Cody Casey
Cooking crinkle-cut fries in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to make them. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect finger food. You can use frozen fries or make your own from fresh potatoes. If you're using frozen fries, you can skip the step of soaking them in salted water, which is recommended for fresh fries. For frozen fries, simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F, add the fries, and cook for 12–15 minutes. For fresh fries, toss them in a tablespoon of oil and air fry at 400°F for 16–20 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 375-425ºF |
| Timing | 12-20 minutes |
| Oil | Not necessary, but recommended for taste |
| Preheat | Recommended |
| Defrost | Not necessary |
| Seasoning | After cooking |
| Basket Style | Single layer |
| Potato Skin | Optional |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making crinkle-cut fries. It ensures that your fries cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the perfect crinkle-cut fries:
First, set the temperature of your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking crinkle-cut fries, as it will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft. Different air fryers may have slightly different temperature settings, so adjust accordingly if your air fryer uses a different scale or has a smaller temperature range.
Next, set the timer for 12 minutes. Preheating your air fryer for this duration will ensure it reaches the desired temperature before you add the fries. Depending on the model and size of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the timing slightly. Smaller air fryers, for instance, may preheat faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen crinkle-cut fries. It is not necessary to defrost them before frying, as cooking them straight from the freezer will result in a crispier texture. Simply take them out of the freezer and have them ready to go into the air fryer once it's preheated.
Once the preheat cycle is complete, your air fryer is ready for the fries. Open the basket and carefully place the frozen crinkle-cut fries inside. Spread them out into a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Leave a little gap between each fry to allow for proper air circulation.
Now that your air fryer is preheated and the fries are loaded, you're ready to start the cooking process. Close the basket and let the air fryer work its magic! Depending on the quantity of fries and your desired level of crispiness, you may need to cook them for an additional 3 to 8 minutes.
Remember, every air fryer is different, so don't be afraid to experiment with temperature and timing settings to find the perfect combination for your device. Enjoy making your delicious, crispy crinkle-cut fries!
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Wash, peel and cut potatoes
To make crinkle-cut fries in an air fryer, you'll first need to wash, peel, and cut your potatoes. This process is simple but important to get right to ensure your fries are clean and safe to eat.
First, wash your potatoes. Potatoes grow underground, so they can be dirty and covered in bacteria and pesticides when you buy them. To wash your potatoes, fill a bowl or your sink with cold water and soak the potatoes for a few minutes. This will help to loosen any dirt. Then, use your hands to gently scrub the potatoes. If you're using waxier potatoes, like baby potatoes or French fingerlings, always use your hands rather than a brush to avoid tearing or bruising the skin. If you plan to peel your potatoes, it's best to wash them before peeling. However, if you're leaving the skin on, you can wash them after peeling, as it's easier to remove dirt with a vegetable brush when the skin is intact.
Next, peel your potatoes. Whether or not you peel your potatoes is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on can add flavour, nutrition, and texture to your fries. However, peeling your potatoes will give you a more uniform result. If you're leaving the skin on, be sure to use a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt or eyes remaining on the potatoes after washing.
Finally, cut your potatoes into fries. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of fry you want. For classic French fries, cut each potato into 1/4 to 3/4 inch (0.64 to 1.91 cm) slices. Then, trim a sliver from the bottom of each slice to create a flat surface, and cut the slices into 1/4 to 3/4 inch (0.64 to 1.91 cm) strips. If you want shoestring fries, you can use a mandoline or the coarse side of a box grater to create thin, even slices. For steak fries, cut each potato in half lengthwise, then hold your knife at an angle and cut down to create 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick wedges.
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Add oil and seasoning
While it is not necessary to add oil to frozen crinkle-cut fries, as they already contain some oil, a little extra oil can make them more delicious. You can use a quick-cooking oil spray, or toss the fries in a bowl with a tablespoon of oil before adding them to the air fryer basket. Olive oil is a good option, but you can also use truffle oil or vegetable oil. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can try cutting the oil in half or using a cooking spray.
You can also add seasoning to your crinkle-cut fries. It is best to season the fries after they are cooked, as this will ensure the seasoning sticks to the fries. You can season with salt to taste, or try garlic parmesan seasoning, or a spicy option like sriracha or chili garlic crunch. For a simple option, serve your fries with ketchup or a dipping sauce like marinara sauce or hot sauce.
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Air fry for 12-20 minutes
Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook crinkle-cut fries, and the cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, as well as how many fries you are cooking at once. It is recommended that you set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 12-20 minutes.
If you are using a smaller air fryer (less than 5 quarts), 1 pound is the maximum amount you should cook at once, and you will want to shake the basket frequently to help the fries cook evenly. For larger air fryers, you can cook more, as long as the basket is no more than half-full. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, and to cook the fries in a single layer, so they do not overlap. This will ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
You should shake the basket halfway through the cooking time, at around the 6-minute mark, and the fries are done when they are golden brown. If you prefer your fries extra crispy, you can air fry them for a couple of minutes longer, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
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Serve with dips
While crinkle cut fries are delicious on their own, they can be served with dips to elevate the dish and make it more interesting. You can serve your air-fried crinkle cut fries with a variety of dips, such as:
- Spicy garlic aioli sauce
- Marinara sauce or seasoned pasta sauce
- Hot sauce, such as sriracha or chili garlic crunch
- Ketchup
You can also get creative and experiment with different dips of your choice. For example, if you want to add some extra crunch to your fries, you can sprinkle grated parmesan on top. If you're feeling indulgent, you can even add cheese or pulled pork on top of your fries for a heartier dish.
When it comes to presentation, you can arrange the fries in a basket or on a plate with small bowls or containers of the dips on the side. This way, your guests or family members can choose their favorite dips and customize their fries. Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of your air-fried crinkle cut fries with a variety of tasty dips!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 12 to 15 minutes to cook crinkle cut fries in an air fryer. However, the timing may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, the thickness of the fries, and the desired crispiness.
The air fryer should be preheated to around 400°F (204°C) for cooking crinkle cut fries.
It is not necessary to add oil to frozen crinkle cut fries as they already contain a small amount of oil. However, adding a small amount of oil or using an oil spray can make the fries more crispy and delicious.
