Air Fryer Chips: Freshly Fried In A Tower

how to cook fresh chips in tower air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook chips, and they can save you money on takeaways and buying chips from the chip shop. The Tower air fryer is a popular choice, with its compact, lightweight design and dishwasher-safe components. To cook fresh chips in a Tower air fryer, you'll first need to peel and cut your potatoes into chip shapes. You can choose to parboil the potatoes for a couple of minutes to remove some of the starch, but this is not necessary. Then, dry the potatoes and toss them in oil and seasoning. Place the chips in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 160-200°C for 10-25 minutes, shaking the basket at least once during cooking.

How to cook fresh chips in a Tower Air Fryer

Characteristics Values
Potato Varieties Maris Piper, King Edward, Romano, Desirée, Russet, Rooster
Potato Texture Floury potatoes are best for air-fried chips
Potato Preparation Peeled or unpeeled, scrubbed, soaked in cold water, rinsed, dried, cut into chip-like shapes
Oil Olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, lard, drippings, tallow
Seasoning Salt, pepper, flour, smoked paprika, curry powder, chip seasoning, Cajun
Air Fryer Temperature 160ºC/320ºF, 200°C/400°F
Cooking Time 10-15 minutes, 12 minutes, 20-25 minutes, 30-40 minutes
Air Fryer Models Tower T17005, Tower T14001HT Halogen Airwave Air Fryer
Air Fryer Benefits Reduced fat content, healthier cooking, saves money on takeaways, lightweight, dishwasher-safe components

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Potato varieties: Maris Piper, King Edward, Rooster, Romano, Russet

To make fresh chips in an air fryer, start by thinly slicing your potatoes. You can peel them first or leave the skin on for a more rustic feel. Soak the slices in water for a couple of minutes to remove excess starch and prevent burning. Drain the water, and pat the slices dry. Then, toss the potatoes in a little oil, cornflour, and seasoning. You can also just use oil and season the chips after cooking. Place the chips in the air fryer, and cook for 20 minutes.

Now, let's look at the best potato varieties for making chips in your air fryer:

Maris Piper

Maris Piper potatoes have golden skin and creamy white flesh with a fluffy texture. They are a versatile variety, great for chips, roast potatoes, and mash. When used for air fryer chips, they result in a fluffier chip interior and a crispier exterior.

King Edward

King Edward potatoes have creamy-coloured skin with light red blushes. They are a great all-rounder and work well for chips, wedges, roast potatoes, jacket potatoes, and baked potatoes. They have a medium dry matter, which is ideal for achieving that perfect chip texture.

Rooster

Rooster potatoes have russet red skin and nutty-flavoured flesh. They are a floury variety, which tends to result in crispier edges when used for air fryer chips.

Romano

Romano potatoes are not mentioned in the sources provided. However, other varieties that are good for chips include Salad Blue, Mayan Gold, and Violetta, which are heritage varieties with blue or indigo skin and blue flesh.

Russet

Russet potatoes, also called Idaho potatoes, are dry and starchy, making them ideal for air fryer chips. They crisp up perfectly due to their high starch content.

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Oil types: olive, vegetable, sunflower, rapeseed

When it comes to choosing an oil for cooking fresh chips in an air fryer, you can opt for olive, vegetable, sunflower, or rapeseed oil. Each oil has its own unique characteristics and benefits:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for cooking due to its health benefits and rich flavour. It is known to protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Virgin and extra virgin olive oil have higher smoke points and are suitable for cooking at temperatures up to 180-190°C. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly flavourful and is recommended for salad dressings. However, when using olive oil in an air fryer, it is important to keep the heating time to a minimum.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a blend of other plant-derived oils, commonly including rapeseed oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil. It is known for its versatility and neutral flavour, making it suitable for various cooking methods, including frying and grilling. Vegetable oil is also cost-effective, as it can be used multiple times, although it is recommended to sieve it between uses.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is high in polyunsaturated fats and has a relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying. It is also considered a heart-healthy option as it can help lower harmful LDL cholesterol. When choosing sunflower oil, opt for a high oleic acid variety, which is more stable for cooking.

Rapeseed Oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, is a type of vegetable oil with a high smoke point and a light, neutral taste. It contains lower amounts of saturated fat compared to other vegetable oils, making it a popular choice for culinary applications. Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is a good option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet as it is rich in the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.

In summary, while all four oils can be used for cooking fresh chips in a tower air fryer, the ideal choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as flavour, smoke point, health benefits, and cost when selecting the best oil for your air-fried chips.

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Seasoning: salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, chip seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you can experiment with different combinations of salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, and chip seasoning. For example, you could try salt and pepper chips with garlic powder, chilli flakes, and honey, or add some onion and bell pepper to the mix. This is a popular Chinese takeout dish in the UK.

Alternatively, you could try a combination of salt, pepper, and paprika with or without the addition of cornflour. Cornflour will add a little extra crispness to your chips. If you're using chilli flakes, add them halfway through the cooking process so they don't burn. You could also add garlic to the mix, but be aware that this will need a couple of extra minutes of cooking time to remove its rawness.

If you're looking for something a little more exotic, you could try a sprinkling of Spanish paprika, black pepper, or even some curry powder, which can be added to the oil and honey mix or used on its own. For a healthier option, you can also make chips without oil in an air fryer, but many people think they taste better with a little oil.

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Cooking time: 10-25 minutes, depending on thickness

The cooking time for fresh chips in a Tower air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the chips and how crispy you like them. It can take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes.

First, prepare your potatoes. You can peel them or just scrub them and leave the skin on. Peeled potatoes tend to look more like chips, but unpeeled potatoes are more nutritious and have a rustic look. If you do peel them, save the skins to make tasty air-fried potato peels. Rinse the potatoes in cold water, then dry them with a clean dishcloth, paper towels, or kitchen roll.

Next, cut the potatoes into chip shapes. It's best to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. You can use a vegetable slicer, a sharp knife, or even go nuclear with an Oriental vegetable chopper. The type of potato you use is important—floury potatoes tend to give fluffier middles, so go for varieties like Maris Piper, King Edward, Romano, Desirée, or Russet.

Now it's time to season your chips. You can use a variety of spices and herbs such as paprika, curry powder, or just salt and pepper. You can also experiment with Cajun seasoning or chip seasoning. After spraying them with oil, sprinkle on your chosen seasoning.

Finally, it's time to cook the chips. Preheat your Tower air fryer to 200°C/400°F if your model requires it. Place the chips in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Set the timer according to the thickness of your chips and your desired level of crispiness. For thinner chips, 10 minutes may be enough, while thicker chips may need up to 25 minutes. Remember to shake the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.

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Cleaning: wash basket, pan and tray with warm soapy water

To clean your Tower air fryer, you should wash the basket, pan, and tray with warm soapy water. This process is simple and straightforward.

First, fill your sink with warm water and add a suitable washing-up liquid or soap. Next, place the basket, pan, and tray in the soapy water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any residue or leftover food. Be sure to clean all the nooks and crannies of the basket and tray, as these areas can collect grease and grime. Rinse the components thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth or kitchen roll.

If your Tower air fryer has dishwasher-safe parts, you can place these components in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The Tower T17005, for example, has detachable dishwasher-safe parts, making cleaning a breeze.

It is important to clean your air fryer regularly to maintain its performance and ensure your food tastes great every time. A well-maintained air fryer will also last longer, saving you money in the long run.

Frequently asked questions

First, peel your potatoes and rinse them in cold water. Dry the potatoes, then cut them into chip-like shapes. Next, toss the chips in oil and season with salt, pepper, and flour, or spices like smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F, then cook the chips for 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket at least once during this time.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chips and how crispy you like them. Thicker chips will take longer to cook, and if you want your chips to be very crispy, you can add a little more oil and cook for a few extra minutes. On average, air fryer chips take somewhere between 10 and 35 minutes to cook.

Floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, Romano, Desirée, or Russet potatoes, work best for air fryer chips as they tend to give fluffier middles.

Preheat your Tower air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Then, cook the chips for around 12 minutes at this temperature. After this, increase the temperature to the maximum setting (usually 220-240°C) and cook for another 10 minutes, checking after 5 minutes.

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