Air Fryer Crunchy Fries: The Perfect Recipe

Making crunchy fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the added benefits of less oil and quicker cooking times. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking it more quickly than a traditional oven and helping to create a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil.

To make crunchy air fryer fries, start by cutting your potatoes into fries of a similar size, about 1/4-inch thick. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavour. Next, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help them crisp up. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry at 380-400°F for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through. For extra crispy fries, return all the fries to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use is crucial to achieving the perfect air fryer fries. The best potatoes for this purpose are those that have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. This ensures that they maintain their shape during the high-temperature cooking process and results in fries with crispy exteriors and soft, tender insides.

The recommended potato varieties for air fryer fries are Russets and Yukon Golds. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are the top choice due to their starchy content, which gives the perfect crisp with a fluffy interior. They are widely available and provide the classic, rich potato flavour everyone loves. If you can, select the longest ones you can find, as this will allow you to cut them into the ideal fry shape.

Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option, offering a creamier centre to your fries. They are a good alternative if you prefer a smoother texture and a slightly different flavour profile.

While red potatoes can also be used, they tend to be a bit waxier and may not provide the same level of crispness. Additionally, they are usually not long enough to cut into the classic fry shape. Therefore, if you want the traditional French fry appearance, it is best to stick with Russets or Yukon Golds.

When selecting your potatoes, try to choose ones that are similar in size, as this will help ensure even cooking. Look for long, evenly shaped potatoes that will give you nice, uniform fries.

Preparing the potato

The first step to making crunchy air fryer fries is to prepare the potatoes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Select the right type of potatoes for air fryer fries. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their starchy and fluffy texture, which makes them ideal for frying. They also have thick skins, which helps them maintain their shape during the cooking process. However, you can also use other types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into fries of your desired size. Aim for them to be around 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get evenly sized fries. Try to make them similar in size so they cook evenly. You can also peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and flavour, and also saves time.

Step 3: Soak the Potatoes (Optional)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to 24 hours is optional but recommended. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which will make the fries crispier. It also prevents them from sticking together. Make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Place the cut and dried potatoes in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or another type of vegetable oil. You only need a small amount, just enough to coat the potatoes lightly. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other spices of your choice. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use for your air fryer fries can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure your fries are crunchy and full of flavour.

Oil

When it comes to oil, you don't need much. A couple of tablespoons of oil should be enough to coat your fries. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil. Olive oil will give your fries a nice flavour, but be aware that it might brown them more quickly without cooking them all the way through. If you want to change things up, you can use flavoured oils like garlic oil or chile oil.

Seasoning

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with various herbs and spices. Here are some ideas:

• Sea salt or powdered salt for an even, light, salty flavour.
• Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for a savoury kick.
• Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Lemon zest and Parmesan cheese for a unique, tangy flavour.
• Oregano and feta cheese for Greek-style fries.

Remember to season your potatoes just before air frying them. If you add salt too early, it will draw out moisture and your fries may not be as crispy.

So, get creative, experiment with different oils and seasonings, and enjoy your crunchy, flavourful air fryer fries!

Air frying

Ingredients and Preparation:

• Potatoes: Choose russet potatoes for that classic potato flavour and a creamy centre. Alternatively, Yukon gold or red potatoes work too. You can leave the skin on for added texture, flavour, and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Oil: Use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. You only need about 1-3 tablespoons, depending on the recipe and your preference.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential. For extra flavour, try garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or onion powder. You can also experiment with different flavoured oils, like garlic oil or chile oil.

Cutting and Soaking:

• Cut the potatoes into even-sized fries, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours helps remove excess starch, which will make the fries crispier. Change the water after 20-30 minutes for best results.
• After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial, as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket will result in soggy fries.
• Air fry for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries. For most air fryers, 15-18 minutes should be sufficient. Flip or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, toss the fries with additional seasonings or herbs like rosemary or parsley after air frying.

Tips for Success:

• Always cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Don't skip the soaking step, as it helps remove starch and promotes crispiness.
• Thoroughly dry the potatoes after soaking to remove any residual moisture.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to soggy fries.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different air fryers may vary. Keep an eye on your fries and adjust the time accordingly.
• For a warm and crispy final product, place the cooked fries on a wire rack in a single layer in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.

Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces you can use to complement the flavour of your crunchy air fryer fries. Here are some ideas, organised by type:

Mayonnaise-based Sauces

• Cilantro-lime mayonnaise
• Bacon mayonnaise
• Chipotle mayonnaise
• Pesto mayonnaise
• Horseradish mayonnaise
• Comeback sauce
• Wasabi mayonnaise
• Fry sauce (a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup and a little pickle juice)
• Aioli (a creamy garlic sauce)
• Sriracha-mayonnaise
• Curry mayonnaise

Sweet Dipping Sauces

• Honey-mustard
• Raspberry ketchup
• Sriracha-honey glaze
• Curry honey glaze
• Cranberry salsa
• Sweet chili sauce

Other Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Sri-rancha sauce (Sriracha sauce mixed with ranch dressing)
• BBQ sauce
• Hot sauce
• Béarnaise sauce
• Gochujang sauce
• Herbed sour cream
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Salsa golf (a simple mix of mayonnaise and ketchup, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice)
• Spicy ketchup
• Thousand Island Dressing
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese

Frequently asked questions