoes will give them a more uniform appearance, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Next, you'll need to coat the chips in oil. You can use a cooking oil spray or a tablespoon of oil, and toss the chips until they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle your chosen spices and herbs over the oiled chips, ensuring they are well coated. You can also add salt during the blanching stage, as this will help to season the chips from the inside out.

Finally, place the seasoned chips in the air fryer and cook according to your desired level of crispiness. Remember to shake the basket regularly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Once they're done, you can serve your triple-cooked chips immediately, perhaps with a dipping sauce or as a side dish. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Frequently asked questions