Air Fryer Fresh-Cut Fries: Timing For Perfection

Air fryer French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are also less messy and quicker to cook. To make fresh-cut fries in an air fryer, start by slicing your potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks. Rinse them in cold water and pat them dry. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry at 375-400°F for 12-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For crispier fries, cook in batches and serve immediately.

Soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch

Soaking the potatoes in water is a crucial step in the process of making fresh-cut fries in an air fryer. This step helps remove excess starch from the potato slices, which is essential for achieving the desired crispy texture of the fries. Here's a detailed guide on why and how to soak the potatoes:

Benefits of Soaking Potatoes:

• Starch Removal: Soaking potatoes in water helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the potato slices. This is important because too much starch can make the fries soggy and prevent them from crisping up properly during cooking.
• Crispier Fries: By removing the excess starch, soaking the potatoes contributes to the coveted French fry crispiness. It's a simple step that makes a significant difference in the final texture of your air-fried fries.
• No Sticking: In addition to improving crispness, removing the starch also helps prevent the fries from sticking together. This ensures that each fry has an opportunity to cook evenly and achieve that desirable crunch.

Guide to Soaking Potatoes:

• Water Temperature: It is recommended to use cold water or room temperature water for soaking the potatoes. Chilling the water or adding ice can help seal the cells, resulting in a crispier fry. However, warm or room-temperature water is more effective at leaching out the starch.
• Soaking Time: The soaking time can vary depending on your preference and schedule. The minimum recommended soaking time is typically around one hour, but you can soak them for up to 24 hours if needed. The longer soaking time ensures that more starch is removed, resulting in crispier fries.
• Submerging and Rinsing: It is important to completely submerge the potato slices in water during the soaking process. This ensures that all excess starch is removed from the surfaces. After slicing the potatoes, some people also recommend rinsing them in water until the water runs clear before transferring them to a water-filled container.
• Starch Reuse: Interestingly, the excess starch that settles at the bottom of the soaking container can be put to good use. It makes an excellent gluten-free thickener for soups and other dishes.
• Post-Soaking Steps: After soaking, it is crucial to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry before proceeding with the next steps of your air fryer recipe. Any residual moisture on the potatoes can impact the crispness of the final product.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively remove excess starch from your potatoes and set the foundation for making delicious, crispy fresh-cut fries in your air fryer.

Dry the potatoes thoroughly to remove moisture

Making fresh-cut fries in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy crispy, crunchy fries without the mess and grease of classic fried ones. The process is simple: cut potatoes into fries, season, and air fry. However, there is one crucial step that can elevate your fries: drying the potatoes thoroughly to remove moisture.

When it comes to making crispy air fryer fries, it's essential to start with dry potatoes. Moisture on the surface of the potatoes can lead to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in soggy fries. To avoid this, follow these steps to ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dried:

• After cutting your potatoes into fries, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to gently pat them dry. This will absorb any excess moisture on the surface.
• Let the potatoes air dry for a few minutes before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer. This step is crucial, as it ensures that any remaining moisture evaporates, helping the potatoes crisp up during cooking.
• If time allows, cut the potatoes ahead of time and let them air dry on a baking sheet lined with paper towels for 30 minutes to an hour. This extended drying time will further reduce moisture, resulting in even crispier fries.
• For the best results, make sure your air fryer is not overcrowded. Fry the potatoes in batches if needed, ensuring there is space between each fry. This allows hot air to circulate around each fry, promoting even cooking and maximum crispness.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer fries is removing as much moisture as possible before cooking. By taking the time to dry your potatoes thoroughly, you'll be rewarded with fries that are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Use Russet potatoes for a classic fry taste and texture

Russet potatoes are a great choice for a classic fry taste and texture. They are versatile and can be used in most potato recipes, but they are especially good for making baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and fries. This is because their water content, starch level, and thick skin help them gain a fluffy yet crispy texture.

When making fries, it is important to cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, usually about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavor, but be sure to wash them well. Soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking can also help to remove excess starch and improve crispiness, but this step is not necessary.

When cooking in an air fryer, spread the potatoes in a single layer with a little space between each one. Don't overcrowd the air fryer, as this will cause the potatoes to steam instead of crisp. Fry at around 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to adjust the timing depending on your air fryer and the desired crispiness of your fries.

Russet potatoes are a reliable and tasty option for making classic, crispy fries in an air fryer. With their fluffy texture and versatile nature, they are a great choice for your next fry-making endeavor!

Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking

To ensure even cooking, it is important to cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. This is because potatoes that are all the same size will cook at the same rate, so you won't end up with some that are overcooked and others that are undercooked.

When cutting the potatoes, aim for them to be about 1/4-inch thick. You don't need to be too precise with the size of the fries—some can be bigger, and some can be smaller—but try to keep them relatively similar in size.

If you're using a mandoline, you can create easy, perfect sticks that will crisp up well. However, this isn't essential; you can also cut the potatoes with a sharp knife.

Once you've cut the potatoes, give them a rinse under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.

Reheat in the air fryer to ensure all fries are hot and crispy

Once you've cooked your fries, it's easy to reheat them and ensure they're all hot and crispy. Simply add all the fries back into the air fryer basket (this time, it doesn't matter if they're crowded). Reheat for 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and re-crisp any that may have cooled.

If you're making fries in batches, you can keep the first batch warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven while you cook the rest.

If you have any leftover fries, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer. Reheat in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions