Air-Fryer French Fries: The Perfect Nuwave Recipe

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but frying them in oil can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative, and they can make delicious, crispy fries with minimal oil. This guide will teach you how to make French fries in a Nuwave air fryer, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy and golden every time.

Choosing the right potatoes

The secret to making perfect French fries in your Nuwave air fryer starts with choosing the right potatoes. You might think that all potatoes are created equal, but when it comes to French fries, you want high-starch potatoes. The type of potato you use is important because it determines the crispiness and fluffiness of your fries.

The clear winners for French fries are Idaho or russet potatoes. These potatoes are ideal because they are dense and have less moisture, which is key to avoiding soggy fries. Russets have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, so they maintain their shape at high temperatures and emerge from the air fryer with crispy exteriors and soft, tender insides.

If you are in the US, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which are an all-purpose potato that can be used for frying. However, it is important to avoid waxy potatoes like red-skinned, new, or fingerling potatoes. Their high moisture and sugar content make them unsuitable for deep frying, and your fries will turn out limp and soggy and may darken too quickly.

Preparing the potatoes

Select the Right Potatoes:

Start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for French fries due to their thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. They maintain their shape at high temperatures and produce crispy exteriors and soft, tender interiors.

Cut the Potatoes:

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Halve the russet potatoes lengthwise, then lay each half cut-side down. Cut these halves into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. Stack half of the cut potatoes and slice lengthwise again into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick fries. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes.

Rinse and Soak the Potatoes:

After cutting, give the potatoes a quick rinse in cold water to remove excess starch. For extra-crunchy fries, consider soaking the cut potatoes in cold water overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps remove starch and will enhance the crispiness of your fries.

Dry the Potatoes:

Thoroughly dry the potatoes after rinsing or soaking. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. Ensure that you remove as much moisture as possible to promote crisp exteriors during the frying process.

Season the Potatoes:

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and toss them with a small amount of olive oil. Be sure to coat all surfaces evenly. You can also add seasonings at this stage, such as salt and pepper, or experiment with other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious French fries in your Nuwave air fryer. Remember, the key to success is taking the time to prepare the potatoes properly before placing them in the air fryer.

Seasoning

Choosing the Right Seasoning

The type of seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference and the specific flavour profile you want to achieve. Some popular options include:

• Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt can be used according to your preference. You can also get creative and use seasoning salt or garlic salt for a unique twist.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bold kick to your fries.
• Spices and Herbs: Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, or thyme. These additions can elevate the flavour of your fries and make them more exciting.
• French Fry Seasoning: You can also purchase specialised French fry seasoning blends, such as Lawry's French Fry Seasoning, to save time and easily add flavour to your fries.

Preparing the Potatoes for Seasoning

Before you apply the seasoning, it is crucial to prepare the potatoes properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Wash and Peel (Optional): Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavour.
• Cutting: Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, typically 1/4-inch slices or sticks. This ensures that the fries cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Soaking: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about an hour to remove excess starch. This step helps the fries achieve a crispier texture. Change the water after 20-30 minutes for best results.
• Drying: After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture is essential, as it ensures that the seasoning adheres well to the potatoes.

Applying the Seasoning

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to add the seasoning:

• Oiling: Drizzle or toss the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated. You can use extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil, depending on your preference.
• Mixing Seasoning: Add the desired amount of salt and pepper, as well as any additional spices or herbs you've chosen. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
• Single Layer: Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Cooking in Batches: If you have a large batch of fries, cook them in multiple batches to maintain the quality and crispiness of the fries.

Final Thoughts

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as ketchup, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli, to enhance the dining experience. Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before applying oil and seasoning, and to cook the fries in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for making French fries in a Nuwave air fryer will depend on whether you are using fresh or frozen fries, and the type of potato you are using.

Fresh Fries

For fresh fries, you should use russet potatoes, as they have the classic, rich, potatoey flavor everyone loves, and their thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh maintain their shape at high temperatures.

Before cooking, you should cut the fries into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick, and rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch. For extra-crunchy fries, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water overnight in the fridge.

Once you have cut and soaked the potatoes, you should dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Then, toss the fries in a bowl with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Be sure that all surfaces of the potatoes are evenly coated before placing them in the air fryer basket.

When cooking fresh fries in a Nuwave air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 14 to 16 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.

Frozen Fries

For frozen fries, you can use your favorite brand and type of frozen French fries. Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket, and season with salt and a light mist of olive oil spray.

When cooking frozen fries in a Nuwave air fryer, set the temperature to 390 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of fry you are using. For example, crinkle-cut or waffle fries will take 10 to 11 minutes, while shoestring fries will take 8 to 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat French fries in the air fryer, place them in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are hot and crispy again.

Dipping sauces

French fries are a classic side dish, but they can be taken to the next level with some delicious dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces to serve with your air-fried French fries:

Fry Sauce

This sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a little pickle juice. It is a popular dipping sauce that originated in Utah and can now be found in many fast-food restaurants and grocery stores. You can also experiment with different variations of fry sauce by adding different seasonings or substituting barbecue sauce for ketchup.

Aioli

Aioli is a creamy garlic sauce that is perfect for dipping French fries. It is also delicious on burgers or grilled meat. While traditional aioli is made with just olive oil and garlic, you can get creative and make a flavoured garlic mayonnaise.

Thousand Island Dressing

This dressing is similar to fry sauce but usually includes chunks of pickle relish, chopped onions, or even hard-boiled eggs, giving it a slightly chunky texture.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a classic dip that pairs well with French fries. For an extra kick of flavour, try jalapeño ranch, which has a subtle spicy kick.

Sweet Potato Fry Dipping Sauce

If you're serving sweet potato fries, this creamy, smoky, and zesty sauce is a perfect pairing. It's easy to make with just seven simple ingredients.

Boom Boom Sauce

This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick to your fries. It's a simple dipping sauce made with chili and mayonnaise.

In-N-Out Sauce

In-N-Out Sauce is a famous sauce that is easy to make at home. With just six ingredients, you can create a sweet, briny, and tangy sauce that goes well with French fries and other finger foods.

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

This sauce is a cross between smoky barbecue sauce and creamy honey mustard. It is the perfect dipping sauce for chicken tenders, nuggets, and, of course, French fries.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

A classic combination of honey, mustard, and mayonnaise, this sauce is a perfect pairing for chicken tenders, pretzel bites, veggies, and French fries.

Sriracha Mayo

A bold and addictive condiment, sriracha mayo is a great choice for those who like a little spice. Enjoy it as a dip or spread it on burgers, sandwiches, or fries.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

A twist on traditional barbecue sauce, this sauce is made with mayo, horseradish, and seasonings. It pairs well with grilled meats and French fries.

Cilantro Lime Crema

This tangy and creamy Mexican condiment is ready in just five minutes. It's a great alternative to sour cream and can be used as a dressing, dip, or sauce for tacos, salads, or French fries.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and create your own unique dipping sauces to elevate your air-fried French fries.

Frequently asked questions