Air Fryer French Fries: Enhancing The Classic Taste

Air fryer French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, with a similar crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They are easy to make and only require a few basic ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect crispiness is to cut the potatoes into even slices, soak them in water to remove excess starch, pat them dry, and cook them in a single layer in the air fryer. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, seasonings, and dipping sauces to enhance the flavour of your fries.

Use the right type of potato

The type of potato you use for your air fryer French fries can make a big difference in the final result. While you can use a variety of potatoes, there are two types that are considered the best for making French fries: Yukon gold potatoes and Idaho potatoes (also called russet potatoes).

Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispy on the outside, drier on the inside, and taste most similar to fries you would eat in a restaurant. They also tend to be the right size for fries, and you can select the longest ones to ensure your fries are not too stubby. If you can, try to find russet potatoes that are longer rather than rounder, as this will give you more classic-shaped fries.

Yukon gold potatoes, on the other hand, are waxier and will give you fries that are equally crispy on the outside but have a firmer, creamier inside. They also have a naturally buttery taste, giving your French fries a richer flavor.

While both types of potatoes can work well, it is generally recommended to use russet potatoes if you want that classic French fry taste and texture. However, feel free to experiment with both types and see which one you prefer.

When preparing your potatoes, it is important to cut them into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. The recommended size is usually around 1/4-inch thick, but you can go up to 1/2-inch if you prefer thicker-cut fries. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut your potatoes.

In addition to choosing the right type of potato, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, it is generally recommended to soak your potatoes in water before cooking them. This helps to remove excess starch and will make your fries crispier. You can soak them in cold water for up to 24 hours, or use hot water to cook the potatoes slightly and create a "double-fried" effect. Just be sure to pat them dry completely before cooking.

Finally, when it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, Cajun seasoning, or rosemary. You can also try adding Parmesan cheese to your fries for a little melted cheesy goodness.

Cut the potatoes evenly

Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces is crucial to achieving the desired level of crispiness and ensuring uniform cooking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch, although sizes between 1/4 and 1/2-inch will also work. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate, preventing some from burning while others remain undercooked. While you don't need to be too meticulous about the length of the fries, try to keep them around 3 to 4 inches long. This not only allows for even cooking but also creates the ideal shape for dipping into your favourite condiments.

To achieve consistent cuts, it is recommended to use a mandoline, which makes it easier to create uniform fries. Alternatively, use a sharp knife and cut the potatoes by hand, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size.

Once you've cut your potatoes, give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen or paper towel. This step helps remove excess starch, which can hinder the crispiness of the final product.

Rinse or soak the potatoes

Rinsing or soaking the potatoes is an important step in making air fryer French fries. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which can prevent them from crisping up properly during cooking. The ideal crispiness of French fries is what makes them so popular and delicious!

When rinsing or soaking potatoes, it is important to use cold water. The potatoes should be submerged completely in the water and left to sit for at least one hour. This process helps to remove any dirt or residue on the potatoes and prepares them for cooking. After rinsing or soaking, it is crucial to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. This step ensures that the potatoes are not soggy when placed in the air fryer, as wet potatoes will not crisp up properly.

While some recipes recommend soaking potatoes for up to 24 hours, it is not necessary to soak them for that long to achieve the desired crispiness. However, if you choose to soak them for an extended period, it is recommended to change the water after 20 to 30 minutes and to always soak them in the refrigerator.

Additionally, it is important to note that the size and type of potato can also impact the crispiness of your French fries. Russet potatoes, for example, are known to have a fluffier interior and are longer in shape, making them ideal for classic French fries. On the other hand, Yukon gold potatoes have a waxier texture and a creamier centre, resulting in a firmer fry.

In summary, rinsing or soaking potatoes is a crucial step in preparing air fryer French fries. By removing excess starch and ensuring that the potatoes are dry before cooking, you can achieve the perfect crispiness that makes French fries a favourite snack or side dish.

Experiment with spices

Spices and seasonings can make or break a dish, and the same goes for air fryer French fries. While salt and pepper are classic choices, there are many other options to experiment with. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Herbs and Spices

Fresh or dried herbs can add a boost of flavour to your fries. Try using rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, chilli powder, cumin, or garlic powder. A little bit of spice can go a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that can add a delicious Italian twist to your fries. It often includes basil, oregano, thyme, and other herbs. This seasoning is a great way to add a lot of flavour to your fries with just one ingredient.

Parmesan Cheese

For a little bit of melted cheesy goodness, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese over your fries before cooking them in the air fryer. The cheese will melt and crisp up, adding a savoury and salty flavour to your fries.

Cajun Seasoning

If you like your fries with a kick, Cajun seasoning is a great choice. It typically includes a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. This seasoning will give your fries a bold and spicy flavour.

Ranch Seasoning

Ranch seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that can add a tangy and savoury flavour to your fries. It often includes ingredients like dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. This seasoning will give your fries a unique flavour that pairs well with many dipping sauces.

Curry Powder

For something a little different, try adding a pinch of curry powder to your fries. Curry powder is a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder. It will give your fries a warm and richly spiced flavour.

When experimenting with spices, it's important to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can always add more, but it's difficult to fix overseasoned fries. So, be cautious and taste as you go!

Reheat at 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Reheating your fries is an important step to ensure they stay crispy and don't become soggy. If you have any leftover fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until they are the desired texture and temperature. You can also reheat them in the oven at the same temperature.

If you are reheating a large batch of fries, it is best to work in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet in the oven, making sure they are not overlapping or crowded. This allows the hot air to circulate around all the fries, making them crispy.

You can also return the fries to the air fryer basket after reheating to toss them all together for a minute or two. This will help ensure that all the fries are warmed up and crispy.

It is important to note that reheated fries may not be as crispy as when they were freshly made. However, with the right techniques, you can still enjoy delicious and crispy fries even after reheating.

Frequently asked questions