Air Fryer Crunchy Fries: Secrets To Crispy Perfection

Making crunchy fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with minimal cleanup required. The air fryer's small, concentrated space 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 extra oil.

Choose the right type of potato

The type of potato you use can make or break your crunchy fries. The best potatoes for French fries are those that have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. This is because they maintain their shape at high temperatures and emerge from the air fryer with crispy exteriors and soft, tender insides.

The two types of potatoes that best fit this description are Russets and Yukon Golds. Russets are the classic choice for French fries and are known for their rich, buttery taste. They also have the ideal starch content to puff and crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. Yukon Golds, on the other hand, will give you a creamier centre.

If you're looking for the classic fry shape, it's best to choose longer potatoes. Smaller, rounder potatoes will result in stubby fries that won't allow for much interaction with ketchup or your condiment of choice.

While red potatoes can also be used, they tend to be a little waxier, so the results may vary.

Cut the potatoes to size

The first step to making crunchy fries in an air fryer is to cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces, ideally about 1/4-inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and ensure they are all crispy. First, halve the potato lengthwise, then lay each half cut-side down and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Stack half of the cut potatoes and slice lengthwise again into 1/4-inch-thick fries, then repeat with the remaining half.

You can use a mandoline to cut the fries, or a sharp knife. Try to make the fries similar in size, but don't worry too much if some are bigger or smaller.

If you are using more than two potatoes, you may want to place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown while you continue cutting.

Rinse and soak the potatoes

Rinsing and soaking the potatoes is an important step in achieving the perfect crunch for your air-fried French fries. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, after cutting your potatoes into the desired fry shape, it's crucial to give them a quick rinse in cold water. This step helps remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes. Starch can prevent your fries from achieving the desired crispiness, so make sure to give them a good rinse.

Next, for that extra crunch, you can take it a step further and soak the cut potatoes in cold water. This process is often done overnight in the refrigerator, but even a 30-minute soak can help. Soaking the potatoes helps draw out even more starch, which is key to achieving that coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together.

After you've soaked your potatoes, it's essential to pat them completely dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial because any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible so your fries have the best chance of becoming crispy.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crunchy French fries in your air fryer! Just remember to adjust the soaking time based on your preferences and how much starch you want to remove. Now, go ahead and give it a try!

Season the potatoes

Seasoning the potatoes is an important step in achieving the perfect level of crunchiness and flavour in your air fryer fries. Here is a step-by-step guide to seasoning your potatoes:

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite herbs and spices. Common seasoning choices include garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and chilli powder. You can also try more unique combinations like onion powder, Herbes de Provence salt, or Cajun seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the flavours that you enjoy the most!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Before seasoning, make sure your potatoes are clean and cut into even-sized fries. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up during cooking. You can also choose to soak the potatoes in cold water for an hour or up to 24 hours to further enhance crispness. After rinsing or soaking, thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture is crucial for achieving crispy fries.

Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasonings

Place the potatoes in a medium bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. Then, add your chosen seasonings and toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 4: Air Fry

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer, and don't forget to shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once your potatoes are cooked to a golden brown and crispy texture, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Give them a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious, crunchy air fryer fries!

Reheat in the air fryer

If you've made a large batch of fries and want to reheat the first round before serving, simply add all the cooked fries to the air fryer (it's fine if they're crowded this time) and reheat for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also reheat leftover fries in the air fryer by placing them back into a preheated air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes.

If you're reheating frozen fries, there's no need to defrost them first. Toss the frozen fries, salt, and pepper (if they're unseasoned) and a light mist of cooking spray in a bowl. Put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking them once halfway through.

Frequently asked questions