Making Crispy French Fries: Fryer Secrets Revealed

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but they can be a pain to make at home. Air fryers offer a healthier, faster, and less messy alternative to deep frying, and they can make your fries just as crispy and golden. Here's a guide to achieving the perfect air-fried French fry.

Soak potatoes in water for 10-30 minutes to remove excess starch

Soaking potatoes in water for 10-30 minutes is a crucial step in the process of making crispy French fries. This technique not only enhances the texture of the fries but also reduces the presence of excess starch, which can affect the taste and crispness of the final product.

The first step is to cut the potatoes into the desired shape and size for French fries. It is recommended to aim for uniform pieces, as this ensures even cooking. Once the potatoes are cut, place them in a bowl of cold water and agitate them with your hands. You will notice that the water becomes cloudy, indicating the removal of surface starch from the potatoes. After agitating, drain the water and refill the bowl with fresh cold water. Allow the potatoes to soak in this second batch of water for 10 to 30 minutes. The longer soaking time will yield even crispier fries, as it gives the potatoes more time to release their starch.

During the soaking process, the potatoes will continue to release starch, which will dissolve in the water. This step is essential because excess starch can cause the potatoes to clump together and affect the overall texture of the fries. By removing this starch, you are ensuring that your French fries will be light, crispy, and non-greasy.

After the soaking period, remove the potatoes from the water and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to air dry. It is important to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess water. Allow the potatoes to air dry for at least 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step, which is coating them in oil and seasoning.

Dry potatoes thoroughly before cooking

After rinsing the raw fries, it is important to dry them thoroughly before cooking. This is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispiness for your French fries. Here are the reasons why drying potatoes is essential, along with some tips on how to do it effectively:

Importance of Drying Potatoes

• Reducing Moisture: By drying the potatoes, you are removing excess moisture from the surface. This is crucial because if the potatoes are too wet, they will not crisp up nicely during frying. The water can also cause oil splattering when the potatoes are added to the hot oil, creating a safety hazard.
• Even Frying: Drying ensures that the potatoes will fry evenly. If there are patches of moisture on the surface, those areas may not crisp up as well, resulting in inconsistent results.
• Better Texture: Removing moisture helps create the desired texture of a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior.

Tips for Drying Potatoes

• Pat Dry: After rinsing the cut potatoes, use paper towels or a clean cloth to pat them dry. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Air-Drying: Allow the potatoes to air-dry for a minimum of 15 minutes. This step is crucial and should not be skipped. During air-drying, the moisture evaporates from the surface, which is essential for achieving crispiness.
• Spin-Drying: For an even more thorough drying process, consider using a salad spinner to spin-dry the potatoes. This will help remove excess water quickly and efficiently.
• Timing: Ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before adding them to the hot oil. If needed, use paper towels to dab them off right before frying.

By following these steps and allowing adequate time for drying, you will be well on your way to creating French fries with the perfect texture and crispiness.

Use avocado oil or another oil with a high smoking point

When making French fries in an air fryer, it's important to use oils with a high smoking point to avoid filling your house with smoke. Avocado oil is a great option for this, but you can also use other oils like olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil.

Avocado oil has a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C), which makes it ideal for air frying. It's a healthy choice, as it's high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, and it has a neutral flavour that won't overpower your fries.

When using avocado oil or another high smoking point oil, be sure to drizzle or spray it lightly over your potatoes before cooking. Too much oil can make your fries greasy and less crispy.

If you're looking for the crispiest possible fries, consider using an oil with an even higher smoke point, such as refined peanut oil, which has a smoke point of 450°F. This will give you more leeway to crank up the heat without risking smoke.

Remember, the key to successful air frying is finding the right balance between temperature and cooking time. With the right oil and the right technique, you'll be well on your way to making perfect French fries at home.

Cut potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick fries

To cut potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick fries, start by scrubbing the potatoes and peeling them if you wish (leaving the peels on is also an option). Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into 1/4-inch slices. Turn these slices on their sides and cut them into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are long, cut them in half so that your fries are about 3 to 4 inches long.

It is important to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly at the same rate. A mandoline can be used to ensure uniformity, but a sharp knife will also do the trick.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan

When it comes to seasoning your French fries, you can get creative and use a variety of spices to suit your taste. A combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese can take your fries to the next level. Here's a detailed guide to help you make the most of these seasonings:

Salt and Pepper:

Start by scrubbing and cleaning your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for French fries due to their low moisture and high starch content, resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Cut the potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick strips for consistent cooking. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the potatoes, and toss again to ensure each fry is seasoned. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference.

Paprika:

In addition to salt and pepper, adding paprika to your French fries will give them a subtle kick and a beautiful colour. After tossing the potatoes in oil, add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Toss the potatoes again to ensure an even coating of the seasoning mixture. The paprika will lend a vibrant hue to your fries and enhance the savoury notes.

Garlic Powder:

Garlic powder is a versatile seasoning that can add a savoury punch to your French fries. It is important to note that garlic powder burns easily, so it should be added towards the end of the cooking process. After tossing the potatoes in oil and the other seasonings, place them in the air fryer. Cook the fries for most of the recommended time, and then sprinkle garlic powder over them. Continue cooking for the remaining time, allowing the garlic flavour to infuse without burning.

Parmesan:

For a cheesy twist to your French fries, Parmesan cheese is an excellent choice. Prepare the fries as mentioned above, using salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your preference. Once the fries are cooked to a golden crisp, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Grate or shred fresh Parmesan cheese and toss it with the hot fries. The residual heat will help the cheese stick to the fries. You can also add some chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavour.

Frequently asked questions