Air Fryer French Fries: Timing For Perfect Crispness

Air fryers are a great way to make French fries. They are healthier than deep-frying and can be made in a short amount of time. The cooking time for French fries in an air fryer depends on the type of potato, the thickness of the cut, and the number of layers cooked at once. On average, it takes between 12 to 20 minutes to cook French fries in an air fryer.

Russet potatoes are best for air fryer French fries

When it comes to making French fries in an air fryer, the type of potato you use is crucial. Russet potatoes are widely regarded as the best option for this cooking method. Russets are starchier than other varieties, resulting in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside. This texture closely resembles the French fries you would find in a typical restaurant.

Tips for Preparing Russet Potatoes for the Air Fryer

To get the most out of your Russet potatoes, follow these simple tips:

• Cut the potatoes into uniform matchsticks, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4-inch. This ensures even cooking.
• Soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes before air frying helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.
• Pat the potatoes dry after soaking to ensure they crisp up nicely during cooking.
• Season the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even Cajun seasoning.
• Cook the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook in batches.
• For best results, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the fries for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200-250°F) while the rest of the fries cook.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for French Fries

Using an air fryer to make French fries offers several advantages:

• Healthier Option: Air fryers require significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, resulting in a healthier version of this beloved side dish.
• Faster Cooking: Air fryers heat up quickly, often in just a few minutes, and cook food faster than a traditional oven.
• Less Mess: With less oil involved, there's also less grease and messy cleanup afterward.
• Versatility: Air fryers can be used for a variety of dishes beyond French fries, including onion rings, sweet potato fries, and even hamburgers.

So, the next time you're craving French fries, reach for those Russet potatoes and your trusty air fryer for a delicious, crispy treat!

Soak potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes

Soaking potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes is an essential step in achieving the perfect air-fried French fries. This step might seem like a hassle, but it is well worth the effort as it ensures your fries turn out crispy and delicious.

The purpose of soaking potatoes in hot water is to remove excess starch. This might seem counterintuitive, as starch is often associated with crispiness. However, when it comes to French fries, too much starch can lead to sogginess. By removing the excess starch, the potatoes are able to reach their maximum crispiness in the air fryer.

It is important to note that the water used for soaking should be hot, not cold. This is because hot water will slightly cook the potatoes, creating the “double-fried” effect that makes restaurant fries so addictive. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen or paper towel. This step is crucial, as any remaining water will affect the crispiness of the final product.

Once the potatoes are dry, it's time to season them. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. You can also add black pepper and dried dill weed or Italian seasoning for extra flavour. Toss the potatoes to ensure that the spices and oil are well distributed.

After seasoning, it's time to cook the fries. Place them in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary, as proper air circulation is key to achieving crispiness. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 to 16 minutes, tossing the fries once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy French fries made right in your air fryer!

Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch slices

Cutting potatoes into 1/4-inch slices is the first step to making delicious, crispy French fries in your air fryer. This is a simple process that will ensure your fries cook evenly and have a satisfying texture. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, select two or three russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which will give your fries a creamier centre. The number of potatoes you need will depend on how many servings you want to make. For four servings, one pound of potatoes is a good starting point.

Wash the potatoes and decide whether to keep the skins on or peel them. Leaving the skins on adds flavour, texture, fibre, and nutrients, and it saves time in the preparation process. However, you may prefer the taste and texture of peeled potatoes.

Once your potatoes are cleaned and dried, it's time to cut them into slices. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, cut the potatoes lengthwise into halves or quarters. Then, cut these halves or quarters into 1/4-inch slices. If you are using a mandoline, be very careful of your fingers! Turn the slices on their sides and cut them into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are long, cut them in half so that your fries are about 3 to 4 inches long. This length is ideal for dipping into your favourite sauces.

Now you have a bowl of evenly cut potato sticks, ready for the next steps in making crispy French fries in your air fryer. Remember that cutting your potatoes into 1/4-inch slices is a crucial step to ensuring your fries cook evenly and have a great texture.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When making french fries in an air fryer, it's important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because the fries need room to cook evenly and get crunchy. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of crisp up.

When placing the potatoes in the air fryer basket, make sure they are all on the same level and not stacked on top of each other. Leave a little space between each fry so that the hot air can come into contact with all sides, making them golden brown and crisp. You may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

For example, if you are using 2 russet potatoes, you will likely need to cook 3 batches of fries. By giving the fries adequate space in the basket, you allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up the potatoes.

Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to undercooked fries. The hot air needs to be able to circulate freely around the fries to ensure even cooking. If the basket is too full, the hot air may not reach all of the fries, resulting in uneven cooking.

To ensure your french fries turn out crispy and golden brown, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give the fries room to breathe and cook in multiple batches if necessary. This will result in delicious, crispy french fries that are cooked evenly and perfectly.

Reheat in the air fryer

If you've made a large batch of fries and want to reheat the first round before serving, simply add all the cooked fries to the air fryer (it's fine if they're crowded this time) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to reheat. This will ensure that your fries are crispy and warm.

If you're reheating frozen fries, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until crispy.

If you're reheating a smaller batch of fries that aren't frozen, cook them in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 16 minutes, turning them once or twice during the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions