Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, using hot air to create the crispy texture of fried food without the excess oil. This means you can still enjoy delicious, crispy French fries without the mess and hassle of deep frying. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato and air fryer used, but generally, it takes between 10 to 20 minutes to cook French fries in an air fryer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time | 10-30 minutes |
Potato type | Russet, Yukon Gold, Red, Sweet |
Potato shape | 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick sticks |
Soaking | 1 hour to overnight |
Oil type | Olive, Vegetable, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Safflower |
Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, Lemon, Parsley |
Air fryer temperature | 380-400°F |
What You'll Learn
How to cut potatoes for fries
Step 1: Cut the Potato in Half
First, place the potato on its side and use a chef's knife to cut a thin slice off the edge. This will serve as a flat base. It's best to use long potatoes for fries.
Step 2: Cut into Slices
Next, flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down and cut thin slices, making them the width you want your fries to be. For even cooking, it's important that the slices are of a similar size.
Step 3: Stack and Cut into Fries
Now, stack a few slices and cut them in the other direction to create fries. For the best results, cut the potatoes into fries of a similar thickness. The ideal thickness is between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch. Thinner fries will be crispier, while thicker ones will be softer in the centre.
Optional Step: Soaking
Soaking the potatoes in cold water before frying is optional but can help achieve a crispier texture. Soaking the potatoes for around an hour or up to 24 hours can help draw out the starch, and patting them dry before cooking will ensure they don't stick together.
Tips
For the best results, choose Russet potatoes, as they have a high starch content, resulting in fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. However, other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, can also be used.
There is no need to peel the potatoes unless you prefer to. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients to your fries.
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How to prep potatoes for the air fryer
Selecting the Right Potatoes
You can use any type of potato in the air fryer, including sweet potatoes, Russets, Yukon Golds, baby potatoes, and red potatoes. However, Russets are considered the superior potato for frying because they have the ideal texture—a fluffy and soft interior with a crispy exterior. They are also the right size for fries, and you can cut them into long, classic fry shapes.
Preparing the Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices or wedges. The thinner you slice them, the quicker they will cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Leave the skin on for added crispiness and extra vitamins.
Soaking the Potatoes
Soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least an hour or up to 24 hours. Soaking helps remove starch, giving the potatoes a crispy texture and preventing them from sticking together. After soaking, pat the potatoes completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Drizzle the potatoes with a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, sunflower, or safflower oil. Use about 1 teaspoon of oil per potato. You can also add a pinch of salt and any desired seasonings or fresh or dried herbs. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
Cooking the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each potato to allow for even cooking. Depending on the model of your air fryer, cook the potatoes for 10 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serving the Potatoes
For an extra flavour boost, squeeze a little lemon juice over the cooked potatoes and garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Serve immediately while the potatoes are still hot and crispy.
Tips for Success
- Work in batches if necessary to ensure the potatoes are in a single layer and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
- Check the potatoes regularly to prevent over-browning or burning.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
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How long to cook potato fries in the air fryer
Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can cook potatoes to a similar level of crispiness without the need for lots of oil. The time it takes to cook potato fries in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of potato, the thickness of the fries, and the temperature of the air fryer.
Preparation
First, cut your potatoes into fries. For the crispiest results, cut the potatoes into fries of a similar size, about 1/4-inch thick. Leaving the skin on can help them to crisp up. Then, toss the potatoes in olive oil and salt.
Cooking Time
Cooking times will vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, you should air fry your potatoes at around 380-390°F for 12-20 minutes. You may need to cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause them to steam and become soggy rather than crispy. Be sure to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Serving
Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or chipotle sauce.
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How to get the perfect crispy texture
To get the perfect crispy texture for your potato fries in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to start with the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are often recommended as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which helps them maintain their shape and gives them a crispy exterior and soft interior. However, other types of potatoes such as Yukon gold, baby potatoes, and red potatoes can also be used.
Once you have selected your potatoes, the next step is to cut them into evenly sized pieces, typically about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly. After cutting, give the potatoes a quick rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, and for even crunchier fries, you can soak them in cold water for about an hour or even overnight. This step helps to remove starch and gives them that perfect crispy texture.
Before placing the potatoes in the air fryer, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Removing as much moisture as possible will help to crisp up their exteriors. Then, toss the potatoes with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, and your desired seasonings. A pinch of salt is essential, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even Parmesan cheese.
When cooking the fries, it is important to work in batches and ensure that the potatoes are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to come into contact with all sides of the fries, making them golden brown and crisp. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F, and cook the fries for 10 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Finally, if you are making a large batch of fries and cooking them in batches, you can reheat all the fries together in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes before serving to ensure they are all hot and crispy.
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How to reheat potato fries in the air fryer
If you've cooked a batch of fries in your air fryer and want to reheat any leftovers, simply place them back into the air fryer (it's fine for them to be crowded this time). Reheat for 1 to 2 minutes to warm them up and make them crispy again.
Cooking Fresh Potato Fries in an Air Fryer
If you're cooking a fresh batch of fries, the process is a little different. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Cut your potatoes into fries of a similar size (about 1/4-inch thick). You don't need to peel them—the skin will help them crisp up.
- Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil and salt.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
- Air fry at 380°F to 390°F for 12 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Repeat with any remaining potatoes, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Finally, toss all the fries back into the air fryer together (this time it doesn't matter if they're crowded). Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to warm and crisp up the earlier batches.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fries
- Work in batches. It's important to leave space between each fry so that the hot air can circulate and make them golden brown and crisp.
- Check your first batch after 12 minutes and adjust the timing if needed.
- Taste a fry from each batch to ensure it's tender on the inside and crisp on the outside before moving on.
- Soak your potatoes in cold water before cooking to help achieve the perfect crispy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 12 to 15 minutes to cook potato fries in an air fryer.
First, cut your potatoes into fries of a similar size, around 1/4-inch thick. Then, toss them with olive oil and salt. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each fry. Air fry at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Russet potatoes are the best option for making fries in an air fryer. They have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which helps them maintain their shape and texture during cooking.
It is recommended to leave the skin on the potatoes. The skin helps the fries crisp up nicely and adds to the crispy texture.
Yes, you can make frozen French fries in an air fryer. There is no need to defrost them first. Simply toss the frozen fries with salt and pepper, and a light mist of cooking spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.