Emilie Meyer
Curly fries are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The process is simple: cut the potatoes into the desired shape, season, and cook in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the crispiness you want and the type of air fryer you have. In this article, we will go through the steps to make perfect curly fries in an air fryer, and provide some tips on customising your fries.
How to cook curly fries in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of potatoes | Russet, Yukon Gold |
| Tools | Vegetable/potato spiralizer, sharp knife, air fryer, oven, tongs, scissors, bowl, paper towels, baking sheet, parchment paper |
| Potato preparation | Soak in water for 20 minutes to 1 hour, pat dry, coat in oil and seasonings |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning |
| Air fryer temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Cooking time | 3-4 minutes for reheating leftover curly fries, 7-10 minutes for fresh curly fries, 15-18 minutes for frozen curly fries |
| Serving suggestions | Serve hot with dipping sauces |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right potato
For curly fries, it is best to use potatoes with a high starch content and low moisture content. Starchy potatoes will give your fries a fluffy and crispy texture. Russet potatoes, also known as baking potatoes, are an excellent choice for this reason. They are widely available and affordable, making them a popular option for curly fries. Russet potatoes have a brown, netted skin and a light, starchy flesh. Their high starch content and low moisture level make them ideal for achieving the desired crispiness in an air fryer.
On the other hand, it is recommended to avoid waxy potatoes such as red, fingerling, and white potatoes. These varieties have a higher moisture content and lower starch content, which can lead to sogginess and prevent the desired crispiness.
If you cannot find Russet potatoes or want to try something different, Yukon Gold potatoes are a suitable alternative. They have a bright, golden interior, making your curly fries visually appealing. While any kind of potato can work, selecting the right type will ensure you get the best results in terms of texture and appearance.
Once you have chosen the right potato, the next step is to prepare and cut them into the perfect curly shape. Using a vegetable spiralizer or a sharp knife, you can create shoestring curly fries or any shape you desire. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fries. Thicker fries are preferable as they are less likely to burn, so try to make them as wide in diameter as possible.
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Spiralizing the potatoes
Firstly, select a suitable potato variety. Russet potatoes, also known as baking potatoes, are an excellent choice due to their high starch and low moisture content, which promotes crispiness. Avoid waxy potatoes like red, fingerling, or white potatoes.
Now, let's get into the spiralizing process. Start by choosing the right blade for your spiralizer. Opt for the curly fry blade or the spaghetti-sized blade to create those perfect curls. Secure the potato firmly and start spiralizing according to the instructions of your spiralizer. You might need to cut the potato "noodles" into shorter pieces afterward to prevent excessively long fries.
Once you've achieved the desired curly shape, it's time to prepare a large bowl filled with cold water. Soaking the spiralized potatoes in water helps remove excess starch and prevents browning. Let the potatoes soak for around 20 to 30 minutes, then drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with clean tea towels or paper towels.
At this point, your potatoes are ready for the next step in the curly fry-making process. Remember, the spiralizing step is crucial to getting that classic curly fry shape, so take your time and ensure your potatoes are nicely curled!
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Soaking the potatoes
Once the soaking time is up, it's crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Use paper towels or a clean tea towel to pat them dry. This step ensures that your fries don't end up soggy. A thorough drying process will also help the oil and seasonings adhere better to the potatoes in the next step.
If you're making a large batch of curly fries, you might want to consider preparing the potatoes in advance. You can store spiralized potatoes submerged in water in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just be sure to dry them before cooking! This preparation method can save you time, especially if you're cooking for a crowd or want to get a head start on your meal prep.
The type of potato you use also matters. Russet potatoes, also known as baking potatoes, are an excellent choice due to their high starch and low moisture content. This variety will give you that desired crispy texture. On the other hand, avoid waxy potatoes like red, fingerling, or white potatoes, as they won't yield the same crispy results.
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Seasoning the potatoes
Before seasoning, it is important to prepare the potatoes. First, use a spiralizer to cut the potatoes into a curly fry shape. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a sharp knife to julienne your potatoes into shoestring fries. Next, place the potatoes in a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Add salt and baking soda to the water. Soak the potatoes for about 20 minutes to an hour. This will help remove excess starch and moisture, resulting in crispier fries. Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry.
Now, it's time to season! Place the potatoes back in the large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative with your seasonings. Here are some seasoning blend ideas:
- Garlic Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley
- Cajun: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
- Spicy: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect seasoning blend. You can also purchase pre-made seasoning blends from your local grocery store. Remember, the potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning, so don't be shy!
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Cooking the curly fries
Ingredients
To make curly fries in an air fryer, you will need potatoes, oil, and seasoning. You can use any type of potato, but russet potatoes are an excellent choice for fries as they have a high starch content, resulting in a fluffy and crispy texture. Other recommended types include Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a bright, golden interior, making them ideal for fries.
Cutting the Potatoes
Use a vegetable or potato spiralizer to cut the potatoes into curly shapes. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a sharp knife to julienne the potatoes into shoestring fries. You can cut the potatoes into any shape you like, but keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fries.
Soaking the Potatoes
After cutting the potatoes, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water, salt, and baking soda. Soak them for about 20 minutes to an hour. This step helps remove excess starch and moisture, ensuring crispier fries when cooked. Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are dry, place them back in the bowl and toss them with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, or any other seasonings you prefer. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly.
Air Frying the Curly Fries
Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some overlap being acceptable. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
Cook the curly fries for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes or turn up the heat for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the fries to prevent overcooking or burning.
Serving the Curly Fries
Remove the curly fries from the air fryer once they reach your desired level of crispness. Toss them with your favorite seasoning blend and serve immediately while they're still hot. Curly fries go well with various dipping sauces, so be sure to have some on hand!
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Frequently asked questions
To make curly fries in an air fryer, start by cutting your potatoes into a curly fry shape using a vegetable spiralizer. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into shoestring fries. Next, soak the potatoes in water for 20 minutes to an hour, then drain and pat them dry. Add the potatoes to a large bowl and toss them with oil and seasonings of your choice. Preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400°F, then place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Cook for 7 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
To get crispy curly fries in an air fryer, it's important to remove the excess moisture from the potatoes before cooking. This can be done by soaking the potatoes in water and then patting them dry. You can also try coating the potatoes in oil before cooking. Additionally, the cooking temperature and time will affect the crispiness of your curly fries. For crispier fries, cook them at a higher temperature for a longer period of time.
Yes, you can cook frozen curly fries in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the frozen curly fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
