Air Fryer Curly Fries: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Curly fries are a favourite side dish for many, and an air fryer is a great way to make them crispy and delicious. You can use either fresh or frozen curly fries, and the cooking time will vary depending on your preference and the type of fryer you have. For fresh curly fries, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in water for an hour before cooking to remove excess moisture and create a crispier fry. Frozen curly fries can be cooked in under 15 minutes, and fresh curly fries will take around 30 minutes.

Cooking Curly Fries in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400° F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your curly fries cook evenly and come out crispy. To preheat your air fryer to 400° F, start by checking if your air fryer has a pre-heat function. If it does, select this function and let the air fryer run its course. If your air fryer does not have a pre-heat function, set the temperature to 400° F and let it heat up for 2 minutes.

If your air fryer basket tends to stick, you can spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray before adding your curly fries. This will ensure your fries don't stick to the basket. However, if your curly fries are frozen, you should avoid spraying the basket with oil. The fries already contain oil, and spraying more oil could make them overly greasy.

Preheating your air fryer to 400° F is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy texture for your curly fries. It ensures that your fries cook evenly and don't end up soggy. By taking the time to preheat your air fryer, you'll be one step closer to enjoying a delicious batch of crispy, golden-brown curly fries.

Soak potatoes in water, salt and baking soda for crispier fries

Curly fries are a fun and delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. The air fryer also makes the cooking process faster and easier, with less mess and no oil required.

To make perfect curly fries in an air fryer, start by preparing your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a great choice due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and crispy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a bright, golden interior. Cut the potatoes into your desired shape, keeping in mind that the cooking time will depend on the size of your fries. For curly fries, you can use a vegetable spiralizer or a sharp knife to create shoestring-like shapes.

Before cooking, it's essential to soak the potatoes to achieve the perfect crispiness. Fill a large bowl with cold water, salt, and baking soda. Soak the potatoes for at least 10 minutes, but preferably for about an hour. This process helps draw out excess moisture and creates crispier fries. It also removes some of the starch, preventing the fries from sticking together. After soaking, pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel.

Now you're ready to cook your curly fries! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you're using frozen curly fries, you can skip the preheating step. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some overlap being acceptable. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries reach your desired level of crispiness. For fresh curly fries, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Finally, serve your crispy, golden-brown curly fries with your favorite dipping sauce!

Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket

When preparing curly fries in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and remember that some overlap is okay. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

To start, grab your favourite frozen curly fries or make your own by spiralizing potatoes. If you are using frozen curly fries, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply add them straight to the air fryer basket. If you are making your own, be sure to soak the potatoes in water for an hour to remove excess moisture, then pat them dry and add oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Once you have arranged the fries in a single layer, you can cook them according to your desired level of crispiness. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 10 minutes to cook frozen curly fries in an air fryer. For fresh curly fries, the cooking time may be slightly longer, around 11 to 13 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Finally, once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately with your favourite dipping sauces. Enjoy the perfect side dish or snack, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking

Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process is a crucial step in achieving evenly cooked and all-around crispy curly fries. Depending on the recipe, you may need to shake the basket after 5, 8, or 10 minutes of cooking time. This timing variation is due to differences in the recipes and the type of air fryer being used. For example, one recipe instructs shaking the basket after 5 minutes of cooking, while another suggests checking on the fries after around 8 minutes.

When shaking the basket, you may also need to toss or turn the fries to ensure even browning and crispiness. This can be done with tongs or by simply shaking the basket. It is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. A single layer of fries with little to no overlap is recommended.

Additionally, the size and brand of your air fryer may impact the cooking time and the need to shake the basket. For example, if you are using an air fryer with racks instead of a basket-style fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your fries and adjust the timing and shaking as needed to ensure perfect results.

Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process is a simple yet essential step in achieving the desired crispiness and even cooking of your curly fries. By following the recipe instructions and paying attention to the unique characteristics of your air fryer, you can ensure delicious and evenly cooked curly fries every time.

Serve with your favourite dipping sauce

Curly fries are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Whether you're a fan of classic ketchup or like to experiment with something spicier, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Garlic Aioli

A creamy, garlicky dipping sauce is a perfect pairing for curly fries. The sharpness of the garlic cuts through the richness of the fries, creating a delicious flavour combination. You can make your own aioli by mixing mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Ranch Dressing

If you're looking for something a little lighter, ranch dressing is a great option. It has a tangy, herby flavour that complements the crispiness of the fries. You can find ranch dressing at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by mixing buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Spicy Ketchup

For those who like a little kick with their fries, spicy ketchup is a great choice. Simply mix your favourite ketchup with a dash of cayenne pepper or chilli powder to add some heat. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own ketchup from scratch by cooking down tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices.

BBQ Sauce

A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is a classic pairing with fries. Look for a sauce that has a balance of tanginess and sweetness, with a hint of smoke flavour. You can also find BBQ sauces in a variety of heat levels, so you can choose one that suits your taste.

Cheese Sauce

A rich and creamy cheese sauce takes curly fries to the next level. You can make your own by melting cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favourite cheeses with a little milk or cream. Add some spices like mustard powder and paprika to give it an extra kick.

No matter what dipping sauce you choose, the key to success is making sure your curly fries are cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and arrange the fries in a single layer, with a little overlap if needed. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions