Air-Fryer Ribbon Fries: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Ribbon fries, also known as curly fries, are a delicious snack and an excellent side dish. They can be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying in oil. Air fryers use much less oil and are faster than traditional frying methods. In this article, we will explore the steps to make ribbon fries in an air fryer, the types of potatoes and oils to use, and the importance of spacing and timing for crispy and golden fries. We will also discuss seasoning options to elevate the taste of your ribbon fries.

Characteristics and Values Table for Ribbon Fries in an Air Fryer

Potato type and preparation

The type of potato you use for ribbon fries is important. Russet potatoes are recommended for their high starch and low moisture content, which gives the best crispiness. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a creamier centre. Other sources suggest avoiding waxy potatoes, such as red, fingerling, and white potatoes.

For ribbon fries, you will need to cut the potatoes into a thin, curly shape. You can use a spiralizer to achieve this, or simply slice them into the desired shape. The recommended thickness is around 1/2 inch, as thinner fries (around 1/4 inch) may lose their creamy inside by the time they are crispy. It is important to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so that they cook at the same rate.

Before cooking, you should rinse the starch off the potatoes and dry them. Some recipes suggest parboiling the potatoes for about 5 minutes before drying and placing them in the fridge for a couple of hours. You can also soak the potatoes in water for 30 minutes and then dry them off.

After preparing the potatoes, you should lightly coat them with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. You only need a small amount of oil, around 1-2 tablespoons, as air fryers use the movement of hot air to cook the food, rather than submerging it in oil.

You can also season the potatoes before cooking, but be aware that adding salt too early will draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispiness. Spices such as Cajun seasoning are popular, as potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning.

Oil type and amount

Ribbon fries cooked in an air fryer require a small amount of oil, which is significantly less than the amount used in a traditional deep fryer. The amount of oil used depends on the number of potatoes and personal preference. For example, one source mentions using a full tablespoon of oil for two large russet potatoes, which resulted in fries that were a little dry. This meant that each person consumed about 1/4 tablespoon of oil.

The type of oil used is also a matter of personal preference. Common choices include olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Some people also use duck fat.

When preparing the ribbon fries, the potatoes are usually cut into the desired shape and size, soaked in water, and dried before being tossed or coated with oil and seasoning. The amount of oil used at this stage should be enough to lightly coat the potatoes.

During the cooking process, it is important to ensure that the fries are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this can affect their crispness and cooking time. Leaving adequate space allows the hot air to circulate and come in contact with all sides of the fries, resulting in an even and crispy texture.

Some recipes suggest cooking the ribbon fries in multiple batches, especially when working with a larger quantity of potatoes. This ensures that each fry has sufficient space to cook properly.

In summary, the amount of oil used for ribbon fries in an air fryer depends on the number of potatoes and the desired level of crispness, with a range of suitable oil types available to choose from.

Seasoning

Choosing the Right Potato

The type of potato you choose can impact its ability to absorb seasoning. Russet potatoes, also known as baking potatoes, are recommended due to their high starch and low moisture content, which contributes to a better crispiness. Other options include Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier centre or Idaho potatoes, known for their rich, buttery taste.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before seasoning, it is essential to cut the potatoes into fries of your desired shape and thickness. A popular method is to use a spiralizer to create curly ribbon fries, but you can also slice them into traditional French fry shapes. Aim for a consistent size, around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, to ensure even cooking. Some recipes suggest parboiling the potatoes for about 5 minutes before cutting them into fries. This step can impact the final texture of your ribbon fries.

When it comes to seasoning, you have a variety of options to explore:

• Salt: Sea salt or flakey salt is a classic choice for seasoning fries. However, it is crucial to add salt just before air frying, as adding it too early can draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect crispness.
• Oil: Coating the potatoes lightly with oil is essential for air frying. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Experiment with the amount of oil to find the right balance for your taste and crispness preferences.
• Spices and Herbs: For a more complex flavour profile, you can explore various spices and herbs. Onion powder and garlic powder are popular choices to enhance the taste of your ribbon fries. You can also try spicy Cajun seasoning, which pairs well with curly fries. Don't be afraid to season liberally, as potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning.
• Sauces: Dipping sauces can also be part of your seasoning strategy. Ranch dressing, Zhoug (Skhug) Sauce, and Jacked Up Fry Sauce are some options that can elevate the flavour of your ribbon fries.

Timing of Seasoning

The timing of adding seasonings is crucial. As mentioned earlier, salt should be added just before air frying to maintain crispness. For other seasonings, you have the option to toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings before air frying. This allows the potatoes to absorb the flavours during the cooking process. Alternatively, you can season the fries immediately after cooking, allowing you to customize the seasoning for each batch.

Air fryer type and temperature

The type of air fryer you have will determine the temperature you should cook your ribbon fries at. For example, the Cosori air fryer is set to 185°C (365°F) for cooking frozen French fries, while another user with a different model of Cosori air fryer cooks their fries at 200°C (400°F).

The recommended temperature for air frying French fries is typically around 400°F (200°C), but different models of air fryers may have slight temperature variations. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the instruction manual for the recommended temperature for your specific air fryer.

If you are using a toaster-style air fryer, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 20-25°F as these tend to run hotter than basket-style air fryers. The ideal temperature range for cooking French fries in an air fryer is between 350°F to 400°F (about 175°C to 200°C). If you prefer a softer and less crispy texture, you can decrease the temperature to around 375°F (190°C). On the other hand, if you desire an extra crispy and golden exterior, you can increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C).

The thickness of your fries will also affect the cooking time and temperature. For example, at a temperature of 380°F (193°C), thinner fries will cook faster than thicker ones.

Cooking time and technique

Ribbon fries can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. First, cut your potatoes into fries. For ribbon fries, you can cut them into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on helps them crisp up nicely. Soak the potatoes in water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry them. Next, toss the potatoes with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Add your favourite seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, or onion powder. You can also try making Cajun curly fries by adding Cajun seasoning.

Now, you're ready to cook the fries in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F, depending on the type of air fryer you have. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the fries evenly. Cook the fries for 10-15 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the desired crispness of the fries. Check your fries regularly to prevent overcooking.

Once the fries are crispy and golden brown, they are ready to be served. You can place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and set them in a warm oven to keep them warm while you cook any remaining batches. Finally, toss all the batches together in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to warm and crisp them up before serving. Enjoy your homemade ribbon fries!

Frequently asked questions