Air Fryer French Fries: Timing For Perfect Fries

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but the process of deep frying them can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers provide a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, resulting in crispy and golden French fries. The cooking time varies depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the fries, but generally, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to cook French fries in an air fryer.

Russet potatoes are best for a classic fry

When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for your French fries, russet potatoes are the way to go. Also known as Idaho potatoes, russets are ideal for making classic, crispy fries with a creamy centre. Here's why:

Texture and Taste:

Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for frying. The starch gives them a fluffy and tender texture on the inside, while their outer layer crisps up nicely. This combination of a soft interior and a crunchy exterior is what makes French fries so irresistible.

Versatility:

Russet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Their neutral flavour pairs well with various seasonings and dips. Whether you like your fries plain with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or prefer something more adventurous like chilli powder or garlic powder, russets can take on any flavour profile you desire.

Ease of Preparation:

When preparing fries, it's essential to cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Russet potatoes have a thick, brown skin that is easy to peel, and their dense flesh holds its shape well during cutting, making them ideal for creating those perfect, uniform fries.

Health Benefits:

While French fries are often considered an indulgent treat, using russet potatoes can make them a healthier option. Russets are a good source of potassium, fibre, and various vitamins. Additionally, air frying, as opposed to deep frying, significantly reduces the amount of oil absorbed by the potatoes, making them a more nutritious choice without compromising on taste.

Availability:

Russet potatoes are widely available in most parts of the world and are commonly found in grocery stores. This makes them a convenient and accessible choice for creating delicious French fries at home.

In summary, russet potatoes are the ideal choice for making classic French fries. Their texture, taste, versatility, health benefits, and widespread availability make them a top pick for anyone looking to create golden, crispy fries with a soft, creamy interior. So, the next time you're craving French fries, reach for some russet potatoes and get frying!

Olive oil helps the seasoning stick

Olive oil is a great option for air-frying french fries. It has a high smoke point, a neutral flavour, and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. When making french fries in an air fryer, olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the potatoes, resulting in crispy and flavourful fries.

To make french fries in an air fryer, start by slicing your potatoes into fries of roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking. You can peel the potatoes or leave the peel on, but be sure to wash them thoroughly. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about an hour can help remove excess starch and lead to crispier fries. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.

Next, it's time to season the fries. In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring that all the surfaces are coated. You can use regular or extra virgin olive oil, but light olive oil is best due to its higher smoke point. Then, add your desired seasonings. Sea salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, or Cajun seasoning.

Once the potatoes are seasoned, it's time to air fry! Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Cook at 375-400°F for 13-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries. Shake the basket or toss the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

When the fries are golden brown and crispy, they're ready to enjoy! Place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. You can also keep them warm in a low-temperature oven until you're ready to serve.

Using olive oil when making french fries in an air fryer not only helps the seasoning stick but also contributes to the crispy texture and delicious flavour of this popular side dish.

Soak potatoes to remove excess starch

Soaking potatoes before air frying is a great way to remove excess starch and improve the crispiness of your French fries. Here's a guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried potatoes:

Soaking Potatoes to Remove Excess Starch

• Start by cutting your potatoes into even-sized pieces, preferably about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that all the pieces cook at the same rate. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, as it adds flavour, texture, and nutrients.
• Once you have cut the potatoes, place them in a bowl or container filled with cold water. Soak them for around 30 minutes. This process helps to remove the starch from the surface of the potatoes, which can interfere with achieving a crispy texture.
• After soaking, thoroughly rinse the potatoes under cold running water to remove any remaining starch.
• Pat the potatoes dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Seasoning and Air Frying

• Place the dried potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another preferred cooking oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Add your desired seasonings to the potatoes and toss again. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the potatoes for 10 minutes, then toss or flip them and cook for an additional 6-10 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
• If you are cooking in batches, you can return all the cooked potatoes to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at the end to warm them up and ensure they are all crispy.
• Serve your air-fried French fries with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Pat potatoes dry to remove moisture

Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture. This is an important step to ensure your fries turn out crispy. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

After you've cut your potatoes into fries, give them a good rinse under cold water. Then, pat them dry with a kitchen or paper towel. It's important to get them as dry as possible. If you're making homemade fries, you can then add them to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle over your chosen seasonings. Toss the bowl to ensure the fries are evenly coated.

If you're making frozen fries, you can skip the olive oil and seasoning step, and simply place the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket.

Work in batches to ensure even cooking

Working in batches is essential to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. This will help you achieve the desired crispiness and avoid soggy fries. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your fries in multiple batches.

When working in batches, it is important to spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each fry. This allows hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and soggy fries.

To work efficiently in batches, cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate. There is no need to peel your potatoes as the skin helps them crisp up nicely during cooking. Once cut, toss the potatoes with olive oil and salt, or your desired seasoning.

For each batch, arrange the fries in a single layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but it typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Remember to flip the fries halfway through the cooking process.

Once you have cooked all the batches, you can toss them all together in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to warm them up and ensure they are all crispy. This step is especially important if you are serving the fries to guests, as no one likes cold, soggy fries!

By working in batches and following the above tips, you can ensure even cooking and achieve the perfect crispy French fries with your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions