Air Fryer Battered Fries: The Perfect Crispy Treat

Making battered fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried french fries. The air fryer circulates heat around each piece, crisping the outside while leaving the inside nice and fluffy. It also uses a fraction of the oil and has minimal cleanup. To make battered fries in an air fryer, you will need potatoes, oil, and seasoning. Russet potatoes are a popular choice as they are nice and starchy, but you can also use Yukon gold potatoes, red potatoes, or even frozen french fries. For the oil, olive oil is a common choice, but you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil. As for seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder are often used, but you can get creative and use any of your favourite spices.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The type of potato you choose will impact the taste and texture of your fries. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice for French fries due to their high starch content. They result in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside, resembling the classic restaurant-style fry. Alternatively, you can opt for Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a waxier texture and yield fries with a firmer, creamier interior. Yukon Golds also have a naturally buttery flavour, giving your fries a richer taste.

Potato Size

When selecting potatoes, look for ones that are similar in size. This ensures that your fries will cook evenly, resulting in a consistent texture. Aim for potatoes that are large enough to cut into uniform fries, approximately 1/4-inch thick.

Potato Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, give them a good scrub to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on can add texture and flavour to your fries. Once you've cleaned and peeled the potatoes, cut them into fries of your desired thickness.

Soaking Potatoes

Soaking potatoes in water before cooking is an essential step to achieve crispy fries. Soaking helps remove excess starch, allowing the potatoes to crisp up better during frying. You can soak the potatoes in cold water for an hour or use hot water to achieve a "double-fried" effect, mimicking the addictive texture of restaurant fries. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before tossing them in oil and seasoning.

Seasoning

Seasoning your potatoes before air frying adds flavour and enhances the taste of your fries. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or experiment with various seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme. Get creative and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Preparing the potato

The first step to making battered fries in an air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Selecting the Potatoes

Start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer fries as they have a classic potato flavour and their starch content helps them puff and crisp up nicely. Yukon Gold potatoes are another option; they have a waxier texture and result in fries with a firmer, creamier inside and a richer flavour.

Step 2: Cutting the Potatoes

Once you have selected your potatoes, it's time to cut them into fries. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch, and try to make sure all the fries are a similar size so that they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the potatoes.

Step 3: Soaking the Potatoes (Optional)

Some recipes recommend soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour or hot water for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch and will make the fries crisp up more in the air fryer. However, this step is not mandatory, and you can choose to skip it if you prefer.

Step 4: Drying the Potatoes

Whether you choose to soak the potatoes or not, it is essential to dry them thoroughly before moving on to the next step. Use paper towels or a clean dish towel to pat them dry, ensuring there is no residual moisture left on the potatoes.

Step 5: Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the dried potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another type of cooking oil. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with oil, then sprinkle on your desired seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like. Toss the potatoes again to ensure the seasonings are well distributed.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning are essential components of battered fries cooked in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you achieve the best results:

Type of Oil

For air-fried battered fries, you can use a variety of oils, including olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even duck fat if you're feeling adventurous. The choice of oil depends on your preference and what you have available.

Amount of Oil

When it comes to the amount of oil, a light drizzle or a couple of tablespoons should be sufficient. You don't need to use a lot of oil, as air fryers require significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. A small amount of oil will help achieve the desired crispiness without making the fries greasy.

Seasoning Options

The beauty of seasoning is that you can customise it to your taste preferences. Here are some popular seasoning options for battered fries:

• Salt and pepper - A classic combination that enhances the flavour of the potatoes.
• Garlic powder - Adds a savoury punch to the fries.
• Onion powder - Gives a subtle onion flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Cayenne pepper - A pinch of cayenne adds a subtle kick to the fries.
• Paprika - For a hint of smokiness and colour.
• Herbs - Try fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Spicy blends - Experiment with Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or taco seasoning for a bolder flavour profile.
• Parmesan truffle - Sprinkle truffle salt and top with grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant, restaurant-style experience.

When to Season

It is recommended to season the potatoes just before placing them in the air fryer. Adding salt too early can draw moisture out of the potatoes, impacting their crispiness.

Coating Options

If you're looking for an extra crispy texture, you can coat the potatoes with a thin layer of flour, cornstarch, or a combination of both before adding the oil and seasoning. This step is entirely optional but can take your fries to the next level.

Oil Spray

Instead of drizzling oil, you can also use an oil spray to coat the potatoes evenly. This helps control the amount of oil used and ensures that the fries don't become greasy.

Experiment and Enjoy

Don't be afraid to experiment with different oils, seasonings, and coating combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. The beauty of air frying is that it's a healthier and less messy alternative to traditional deep frying, so you can indulge in crispy, golden fries without the guilt!

Air frying

How to Air Fry French Fries

First, chop your potatoes into fries of roughly the same size, about 1/4-inch thick. You don't need to peel the potatoes as the skin helps them crisp up nicely. Once you've chopped the potatoes, toss them with olive oil and salt, or seasoning of your choice. You can also add some flavour by using a flavoured oil, such as garlic oil or chilli oil.

Next, spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to come into contact with all sides of the fries, making them golden brown and crisp. Air fry at 375-400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they all get crispy.

Once all batches are finished, toss them all back into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to warm up and crisp. Serve with your desired seasonings and dips.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Fries

• Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least an hour before cooking to remove excess starch and help them crisp up.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking.
• Cook in a single layer, allowing the fries to have room away from each other so they cook faster and get crunchier.
• Check your fries a few times during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.
• Keep the cooked fries warm in the oven while you cook the remaining batches.

Dipping sauces

Fry Sauce

A simple, quick, and versatile dipping sauce for your air fryer battered fries is fry sauce. It is sweet and tangy with a good shelf life of up to one week in the refrigerator. This sauce is made with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and other ingredients of your choice, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.

Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic condiment for French fries and can be used on its own or as a base for other dipping sauces.

Mustard

Mustard is another classic condiment that pairs well with fries. You can use plain yellow mustard or experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or horseradish.

Aioli

Aioli is a creamy and flavorful dipping sauce that can be easily prepared at home. You can make a simple garlic aioli or experiment with different flavors, such as lemon tarragon aioli.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a popular dipping sauce that goes well with fries. You can make your own ranch dressing or buy it pre-made from the store.

Chipotle Crema

For a spicy and creamy dipping sauce, try chipotle crema. It pairs well with the crispiness of air fryer battered fries.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a classic condiment for grilled foods, but it also makes a great dipping sauce for fries. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the saltiness of the fries.

Other Ideas

Other dipping sauce ideas include remoulade sauce, cilantro lime crema, cheese sauce, chili sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions