Air-Fried Dirty Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, requiring only a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods. This means you can still enjoy your favourite fried foods without the added calories and fat. One of the most popular foods to make in an air fryer is French fries. They are super easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. You can experiment with different types of potatoes, oils and seasonings to find your perfect combination.

Choosing your ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential for making delicious dirty fries in an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you select the best ingredients for this tasty treat:

Potatoes

The type of potato you choose can impact the flavour and texture of your dirty fries. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for their rich, buttery taste and ability to crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes can give a creamier centre. Leaving the skin on adds flavour, texture, fibre, and nutrients, and saves time on prep!

Oil

Oil is a key ingredient in dirty fries as it helps to crisp up the potatoes and other ingredients. Olive oil is a common choice and adds a tasty, earthy flavour. Other options include vegetable oil, canola oil, or flavoured oils like garlic oil or chile oil.

Seasonings

Seasonings are what give your dirty fries their unique flavour. Sea salt and black pepper are essential, but you can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or rosemary. For an extra kick, try Cajun seasoning or onion powder.

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have ingredient for dirty fries as it melts over the veggies and fries, adding a creamy, savoury element. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Veggie Bacon and Vegetables

Dirty fries are all about loading up on tasty ingredients, and veggie bacon and vegetables are a perfect way to do that. In addition to veggie bacon, you can add onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green onions. These ingredients not only add flavour and texture but also make your dirty fries more nutritious.

Dipping Sauces

While not technically an ingredient that goes into your dirty fries, the right dipping sauce can take your fries to the next level. Ketchup, ranch dressing, sour cream, and blue cheese dressing are all excellent choices. Or, get creative and make your own unique sauce!

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in making dirty fries. It ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature for cooking, which is typically around 380 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for making dirty fries:

Step 1: Understand Your Air Fryer

Before preheating, it's important to familiarise yourself with your air fryer's specific instructions. Different models may have unique features or requirements, so consult the user manual or manufacturer's guidelines. Some air fryers may have preheat settings, while others might need to be manually heated.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Place the air fryer basket inside the appliance. This basket will hold your dirty fries during cooking. Make sure it's clean and dry before use. If your air fryer has a grill pan or a similar accessory, you can place it in the basket to facilitate even cooking.

Step 3: Set the Temperature

Adjust the temperature dial or controls on your air fryer to the desired level. For dirty fries, a temperature between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This temperature range will help achieve the desired crispness and browning for your fries.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Now, turn on your air fryer and let it preheat. The preheating time can vary depending on your model, but it usually takes a few minutes. Refer to your air fryer's instructions to determine the optimal preheating duration. Some models may have a preheat light or indicator to let you know when it's ready.

Step 5: Monitor the Preheating Process

Keep an eye on the air fryer during preheating. Some models may heat up faster than others, so it's important to ensure it doesn't get too hot. If your air fryer has temperature controls, you can adjust them as needed to maintain the desired temperature.

Step 6: Prepare the Fries

While the air fryer is preheating, you can start preparing your dirty fries. Cut the potatoes into your desired fry shape and size. You can also use frozen fries as a convenient alternative. Additionally, gather and prepare any other ingredients you plan to use, such as vegetables, cheese, or seasonings.

Step 7: Final Checks

Once the air fryer has preheated to the set temperature, double-check that everything is ready. Ensure the fries are well-coated with any desired seasonings or oils before placing them in the air fryer basket. Make sure the basket is not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.

Step 8: Start Cooking

After confirming that the air fryer is preheated and your dirty fries are prepared, it's time to start cooking! Place the basket of fries into the air fryer and set the timer according to the cooking instructions. Dirty fries typically take around 20 minutes to cook, but adjust the time as needed based on your air fryer's performance and your desired level of crispness.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a vital step in ensuring your dirty fries cook evenly and achieve the desired texture and taste. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to making delicious dirty fries in your air fryer!

Prepare the fries

Preparing the fries is the most important part of the process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you need to select the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for their rich, buttery taste and how the starch puffs and crisps in the air fryer. However, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which give a creamier centre.

Next, cut the potatoes into fries. Aim for them all to be a similar size, about 1/4-inch thick. This way, they'll cook at the same rate. You don't need to peel the potatoes – the skin helps them crisp up and adds flavour and nutrients. However, make sure you wash the potatoes well and scrub off any dirt. You can use a mandoline for ease and precision when cutting.

Now, it's time to rinse and dry the potatoes. Rinse the potato slices in cold water and then pat dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it removes excess starch, which will help the potatoes crisp up.

At this point, you can choose to soak the potatoes. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for about an hour helps to remove even more starch, which will result in crispier fries. However, this step is optional, and you may choose to skip it if you're short on time. If you do soak the potatoes, make sure to dry them thoroughly after.

Once your potatoes are cut, rinsed, and dried, it's time to season them. Place the fries in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use vegetable, canola, or flavoured oils like garlic or chile oil. Toss the fries to coat them evenly with oil, then add your desired seasonings. Salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or rosemary. You can also add Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Now your fries are ready to go into the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

Cook the fries for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For best results, toss or flip the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You've now prepared delicious, crispy air fryer fries that are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce!

Fry the veggies

Now it's time to cook the veggies! First, preheat your air fryer according to the packet instructions. You can use frozen or fresh veggies, but if you're using frozen, make sure they're thawed before cooking. Cut your veggies into thin, even slices – about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly. If you're using potatoes, give them a quick rinse in cold water and then pat them dry.

Next, toss your veggies in a large bowl with olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, and kosher salt. Make sure they're evenly coated. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavour. Once your veggies are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook according to the package instructions, or until they're golden brown and crispy.

While the veggies are cooking, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your desired veggies – onion, vegetarian bacon pieces, and red bell pepper are a great combination. Fry them until they're cooked to your liking, then set them aside.

When your veggies are almost ready, reheat the bacon, onion, and pepper mixture. Remove the veggies from the air fryer and place them in an oven-proof dish. Top with the bacon mixture, along with diced tomatoes and green onions. Finally, sprinkle grated cheese on top and place the dish back in the air fryer until the cheese has melted.

And that's it! You've just made delicious and healthy dirty fries in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a snack or side dish. Feel free to experiment with different veggies and seasonings to make this recipe your own.

Assemble and cook

Now it's time to assemble your dirty fries!

First, preheat your air fryer according to the packet instructions.

Add your frozen fries to your air fryer basket and drizzle olive oil over them. Then, add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and cajun seasoning. Using your hands, toss until the fries are evenly coated.

While the fries are in the air fryer, add olive oil to a skillet, add vegetarian bacon pieces, red bell pepper, and onion, and fry until cooked. Then, set aside.

A couple of minutes before the fries are ready, reheat the bacon, onion, and pepper mixture, then add it to the cooked fries, and mix to combine evenly.

Now, place the fries in an ovenproof dish, add your tomato, cheese, and green onions and cook until the cheese has melted.

Remove the dish from the air fryer, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Storage and Monitoring Tips

You can store your loaded fries in the fridge for up to three days. Do not refreeze frozen fries.

Depending on the brand and size of your air fryer basket, your frozen French fries may take less or more time, so adapt accordingly.

Frequently asked questions