Make Crispy Air Fryer Fries At Home

Air fryer fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are also less messy and quicker to cook. To make them, cut potatoes into fries, soak them in water, dry them, add oil and seasoning, and cook in the air fryer.

Soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch

Soaking potatoes in water is an essential step in the process of making air fryer fries. This is because it helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly during cooking. The presence of starch can make the texture of the potatoes soft and mushy, so removing it ensures that the fries will be crispy and crunchy.

To effectively remove the starch, the potatoes should be cut into the desired shape and size before being soaked. It is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for a few hours, although some sources suggest that room temperature or warm water can also be used. During the soaking process, the surface starch will be released from the potatoes and settle at the bottom of the container, making the water appear cloudy and whitish.

After soaking, it is important to rinse and pat the potatoes dry before proceeding to the next steps of seasoning and air frying. This drying step is crucial, as any residual moisture on the potatoes can hinder the crisping process.

By taking the time to soak the potatoes and properly prepare them, you can achieve the desired crispy and crunchy texture that makes air fryer fries a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options.

Dry the potatoes thoroughly

After soaking the potatoes, it is essential to dry them thoroughly. Use paper towels or a clean dish towel to pat them down and ensure no residual moisture is left. This step is crucial because any moisture left on the potatoes will prevent them from crisping up in the air fryer.

Make sure to rinse and wipe the bowl you soaked the potatoes in before adding the potatoes back. This ensures that any excess starch from the soaking process is removed, and your potatoes will be nice and dry.

If you are using an air fryer with a larger capacity, you can opt for a double layer of potatoes. While they may not be as crisp as a single layer, they will still turn out delicious and crispy. However, avoid stacking the potatoes in three layers or more, as this will result in noticeably less crispy fries.

Once you've dried the potatoes, it's time to season them with oil and your choice of spices. This step will help ensure your fries are tasty and crispy.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder

Seasoning is a key step in making air fryer fries. It's important to season the fries just before air frying them, as adding salt too early will draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispness.

For a simple yet effective seasoning, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes. Toss the fries in the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

If you want to get creative with your seasoning, you can try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as Maldon salt or powdered salt, to give your fries a light and salty flavour.

For a rustic French twist, try using Herbs de Provence salt. If you're craving something spicy, sprinkle on some Cajun seasoning or brush the fries with butter, diced garlic, and parsley for garlic butter fries.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect seasoning blend that suits your taste!

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making air fryer fries. While some recipes don't require preheating, doing so will ensure your fries are cooked evenly and efficiently.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 375-400°F. This temperature range is hot enough to create a crispy exterior and creamy interior, without burning your fries.

The exact temperature you choose will depend on your air fryer model, the thickness of your fries, and the number of layers of potatoes you intend to cook. Thicker-cut fries and double layers of potatoes may require a slightly lower temperature to avoid burning, while a higher temperature will help to ensure a crispy exterior.

For example, if you're cooking thicker-cut fries in a double layer, you might preheat your air fryer to 375°F. On the other hand, if you're cooking thinner fries in a single layer, you might opt for 400°F.

It's worth noting that the preheating time will also vary depending on your air fryer model. Some air fryers may take around 3 minutes to preheat, while others may take longer.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with adding your seasoned potatoes and cooking them to crispy perfection!

Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness

Cook in Batches for Even Cooking and Crispiness

Cooking your fries in batches is a crucial step to achieving the perfect air-fried french fries. Here's why:

Allow Space for Even Cooking

The key to getting that crispy texture on your fries is to ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. When you cook in batches, you give each fry enough space to be surrounded by hot air, resulting in an even cook. If you pile them on top of each other, the fries will steam instead of getting crispy.

Adjust Batch Size Based on Air Fryer Size

The size of your air fryer basket will determine how many batches you need to cook. For example, if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in three batches to ensure there is enough space for the hot air to circulate. With a larger air fryer, you might get away with one or two batches.

Maintain Crispiness While Cooking Remaining Batches

While cooking your fries in batches, you want to make sure that the first batches stay crispy while the rest are cooking. You can do this by placing the cooked fries on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack. Keep them in a warm oven (set to a minimum temperature, not over 250°F) to prevent them from getting cold or soggy.

Test and Adjust Timing for Each Batch

Every air fryer is different, and the cooking time may vary slightly for each batch. Keep a close eye on your fries during the last few minutes of cooking, and adjust the timing as needed. This way, you can ensure that each batch comes out perfectly crispy and golden brown.

Re-Crisp All Batches Together at the End

Once you've cooked all your batches, toss them all back into the air fryer together. This final step will ensure that any fries from the earlier batches get warmed up and crispy again. It only takes 1-2 minutes, and you'll have a basket full of hot, crispy fries ready to be devoured!

Frequently asked questions