Soaking Potatoes For Air Fryer Fries: How Long Is Ideal?

Soaking potatoes before frying them is a common step in the cooking process. The length of time that potatoes should be soaked for varies, with some recipes recommending a quick 10-minute soak, while others suggest a longer soak of up to 24 hours. Soaking potatoes in cold water helps to remove starch, which gives them a crispy texture and prevents them from sticking together. While it is not necessary to soak potatoes before air frying, as the high temperature of the air fryer can achieve a similar result, it is generally recommended to ensure the best possible texture and taste.

Soaking times for potatoes

When making air fryer French fries, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in water before cooking. Soaking the potatoes helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the fries from sticking together and gives them a crispy texture. The ideal soaking time for potatoes is between 10 minutes and 2 hours. However, some sources suggest that soaking for up to 24 hours will not have any negative effects on the potatoes.

Benefits of Soaking Potatoes

Soaking potatoes in cold water helps to remove some of the starch content, resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior—the ideal texture for French fries.

Steps for Soaking Potatoes

First, cut the potatoes into the desired shape and size, typically matchsticks or wedges. Then, soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for the desired amount of time. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before tossing them with oil and seasonings.

Tips for Optimal Results

For the best results, use Russet potatoes as they have less moisture than other potatoes and will crisp up nicely while remaining tender on the inside. Additionally, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform shapes and sizes to ensure even cooking. Finally, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave enough room for hot air to circulate and cook the potatoes evenly.

Oil types

When making air fryer fries, it is important to consider the type of oil you will use. The right oil will depend on the recipe and the temperature you are cooking at. Here is a list of oils with their respective smoke points:

• Avocado oil: 520-570 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Ghee (clarified butter): 482-485 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Extra light olive oil: 465-470 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Soybean oil: 460 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Sunflower oil: 450 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Coconut oil: 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Peanut oil: 450 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Grapeseed oil: 420 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Canola oil: 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Vegetable oil: 400 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Extra virgin olive oil: 375 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
• Butter: 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.

It is recommended to use oils with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil, ghee, or light olive oil. These oils will work well with most recipes and have neutral or subtle flavours. However, if you are cooking at a lower temperature (under 375 degrees Fahrenheit), you can use extra virgin olive oil, which has a lower smoke point but is still a popular choice for air fryer recipes.

When cooking air fryer fries, you only need to use a small amount of oil (about a tablespoon or enough for a light coat on the potatoes). You can toss the potatoes in a bowl with the oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer. It is important to note that you should not use cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick surface of the basket. Instead, use a non-aerosol oil mister filled with your favourite oil.

Potato types

There are over 200 varieties of potatoes sold in the United States, which can be divided into seven categories: russet, red, white, yellow, blue/purple, fingerling, and petite. Here is a closer look at some of the types of potatoes that fall within these categories:

Russet

Russets are the most common type of potato, known for their large size, rough brown skin, and white to pale yellow flesh. They are highly starchy, making them ideal for baking and frying. Their starch content also makes them one of the best options for mashed potatoes.

Red

Red potatoes have thin, vibrant red skin and golden or white flesh. Their waxy texture allows them to hold their shape during the cooking process. Red potatoes are often used in potato salads, soups, and stews, but they can also be baked, mashed, boiled, or roasted.

White

White potatoes have thin, delicate skin and hold their shape well after cooking. Griling white potatoes brings out a more full-bodied flavor. They are also great for mashing, as their thin skins add texture without the need for peeling.

Yellow

Yellow potatoes have a dense, buttery texture and a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor when grilled. They are excellent for baking, roasting, or mashing. To make crispy, flavorful disks, simply simmer, chill, and gently "smash" the potatoes before browning them in oil or butter.

Blue/Purple

Blue/purple potatoes have moist, firm flesh and a nutty flavor. They retain their vibrant color when cooked, especially when microwaved, steamed, or baked. They are a beautiful and tasty addition to salads and pair well with green salad flavors.

Fingerling

Fingerling potatoes come in various colors and have a nutty or buttery taste. They are excellent for roasting and pan-frying, and their small size makes them ideal for boiling whole. They are a unique and tasty addition to potato salads.

Petite

Petite potatoes are small and can be prepared and served whole, saving time on slicing or chopping. They are delicious when tossed in olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then roasted.

Air fryer temperatures

The optimal temperature for cooking French fries in an air fryer is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Temperature for French Fries

The ideal temperature for cooking French fries in an air fryer is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and the desired crispiness of your fries. For example, one source recommends cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, while another suggests a temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or 15 to 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness of your fries and the number of layers you cook at once. For thicker-cut fries, you may need a longer cooking time. Additionally, cooking in a single layer will result in crispier fries, but it will also increase the total cooking time as you will need to work in batches.

Tips for Optimal Air Fryer French Fries

• Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least an hour or up to 24 hours before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a crispy texture.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking and before placing them in the air fryer.
• Use a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, sunflower, or safflower oil.
• Toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings to ensure even coverage before placing them in the air fryer.
• Leave some space between each potato in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate. Do not overcrowd the basket.
• Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Reheat the fries in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes before serving to ensure they are all warm and crispy.

Air Fryer Temperature for Other Potato Dishes

While the ideal temperature for French fries is around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature for other potato dishes in the air fryer may vary. For example, air fryer baked potatoes are typically cooked at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes, while air fryer potato chips are cooked at a lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes.

It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed based on your specific model and the dish you are preparing.

Seasoning options

While some people prefer to season their air fryer fries with just salt, you can get creative with your seasonings. Here are some ideas to elevate your homemade fries:

Herbs and Spices

You can use fresh or dried herbs and spices to add flavour to your fries. Try using rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, thyme, or oregano. You can also make your own blends such as Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, and sage) or Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper).

Cheesy Fries

For a savoury punch, toss your potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder.

Dipping Sauces

Serve your air fryer fries with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, nacho cheese sauce, ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli. You can even make your own healthy ketchup!

Blends and Seasoning Mixes

Try using a French fry seasoning mix such as Lawry's French Fry Seasoning, or make your own blend with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt.

Taco Seasoning

For a Mexican twist, mix chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.

Frequently asked questions