Air Fryer Hack: Oil Or No Oil For Fries?

Air fryers are a great way to make French fries that are crispy and crunchy, but with less grease and fewer calories than deep-fried or oven-baked fries. While some recipes for air fryer French fries do include a small amount of oil, it is possible to make delicious fries without any oil at all.

How much oil is needed?

The amount of oil needed to make fries in an air fryer depends on the number of potatoes being used. A light drizzle of oil is enough to make crispy French fries in the air fryer. For 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, you will need about one tablespoon of olive oil. For 3 large russet potatoes, you can use 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.

It is important to lightly coat the potato slices with oil and ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket so that the hot air can come into contact with all sides of the fries, making them golden brown and crisp.

If you are using frozen fries, a light spray of olive oil will help the salt stick to the fries.

Should the potatoes be soaked in water?

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying is a common practice, and there are several reasons for doing so. Firstly, it helps to prevent dehydration, oxidation, and discolouration of the potatoes by reducing their exposure to air. Soaking also helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which can cause them to stick together during the frying process. In addition, rinsing off the excess starch can prevent the potatoes from burning and turning black during frying due to the Maillard reaction.

However, some recipes, such as those for Belgian frites, specifically advise against rinsing or soaking the potatoes. This may be due to the variety of potato used or the desired outcome. Soaking potatoes is generally recommended when preparing large batches of fries, as it helps to ensure consistent results. However, for small-batch preparations, the impact of soaking may not be as significant, and other factors such as oil temperature and potato variety may have a larger influence on the final product.

When soaking potatoes, it is recommended to use plain water or a solution of water with a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar added to prevent oxidation. The potatoes should be completely submerged in the water and soaked for at least one hour, with the water being changed at least once during that time. After soaking, it is essential to pat the potatoes dry before adding oil and seasoning to ensure the oil can stick to the potatoes and help them crisp up without becoming soggy.

In conclusion, whether or not to soak potatoes in water before air frying is a matter of personal preference and the desired outcome. Soaking can help improve the texture and colour of the fries, but it may not be necessary for all recipes or potato varieties.

What type of potatoes should be used?

When making French fries in an air fryer, the type of potato you use is important. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their rich, buttery taste and starch content, which helps them puff and crisp up nicely. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option and are known for their classic potato flavour. If you're using baby potatoes, look for varieties like baby red potatoes or baby russets. These potatoes have thinner skin, which is ideal for achieving a crispy texture.

When preparing your potatoes, it's best to cut them into similar-sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick, so they cook evenly. You don't need to peel the potatoes, as the skin can add texture and flavour to your fries. However, be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly and remove any dirt or bruises.

Some recipes recommend soaking the potatoes in cold water for about an hour to remove excess starch, which can help them crisp up more during cooking. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes dry before tossing them with oil and seasoning.

How long should the fries be cooked?

The cooking time for your fries will depend on the type of potato you use, the thickness of your fries, and the number of layers of potatoes you cook at once.

For example, if you are cooking crinkle-cut or waffle fries, you should air fry them for 10-11 minutes. However, if you are cooking sweet potato fries, you should cook them for 16 minutes. Lattice-cut fries should be cooked for 10-11 minutes, and shoestring fries for 8-10 minutes.

If you are cooking your fries in a single layer, you should cook them for 4 minutes, then flip them with tongs and cook for another 4-8 minutes, until they are as crispy as you would like. If you are cooking your fries in two layers, you should cook them for 5 minutes, toss them with tongs, and then cook for another 3-7 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is recommended to check on your fries a few times during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.

How should the fries be seasoned?

There are many ways to season fries cooked in an air fryer. The most basic seasoning is salt, which can be added while the potatoes are raw so that it sticks well. Salt can be added again after cooking, along with pepper, to taste.

For a more rustic flavour, you can use Herbes de Provence salt. Alternatively, onion powder or garlic powder can be added over oiled fries for a bit more flavour. For a spicy kick, sprinkle over some Cajun seasoning.

If you're feeling indulgent, brush the fries with butter, diced garlic, and finely diced parsley in the final 15 minutes of baking time for a sinfully rich garlic butter fry.

Fries can also be seasoned with spices and herbs such as rosemary or thyme before air frying for added flavour.

If you're making a dip to accompany your fries, try something simple like ketchup or mustard, or get creative with a homemade sauce. One option is to mix your favourite spices with a bit of mayo and ketchup to create a unique sauce—for example, add chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Frequently asked questions