Air-Fryer Shoestring Fries: Quick, Crispy, Golden Perfection

Shoestring fries are a popular snack, but they can be unhealthy when deep-fried. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, producing crispy, golden, and fluffy shoestring fries without the extra fat. This guide will teach you how to cook shoestring fries in an air fryer, ensuring they are perfectly crispy and seasoned every time.

Soak potatoes for 30 minutes

Soaking the potatoes is an important step in the process of making shoestring fries in an air fryer. It might be tempting to skip this step, but removing excess starch is key to making your potatoes crispy if you're frying or roasting them. So, after cutting your potatoes into thin matchsticks, place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Add some ice and stir gently. Let the potatoes soak for 30 minutes, then discard the water and repeat the process for another 30 minutes.

Soaking the potatoes in saltwater (brine) is also an option. The salt improves the texture, but it's not essential. If you do use saltwater, you can leave the potatoes to soak for less time or even overnight in the fridge.

After soaking, it's important to pat the potatoes dry. If there's still water clinging to them when you add the oil, they'll steam in the air fryer instead of getting crispy.

Once your potatoes are dry, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F and get ready to cook your crispy, golden shoestring fries.

Cut potatoes into thin matchsticks

To cut potatoes into thin matchsticks for shoestring fries, start by rinsing and peeling the potatoes. Wash the potatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a towel. You can then use a knife to trim off any dark spots, eyes, or rotten parts from the potato.

Next, cut each potato into 1/4 to 3/4 inch slices. You can do this by laying the potato on its flat side on a cutting board and carefully slicing it into even pieces. If you want thinner matchsticks, try slicing the potato lengthwise into 1/8-inch slices.

Once you have your potato slices, you can create matchsticks by stacking the slices and cutting them into thin strips. For shoestring fries, you can use a mandoline slicer fitted with a julienne blade to get the skinniest fries possible. Adjust the mandoline to the very fine julienne setting and follow the owner's manual for instructions. If you don't have a mandoline, you can try grating the potatoes against the coarse side of a box grater, but keep in mind that these fries will be much shorter.

Hold the safeguard that has the potato stuck on it against the top of the mandoline's board. Run it down the board so that the julienne blade slices the potato into shoestrings. Keep going back and forth until all of the potato is cut into thin matchsticks.

Toss with oil, salt, and spices

To make shoestring fries in an air fryer, you'll want to first toss your cut potatoes with oil, salt, and spices. This is an important step to ensure your fries are evenly coated and seasoned.

First, cut your potatoes into thin matchsticks, about 1/8" x 1/8" in size. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get them into the right shape. Soaking the potatoes in water before cooking will help release some of the starch in the potatoes, making them crispier when cooked. Be sure to pat them dry with a kitchen towel before tossing them with oil, salt, and spices.

When it comes to oil, you can use olive oil or another type of cooking oil of your choice. Add enough oil to coat the potatoes, and toss them well. You can also add salt and your choice of spices to this mixture. Some popular spice options include paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, or chili powder. You can also add fresh herbs if you like.

Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture. You can use your hands or a large spoon to toss the potatoes until they are completely coated. Once they are well-coated, you can proceed to the next step of cooking them in the air fryer.

Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes

To cook shoestring fries in an air fryer, it is recommended that you set your device to 400°F and cook the fries for 10-15 minutes. This will give you crispy, golden fries. It is a good idea to check on them after 10 minutes, as the exact cooking time will depend on the specific air fryer model you have and the quantity of fries you are cooking. Thicker-cut fries will also take a little longer to cook through.

When air frying at this temperature, it is important to prepare your air fryer by spraying the basket with cooking spray or brushing it with oil. This will prevent the fries from sticking and help to achieve an even crispness. You should also give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking time to ensure the fries cook evenly.

For best results, ensure the fries are in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy. If you are cooking a large batch, cook the fries in smaller batches to ensure they all get crispy.

You can also use this cooking time to experiment with different seasonings. After the fries have finished cooking, toss them with your favorite herbs and spices. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or a simple mix of salt and pepper.

Store leftovers in an airtight container

Storing your leftover shoestring fries properly is crucial to maintaining their freshness and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store them in an airtight container:

Firstly, it is important to let the shoestring fries cool down to room temperature before storing them. This step is essential to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy fries. Once they have cooled, you can begin the storage process.

Transfer the leftover shoestring fries to an airtight container. Ensure that the container is clean and dry. It is best to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air and moisture from seeping in. If possible, opt for a container made of glass or plastic, as these materials are less permeable than metal or cardboard, providing a better barrier against air and moisture.

When placing the fries in the container, try to create a single layer. This technique helps ensure even cooling and prevents the fries from sticking together in clumps. If you have a large quantity of leftovers, you can use multiple containers or layer the fries with parchment paper or wax paper.

Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The fries will stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 days when stored properly. To reheat the shoestring fries, simply place them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through. For the best results, avoid overlapping the fries when reheating them.

Additionally, you can freeze the leftover shoestring fries for longer-term storage. Place the cooked and cooled fries in an airtight container or a freezer bag, ensuring they are in a single layer. Freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, there's no need to defrost. Just pop them into the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or until they're heated through.

Frequently asked questions