Air Fryer Hack: Potatoes, Raw To Crispy

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With the ability to cook crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil, it's no surprise that many are curious about the possibilities of this appliance, including whether you can use raw potatoes in an air fryer. The answer is yes, you absolutely can! In fact, air fryers are perfect for creating a variety of potato dishes, from French fries to roasted cubes to wedges. However, there are specific techniques and tips to follow for optimal results.

How to prepare raw potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With a few simple steps, you can achieve crispy, golden potatoes with a fluffy interior. Here's how to prepare raw potatoes for air frying:

Choose the Right Potatoes

Select starchy potatoes like Russets or Idaho potatoes for the best results. These varieties have a higher starch content, which will give you that desired crispy exterior. While waxy potatoes such as Red Bliss or Yukon Gold can also be used, they may not achieve the same level of crispness.

Wash and Peel (Optional)

Give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added nutrients and enhanced texture.

Cut into Uniform Sizes

Cut the potatoes into uniform shapes, such as fries, wedges, or cubes. Thinner cuts like fries will cook faster, while thicker wedges will take longer. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for fries and 6-8 wedges per potato.

Soak in Water

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in superior crispness.

Dry Thoroughly

After soaking, use a towel to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Removing excess moisture is crucial to preventing steam from making your potatoes mushy during the cooking process.

Season and Coat with Oil

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or canola oil. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly, and then add your desired seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook at the Right Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C). The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your potato pieces. For example, fries may take 15-20 minutes, while wedges could take 20-25 minutes. Always check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork or knife.

Shake or Flip Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking and browning, shake the air fryer basket or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly.

Spray with Oil for Extra Browning

If your potatoes need a little extra browning, lightly spray them with oil a few minutes before they finish cooking.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried potatoes!

The best oils to use for frying potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can use raw potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried potatoes are a great, healthier alternative to roasted potatoes as they require less oil and cook in a fraction of the time.

Now, when it comes to the best oils to use for frying potatoes in an air fryer, there are several options to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

Extra-virgin olive oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for air-frying potatoes as it helps the potatoes brown and soften during cooking. It has a relatively high smoke point and a distinct flavour that pairs well with potatoes.

Vegetable stock

For an oil-free alternative, vegetable stock can be used to adhere spices to the potatoes. This method is suitable for those on an oil-free diet or looking to reduce their fat intake.

Peanut oil

Peanut oil is another option for air-frying potatoes. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Other options

Other oils that can be used for deep frying include soy, canola, corn, grape seed, safflower, sunflower, and blends. When selecting an oil, consider factors such as flavour, smoke point, nutritional profile, stability, and cost. Additionally, look for oils that are trans-fat-free and have lower levels of saturated fat to ensure a healthier option.

How long to air fry raw potatoes

Yes, you can use raw potatoes in an air fryer. The cooking time for raw potatoes in an air fryer ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of the cuts. For example, thin French fries might take about 15-20 minutes, while thicker wedges could require closer to 25 minutes. It is essential to shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Preparation:

First, select the right type of potatoes. Starchy varieties like Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for frying because they yield a fluffy interior with a crispy exterior. Cut the potatoes into your desired shape, such as fries, wedges, or cubes, ensuring they are all uniform in size. Thicker pieces will take longer to cook than thinner ones. For fries, aim for a thickness of 1/4 inch.

Next, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which will help achieve superior crispness. After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes with a towel to prevent steam from making them mushy.

Seasoning:

Drizzle the potatoes lightly with oil (about 1-2 teaspoons should be enough) and season with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice. You can use extra-virgin olive oil or other oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C). This temperature setting is crucial for cooking potatoes without burning them. Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them. Overloading the basket can trap steam and prevent crispiness, so cook in batches if necessary.

Cook the potatoes for 15-25 minutes, depending on their size and shape. Always check for doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife. They should be tender inside and golden brown outside. If your potatoes are not browning as desired, you can lightly spray them with additional oil a few minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Serving:

Serve your air-fried potatoes warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the perfect combination of a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior!

How to clean your air fryer after cooking potatoes

The first step to cleaning your air fryer after cooking potatoes is to unplug the appliance and let it cool down completely. Once it has cooled, remove the basket and any other detachable parts. Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and place the basket and other parts in the water to soak for a few minutes. This will help to loosen any food residue.

Next, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer, being careful not to get water inside the heating element. If there are any stubborn bits of food stuck to the basket, use a soft-bristled brush or a toothpick to gently dislodge them. Rinse the basket and other parts with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

If your air fryer has a non-stick coating, avoid using abrasive sponges or chemicals as these can damage the surface. For tough stains, you can create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before gently wiping it away with a damp cloth.

Finally, reassemble your air fryer and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue. Make sure all parts are completely dry before plugging the air fryer back in and using it again.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your air fryer clean and in good condition, ensuring that it works optimally and your food tastes great every time!

The best types of potatoes to use for air frying

Yes, you can use raw potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried potatoes are a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, as they get just as crispy with a fraction of the oil.

Now, onto the best types of potatoes for air frying.

Yukon Gold, or yellow potatoes, are a popular choice for air frying. They will crisp up well and turn a deep golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red potatoes are another good option. They will turn an even darker golden brown than Yukon Golds because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy coming out of the fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Russet potatoes are also a good choice for air frying. They will crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are not a variety or type of potato but rather regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and roast in the air fryer perfectly, as well as holding their shape. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

In general, when choosing potatoes for air frying, try to find ones that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.

Frequently asked questions