Air Fryer Home Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make home fries that are crispy and golden brown on the outside, and warm and fluffy on the inside. They are a healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes as they use minimal oil and are easy to make and clean up. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, baby potatoes, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes, and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The potatoes are cut into cubes, seasoned, and then placed in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 380-400°F, depending on the desired level of browning. Soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking is optional but can help remove excess starch and make them crispier. Air fryer home fries are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served at any meal and paired with a variety of sauces and dips.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Home Fries

Potato varieties for home fries

The type of potato you use for home fries is important as it determines the texture and flavour of the final dish. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which results in soft and fluffy home fries. They also brown better than waxy potatoes. However, if you're looking for a balance between starchy and waxy, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option. They have a flavour that works well for home fries and can be used if you don't have access to Russets.

Waxy potatoes like red potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerlings are not ideal for home fries as they don't break down in the same way during cooking, resulting in a firmer texture. If you want your potatoes to hold their shape, such as in a potato salad, these waxy varieties would be a better choice.

For a more unique take on home fries, you can also use baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even frozen potatoes. Just be sure to increase the air frying time by a few minutes for frozen potatoes.

Regardless of the type of potato you choose, it's important to cut them into uniform pieces, typically 1/2-inch cubes or slices, to ensure even cooking. Soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking is optional but can help draw out excess starch and promote crispiness.

How to cut potatoes for the air fryer

To cut potatoes for the air fryer, start by peeling the potatoes. Then, cut them into 1/2-inch cubes or chunks. You can also cut them into slightly smaller, 1/4-inch cubes if you prefer. Try to ensure the cubes are evenly sized so that they cook at the same rate.

You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, baby potatoes, red potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Russet potatoes are considered a "starchy" (or "floury") potato, and they get crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside when baked due to their low moisture content. Yukon Gold potatoes are in between a "starchy" and "waxy" potato, so they are often considered an all-purpose potato. They have a rich, almost buttery flavour, and because their skin is thin, peeling is usually unnecessary.

Some recipes recommend soaking the potatoes in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking them. This draws out some of the starch, helping them to crisp up. However, this is not essential, and un-soaked potatoes will also crisp up nicely in the air fryer. If you do soak the potatoes, be sure to drain and blot them dry carefully before cooking.

Seasoning and spices for home fries

When it comes to seasoning and spices for home fries, the options are endless. The best home fries let the flavour of the potato shine through, so you don't need to go overboard with seasoning. A simple blend of salt and pepper is a classic choice, and you can use any type of salt you prefer, such as table salt, cooking salt, or kosher salt. If you want to add more flavour, garlic powder is a popular addition, and you can also include onion powder to enhance the savoury notes.

For a spicy kick, cayenne pepper is a great option, but use a small amount to avoid overpowering the other flavours. If you're a fan of smoky flavours, smoked paprika can be a delicious addition to your home fries. Alternatively, sweet paprika will add a touch of sweetness to the mix. Italian seasoning is another excellent option for those who enjoy the flavours of Italy.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of potatoes and spices. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for home fries due to their starchy and fluffy texture. However, Yukon Gold, baby potatoes, red potatoes, and even sweet potatoes can also be used to create unique flavours and textures. Don't be afraid to mix and match spices to find your perfect blend.

Additionally, you can enhance your home fries by adding diced onions and bell peppers. If you're serving them for breakfast, top them with an egg for a heartier meal. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top for added colour and flavour. Remember, the key is to find a balance between enhancing the natural flavour of the potatoes and creating a delightful blend of spices that suits your taste preferences.

Oil and grease for air fryer home fries

When making home fries in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils and greases to get that crispy, golden texture. The amount of oil used is significantly less than traditional deep frying, and the air fryer method is much healthier.

You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a non-aerosol, propellant-free spray. You only need a light drizzle of oil to get the potatoes crispy. You can also use butter or ghee, but these will add more fat and calories. If you want to be more experimental, you could try duck fat, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point.

Before adding the oil, it is important to pat the potatoes dry. This will help the oil stick to the potatoes and prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water before frying to remove excess starch and help them crisp up, but this is not necessary.

Reheating and storing air fryer home fries

Air fryer home fries are best enjoyed hot and crispy straight out of the fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, it is best to use the air fryer to retain the fries' crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket or tray. This arrangement allows for even air circulation, ensuring each fry reheats and crisps up nicely. Reheat for about 2-7 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure they don't overcook.

If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat the fries in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. However, avoid using a microwave, as this will make the potatoes soggy rather than crispy.

For extra crispy fries, spritz them lightly with a neutral cooking oil before reheating. This fresh layer of fat helps conduct heat more effectively and gives the fries a just-out-of-the-fryer sizzle.

Frequently asked questions