Air Fryers: Crispy French Fries, Healthy Option?

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, and for good reason. They can cook french fries to a deliciously crispy texture while using far less oil than traditional deep frying. This makes air-fried french fries a healthier option that's also easier to clean up.

While the exact method may vary depending on the air fryer model and the type of potatoes used, the basic process is simple. First, cut the potatoes into fries of roughly equal size. Then, toss them with a small amount of oil and seasoning. Spread the fries in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them, and cook in batches if necessary. Finally, enjoy your crispy, golden brown, and delicious homemade french fries!

The best potato types for French fries

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, and making them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. But what type of potatoes should you use for the best results?

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for French fries, you want to go for high-starch potatoes. The top recommendations are Idaho or russet potatoes. These potatoes are dense and have less moisture, resulting in crispier fries. They are also the most common type of potato used in restaurants for making fries. Russet potatoes are starchier, and they give you fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside, resembling the kind you would get in a restaurant.

Another option is Yukon gold potatoes, which are an all-purpose variety that can also be used for frying. They are waxier and will give you fries that are equally crispy on the outside but have a firmer, creamier inside. Yukon gold potatoes have a naturally buttery taste, giving your French fries a richer flavour.

Some people also use red potatoes, which can be good if you plan on adding seasonings. However, these are not recommended for deep frying due to their high moisture and sugar content, which can result in limp and soggy fries.

So, if you want the classic French fry texture and taste, go for Idaho or russet potatoes. If you prefer your fries with a firmer texture and a buttery flavour, choose Yukon gold.

How to prepare potatoes for the air fryer

Choosing the Right Potato

First, select the right type of potato. The best potatoes for air frying are Yukon Golds, Red potatoes, and Russet potatoes. However, you can use any type of potato for roasting.

Preparing the Potatoes

Once you've chosen your potatoes, give them a good wash. You can peel them if you like, but leaving the skin on will help them get crispier. Then, cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For baby potatoes, cut them in half. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you're making French fries, cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks, about 3 to 4 inches in length. Try to make the pieces as evenly sized as possible so they cook at the same rate.

Soaking the Potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in cold or hot water for 10-15 minutes before cooking will help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel after soaking, as they will steam instead of roasting if they are too wet.

Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a blend of spices like Cajun, Mexican, Greek, or Ranch. Make sure the potatoes are well coated with oil and seasonings.

Cooking the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Cooking the potatoes in batches may be necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Roast/air fry at 380-400°F for 10 minutes, then flip the potatoes and roast for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and tender. For French fries, air fry at 375°F for 8-16 minutes, turning them once or twice during cooking.

How to cut potatoes for fries

To make the perfect French fries, it's important to cut your potatoes into evenly sized fries. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut potatoes for fries:

Step 1: Cut the Potato in Half Lengthwise

Place the potato on its side and use a chef's knife to cut a thin slice off the edge, creating a flat base. For fries, long potatoes are best, and Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal.

Step 2: Cut the Potato into Thin Slices

Flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down. Cut thin slices lengthwise, making them the width you want your French fries to be. For crispy fries, aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Step 3: Stack and Cut the Potato Slices into Fries

Take about half of your potato slices and stack them together. Cut them lengthwise into fries with a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Repeat this process with the remaining slices. If you're making a lot of fries, you can use a French fry press or potato press to cut the potatoes quickly and evenly.

Optional Step: Soak the Potato Fries

Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes or overnight can help draw out excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. You can also add a little granulated sugar to the water for a slightly sweet flavour. However, this step is not mandatory, and you can choose to skip it.

Final Step: Dry the Potato Fries

Whether or not you choose to soak your potatoes, it is crucial to ensure they are completely dry before frying. Use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture, and then pat them dry with paper towels.

Now you're ready to fry your potatoes! Follow your favourite French fry recipe, and enjoy your delicious, crispy homemade fries.

The importance of soaking potatoes before air frying

Soaking potatoes before air frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy French fry. While air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to making delicious, crispy fries. Soaking potatoes helps to remove excess starch, which is the key to achieving the coveted crispiness we all desire. Not only does this method ensure your fries are their crispiest, but it also prevents them from sticking together, giving you that perfect, golden, individual fry.

The length of time you soak your potatoes can vary. Some recipes suggest a quick 30-minute soak, while others recommend leaving them for up to 24 hours. It's entirely up to you and the time you have available. However, it is important to note that the longer you soak, the more starch is removed, and the crispier your fries will be. So, if you're after that extra crunch, a longer soak may be beneficial.

When it comes to the water temperature, there are differing opinions. Some chefs swear by cold water, while others prefer hot. The hot water method is said to slightly cook the potatoes, creating that "double-fried" effect that makes restaurant fries so irresistible. However, cold water is the traditional method for deep-fried potatoes, and it works just as well for air-fried potatoes.

After soaking, it is essential to thoroughly pat your potatoes dry with a kitchen or paper towel. This step ensures that your potatoes will crisp up nicely during the air-frying process. Once dry, you can proceed with seasoning and air frying according to your favourite recipe.

So, the next time you're craving crispy French fries, remember to soak your potatoes beforehand. This simple step will elevate your fries and take them from good to great. Enjoy!

How many layers of potatoes can you cook at once?

When making French fries in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are cooked in a way that allows them to crisp properly. While the large volume capacity of an air fryer's basket may seem like it can fit a lot of potatoes, certain foods, like French fries, need to be cooked in a single layer to achieve the best crispiness.

Cooking just one layer of potatoes at a time will yield the crispiest fries. However, this method will require making multiple batches, which can be time-consuming.

A test with a double layer of potatoes showed surprisingly delightful results. The fries were still crispy and satisfying, although not quite as crisp as the single-layer batch. This approach also reduced the number of batches required by half.

On the other hand, stacking the potatoes in three layers or more is not recommended, as it will noticeably affect the crispiness of the fries.

Therefore, depending on your preference, cooking one or two layers of potatoes at a time will give you crispy French fries with a faster recipe time.

Frequently asked questions