Air-Fryer French Fries: Quick, Crispy, Golden Goodness

French fries are a beloved snack, but the traditional deep-frying method can be messy and greasy. Air fryers offer a convenient, beginner-friendly alternative that yields crispy, crunchy, and healthier fries. This guide will cover the essential steps and tips for making perfect air-fried French fries, from cutting and seasoning the potatoes to achieving the desired crispness. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious French fries without the fuss of deep frying.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer French Fries:

Choosing the right potatoes

When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for air fryer French fries, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select potatoes with a higher starch content, as this will help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. The two most recommended types of potatoes for this purpose are Yukon Gold potatoes and Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes).

Yukon Gold potatoes are waxier and have a slightly buttery taste. They will give you French fries that are crispy on the outside and firmer and creamier on the inside. If you prefer thicker-cut fries, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good choice.

Russet potatoes, on the other hand, are starchier and will result in French fries that are crispy outside and drier inside, resembling the taste and texture of restaurant-style French fries. They are also said to have a classic French fry flavor. If you are looking for the type of potatoes that most French fries are made with, Russet potatoes are the way to go.

When it comes to preparing the potatoes, it is recommended to cut them into uniform sticks, usually about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure even cooking. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skin on for added texture and flavor. It is also a good idea to rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove some of the starch, which will help them crisp up, and then pat them dry before tossing them in oil and seasoning.

Additionally, while it is not mandatory, some recipes suggest soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least an hour or as little as 10 minutes to help release starch and yield crispier fries. However, one source mentions that this step may not be necessary when using an air fryer since the high heat is sufficient to achieve the desired crispness.

Cutting and seasoning the potatoes

To make French fries in an air fryer, you'll need to cut and season the potatoes before frying. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Scrubbing and Peeling:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their starchy and fluffy texture, resulting in fries with soft and tender insides. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a creamier centre. You can choose to keep the potato skins on for added texture and flavour, but make sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly with a brush to remove any dirt. If you prefer, you can also peel the potatoes before cutting.

Cutting:

Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces is crucial to ensure they cook evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch, which is approximately the thickness of your pinky finger. First, halve the potato lengthwise, then lay each half cut-side down and cut them into 1/4-inch slices. Stack the slices and cut them lengthwise again into 1/4-inch strips. Repeat this process with the remaining potato halves.

Rinsing and Drying:

After cutting, rinse the potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch. This step is important, as it helps the potatoes achieve a golden, crunchy texture. For even crispier fries, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for up to 15 minutes or even overnight in the fridge. Once rinsed, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible before adding oil and seasoning.

Seasoning:

Place the dried potato slices in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle them with oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, and toss to coat evenly. You only need a light amount of oil, as air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. You can also add seasonings at this stage. Popular seasonings include salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, chilli powder, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Toss the potatoes again to ensure they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

The importance of spacing in the air fryer basket

When making French fries in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the fries are not overcrowded in the basket. Leaving adequate space between each fry will allow them to cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Working in batches is often necessary to ensure proper spacing.

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, and this technology requires proper airflow to function effectively. By spacing out the fries in a single layer, hot air can circulate around each fry, cooking them evenly and giving them that irresistible crunch. If the fries are crowded together, they will steam instead of crisp, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked fries.

The size of your air fryer basket will determine how many fries you can cook at once. Smaller baskets may require more batches to cook the same amount of fries as a larger basket. When choosing an air fryer, consider the capacity that best suits your needs. If you frequently cook for a larger group, a larger basket will save you time by reducing the number of batches.

Additionally, the style of the basket can impact the airflow and, consequently, the cooking process. Basket-style air fryers typically have mesh or perforated bases that allow for optimal airflow. However, some baskets have a solid base with a rack, which can hinder air circulation. This design may require more careful spacing of the fries to ensure proper airflow.

In conclusion, when cooking French fries in an air fryer, spacing them evenly in the basket is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness and even cooking. Working in batches, choosing an appropriately sized basket, and considering the basket style will all contribute to ensuring proper airflow and the best possible results for your air-fried French fries.

Oil and air fryer temperature

To cook French fries in an air fryer, you'll need to cut your potatoes into fries, season them, and then cook them in the air fryer. The oil and temperature you use will depend on the type of oil and air fryer you're using.

For the oil, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Olive oil adds a bit of tasty, earthy flavour and helps the potatoes crisp up perfectly. You only need a light drizzle of oil to make crispy French fries in the air fryer.

The temperature you use will depend on the type of air fryer you have. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you can cook your fries at 380°F. For a toaster oven-style air fryer, reduce the temperature to 360°F. You can also cook your fries at 400°F, but this may result in some of the fries not being crispy.

When cooking your fries, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to come into contact with all sides of the fries, making them golden brown and crisp. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, you can cook them for about 10 minutes, tossing them halfway through. If you're using a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Check your fries at the 12-minute mark and adjust the timing as needed.

Dipping sauces

French fries cooked in an air fryer are a delicious treat, and there are many dipping sauces to elevate your snack.

A popular choice is Fry Sauce, which has a variety of names, including Yum Yum Sauce, Salsa Golf, and Marie Rose. Fry Sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, relish, and vinegar to create your own signature sauce.

Another option is to make a creamy, cool sauce to pair with your savory fries. A simple recipe includes mayonnaise, ketchup, and garlic powder. You can also add ingredients like mustard, hot sauce, or barbecue sauce to create a Chick-Fil-A or In-N-Out Sauce.

If you're looking for something more savory, try a Parmesan Cream Sauce. This sauce is made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream, and it pairs well with the crispiness of air-fried French fries.

For a tangy option, consider a Zhoug Sauce, which is a spicy and tangy sauce that pairs well with lemon-garlic seasoned fries.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces and find your favorite combinations!

Frequently asked questions