Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Fries: Crispy, Golden Deliciousness

Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are a fast-food favourite, known for their crispy texture and mouth-watering seasoning. But what happens when you have leftovers? The good news is that you can easily reheat them in an air fryer and enjoy their crispy, golden goodness all over again.

To make Chick-fil-A waffle fries in an air fryer from scratch, start by rinsing and washing your potatoes. You can choose to peel the potatoes or keep the skin on. Next, use a crinkle cutter to cut the potatoes into the signature waffle shape. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 25 minutes and then boil them for 3-5 minutes, until they are partly cooked but still firm. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry, then coat them with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 minutes. If you are making multiple batches, transfer the cooked fries to a bowl or baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining potatoes. Once all the fries are crispy, you can put them all back in the air fryer at 375°F-390°F for 3-5 minutes to refresh them. Season with salt to taste, and enjoy!

If you have leftover Chick-fil-A waffle fries, you can also reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-375°F and place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Reheat for about 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to cut waffle fries

To cut waffle fries, start by rinsing and washing your potatoes. You can choose to peel the potatoes or keep the skin on. Next, place the potato lengthwise on a cutting board. Using a crinkle cutter, slice one edge of the potato. Then, rotate the potato 90 degrees and make another cut with the crinkle cutter to create a cross-hatched waffle pattern. Repeat this process for the remaining potatoes.

It is important to be consistent with the thickness of the fries as you cut them. The more even the shape and size of the fries, the better the consistency of the final product.

How to cook waffle fries in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 3 large yellow potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
• Olive oil
• Salt

Method:

• Rinse and wash the potatoes well. You may peel the potato or keep the skin on.
• Place the potato lengthwise on a cutting board and, using a crinkle cutter, slice one edge of the potato. Then rotate the potato 90 degrees and make another cut with the crinkle cutter to create a criss-cross waffle pattern. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
• Add the cut potatoes to a large bowl and fill with cold water. Soak for about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, set a large pot of water to boil.
• Add the soaked potatoes to the boiling water and boil for 3-5 minutes, or until the potatoes are partly cooked but still firm.
• Drain the potatoes and gently pat dry with paper towels.
• Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and coat with olive oil. Gently toss the potatoes in the oil.
• Set your air fryer to Air Fry mode at 400°F and cook for 15 minutes. If you are cooking multiple batches, transfer the fries to a bowl or baking sheet between batches.
• Once all the fries are crispy, you can toss them all together in the air fryer at 375°F-390°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Season with salt to taste and toss well. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Try to keep the thickness of the fries consistent as you cut them. The more even the size and shape, the more consistent the cooking.
• Soak the fries in cold water to rinse off excess starch and help them get crispy.
• If you are short on time, you can soak the potatoes in cold water until the water comes to a boil.
• If your fries didn't get crispy, there was likely too much overlap between them. Try arranging them in a thinner layer and ensure they are coated in oil.

How to reheat waffle fries in the air fryer

Chick-fil-A waffle fries are beloved by fast-food enthusiasts for their crispy texture and mouth-watering seasoning. But how do you reheat them to ensure they taste just as good as when they're fresh? Here's a detailed guide on reheating waffle fries in an air fryer to achieve that perfect crispiness.

Air Fryer Method for Ultimate Crispiness

The air fryer has gained a reputation as the best way to reheat fried foods, and it works wonders with Chick-fil-A waffle fries. Here's a step-by-step process:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking.
• Arrange the Fries: Place your leftover Chick-fil-A waffle fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd them, so they heat evenly.
• Cooking Time: Heat the fries for approximately 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to achieve the desired golden brown crispiness. Shaking the basket halfway through will ensure even crisping.
• Adjust Timing: Depending on the quantity and your desired level of crispness, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the fries are in a single layer with space between each one. Overcrowding can lead to uneven heating and sogginess.
• Shake Halfway: Midway through the cooking process, shake the basket to expose all fries to the hot circulating air, promoting even heating and crisping.
• Monitor Closely: As air fryers vary in performance, keep a close eye on the fries to prevent burning.
• Temperature Control: Reheat at a medium temperature, around 350°F to 375°F (180°C to 190°C). Higher temperatures might burn the fries before they're thoroughly heated.
• Serve Immediately: Fries tend to lose heat and crispiness quickly, so it's best to serve them right after reheating.

Additional Techniques:

• Use an Airtight Container: Before reheating, store the fries in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Paper Towel Trick: Placing a paper towel with the fries can help absorb excess moisture, keeping them crisp.
• Room Temperature: Allow the fries to reach room temperature before reheating. This helps them heat more evenly.
• Next Day Reheating: If reheating the next day, they may need more time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cooking Spray: Spritzing the fries with canola oil or using a light amount of oil can enhance crispiness.
• Hot Oil Technique: For the ultimate crispiness, briefly fry the leftover fries in hot peanut oil to replicate the restaurant-quality crispness.

By following these steps and techniques, you can enjoy Chick-fil-A waffle fries that taste just like they came straight from the restaurant. So, the next time you have leftovers, don't settle for soggy fries. Instead, use your air fryer to restore that delicious crispiness!

How to make waffle fries crispy

Preparation

Before you begin cooking, rinse and wash your potatoes well. You can choose to peel the potatoes or keep the skin on.

Place the potato lengthwise on a cutting board. Using a crinkle cutter, slice one edge of the potato. Then, rotate the potato 90 degrees and make another cut to create a crisscross waffle pattern. Repeat this process for the remaining potatoes.

Add the cut potatoes to a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Soak the potatoes for about 25 minutes. In the meantime, set a large pot of water to boil.

Cooking Method

Once the water is boiling, add the soaked potatoes and cook them for 3-5 minutes, or until they are partly cooked but still firm. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are not overcooked at this stage.

Drain the potatoes on paper towels and gently pat them dry. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and coat them with olive oil or another high-heat oil. Gently toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and prevent sogginess.

Set the air fryer to Air Fry mode and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. During the cooking process, shake the basket or flip the potatoes several times to ensure even cooking and browning.

Seasoning

Once the potatoes are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer. Season them with salt to taste and toss well. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as pepper or paprika.

Tips for Crispy Waffle Fries

• It is important to maintain a consistent thickness when cutting the potatoes. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which can hinder crispiness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the potatoes enough space to allow for proper air circulation.
• Monitor the potatoes closely during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in their heating efficiency.
• If you are reheating leftover waffle fries, a light spritz of olive oil or cooking spray can help restore crispiness.

How to store leftover waffle fries

Waffle fries are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover waffle fries stay fresh and tasty.

First, it's important to let the fries cool down completely. Don't seal them in a container while they're still hot, as this will make them soggy. Allow them to cool for no longer than two hours, to prevent bacteria growth. Once they're cool, place them in an airtight container or sealed bag, removing as much air as possible. You can also add a paper towel to the container to absorb any excess moisture. Stored this way, your waffle fries will stay fresh in the fridge for two to three days.

If you want to freeze your waffle fries, follow the same process but first freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they preserve their shape and don't stick together. Frozen fries will last for up to six months.

Reheating Leftover Waffle Fries:

There are several methods you can use to reheat your waffle fries. You can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, stovetop, or toaster oven.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren't overlapping. You can add canola oil or cooking spray for extra flavour and crispiness. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet, ensuring they aren't touching. Bake for 5-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your fries.
• Microwave: Place the fries on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking frequently, until they're heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the fries and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated and crispy.
• Toaster Oven: Set the toaster oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring minimal overlap. Heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they're heated through and crispy.

No matter which method you choose, make sure you don't overcrowd the fries so they heat evenly. It's also important to monitor them closely to prevent burning, and serve them immediately after reheating for the best taste and texture.

Now you can enjoy your waffle fries, crispy and hot, just like they were fresh!

Frequently asked questions