Tillie Doyle
Curly fries are a family favourite and can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried curly fries and can be made from scratch or store-bought. Making curly fries from scratch involves cutting and seasoning the potatoes, which can be done with a spiralizer or a sharp knife. The cooking time varies depending on the type and size of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10 minutes to get crispy curly fries.
How do you cook curly fries in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of potato | Russet, Yukon Gold |
| Potato preparation | Spiralized, Julienned, Shoestring |
| Potato coating | Olive oil, Salt, Baking soda |
| Air fryer temperature | 375-400°F |
| Cooking time | 8-20 minutes |
| Air fryer preparation | Preheat, Spray with cooking oil |
| Serving suggestions | Dipping sauces, Seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the potatoes
If you're short on time, you can opt for frozen, pre-made curly fries. Arby's is a popular brand that offers frozen curly fries that can be cooked in an air fryer. These fries are already seasoned and ready to cook, making them a convenient option. Simply take them straight from the freezer and place them in your air fryer basket.
On the other hand, if you prefer to start from scratch, you'll need to select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes, also known as baking potatoes, are an excellent choice due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and crispy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are another option, known for their bright, golden interior.
To transform your potatoes into curly fries, you'll need to cut them into thin, spiral shapes. This can be done using a vegetable spiralizer with a fine blade or a sharp knife to julienne the potatoes into shoestring-like pieces. If you're using a spiralizer, you might want to cut the potato "noodles" into shorter pieces to prevent having extremely long fries.
Once you've created your curly fries, it's important to remove excess moisture to ensure they get nice and crispy during cooking. Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for about an hour. After soaking, drain the water and thoroughly dry the potatoes using clean tea towels or paper towels.
The final step in preparing your potatoes is to add seasoning and oil. Toss the dry potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or dried parsley to add extra flavour to your fries.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for curly fries in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of potato used, the size and brand of your air fryer, and whether you are cooking fresh or frozen fries.
For fresh curly fries, it is important to remove excess moisture from the potatoes before cooking. This can be done by soaking the potatoes in water for an hour, then drying them thoroughly. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F, depending on the model. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing for some overlap if necessary. Cook for 11 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
For frozen curly fries, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some overlap if needed. Cook for 8 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries reach your desired level of crispiness.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on your fries to ensure they don't overcook.
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Shaking the basket
Firstly, it is important to spread the curly fries evenly in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C before adding the fries.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the fries in a single layer in the basket, with some overlap being acceptable. Set the timer for the desired cooking time, which can range from 8 to 18 minutes, depending on the brand of curly fries and the desired crispiness.
After the timer goes off halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket from the air fryer and give it a good shake. This helps to toss the fries and ensure that they cook evenly. Replace the basket in the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time.
For homemade curly fries, it is important to shake the basket at the halfway point as well. The total cooking time for homemade curly fries may be longer, around 20 minutes, to ensure they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
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Seasoning
A basic seasoning can be as simple as salt and pepper, which can be added before or after cooking the fries. If you want to get a bit more creative, you can try other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, or dried parsley. For example, a Cajun seasoning blend can be made by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can make a garlic Parmesan blend by mixing grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can try dipping your curly fries in a healthy ranch dressing. You can also serve your curly fries with various dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce or pasta sauce, which can add extra flavour to your fries.
When seasoning your curly fries, it's important to remember to add the seasoning while the fries are still hot. This will help the seasoning stick to the fries and enhance their flavour. Additionally, if you're using frozen curly fries, it's recommended to check the packaging to see if they are already seasoned, as some brands sell curly fries that are pre-seasoned and ready to cook.
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Dipping sauces
Curly fries are a fun and delicious snack, perfect for the whole family. They are a great side dish and go with just about anything, from burgers to sausages and fish cakes. The best part about making these fries is how excited everyone gets. After all, who can resist testing the springiness of each fry just before you dunk it in your favourite dipping sauce?
There are so many sauces to choose from, and here are some ideas to get you started. A classic option is a simple cheese sauce, made with melted cheddar cheese, milk and butter. For something a little different, try a spicy kick with a chipotle lime sauce or a chili lime sauce. Combine chili powder, lime juice and salt for a tangy, spicy kick. A garlic aioli is also a great choice, made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice and salt.
For something a little healthier, try a dip made with Greek yoghurt, lime juice and light mayonnaise. Add some siracha for an extra kick. A smoky BBQ sauce is also a great option, simply mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder and salt. For a simple, traditional option, a good old BBQ sauce is a great choice, or even a ranch dip.
There are so many options to choose from, and these are just a few ideas to get you started. The key is to have fun and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 minutes to cook frozen curly fries in an air fryer. If you are making them from scratch, the whole process will take about 30 minutes.
Russet potatoes are recommended due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and crispy texture. Other suitable varieties include Yukon Gold and any kind of potato that is not waxy.
Set your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. If you are using an Instant Vortex air fryer, preheat to 375°F.
