Air-Fried French Fries: A Quick, Crispy Delight

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, and they can be made healthier and crispier in an air fryer or instant pot. The key to getting that perfect crispiness is to soak the cut potatoes in water to remove excess starch, and then to dry them thoroughly before cooking. You can also add a little cornstarch to make them even crispier. Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder can be added according to taste, and the fries can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

The type of potato you choose will impact the taste and texture of your French fries. The most commonly recommended varieties for making French fries are Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes.

Russet potatoes, also known as Russett or Russet Burbank potatoes, have a rich, buttery taste and a fluffy texture. They are high in starch, which helps them puff up and crisp in the air fryer. This variety is widely available and is the classic choice for French fries.

Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, offer a naturally buttery flavour and a creamy texture. They are a good option if you want a softer, smoother fry.

Waxy Potatoes

While Russets and Yukon Golds are ideal, you can also use other types of potatoes, such as waxy potatoes (red, fingerling, etc). However, keep in mind that waxy potatoes have a higher moisture content, so they may not crisp up as well as the other varieties.

Freshness

When choosing potatoes, always select ones that are firm and have smooth, blemish-free skin. Avoid potatoes that are sprouting, have wrinkles, or feel soft, as these signs indicate that they are past their prime.

Size

Look for potatoes that are of similar size, especially if you plan to cut them into uniform-sized fries. This will help ensure even cooking.

Quantity

If you're making a large batch of French fries, you may need to cook them in several batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. Most recipes recommend cooking only 1-2 potatoes at a time in an air fryer or instant pot.

Peeling

Whether or not to peel the potatoes is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on adds texture and flavour, while peeling the potatoes will give you a smoother, more uniform result. If you do choose to leave the skin on, be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly and scrub off any dirt or residue.

Soaking

Once you've cut your potatoes into fries, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to remove excess starch. This step will help your fries crisp up better during cooking. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step, especially if you're using an air fryer, as they tend to crisp up fries regardless.

In summary, choosing the right potatoes for your French fries comes down to personal preference, but Russets and Yukon Golds are the most recommended varieties due to their flavour and texture. Be sure to select fresh, firm potatoes of similar size, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of potatoes to find your favourite!

Soaking and seasoning the potatoes

Soaking the Potatoes:

• After cutting your potatoes into fries, place them in a bowl of cold water. Ensure that they are completely submerged.
• Let the potatoes soak for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This process helps remove excess starch, which is key to achieving crispy fries.
• If you have time, you can change the water halfway through for even better results.
• Once the soaking is done, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. It's important to remove any residual moisture, as wet fries will turn out soggy.

Seasoning the Potatoes:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the dried potato fries.
• Drizzle olive oil over the fries. You can use regular olive oil or get creative with flavored oils like garlic oil or chile oil.
• Toss the fries with the oil until they are well coated.
• Now it's time to season! You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favorite spices and herbs. Here are some seasoning ideas:
• Sea salt and powdered salt for an even distribution of salty flavor.
• Onion powder or garlic powder for extra punch.
• Herbs de Provence salt for a rustic French twist.
• Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Grated parmesan and dried parsley for a cheesy, herby flavor.
• Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like paprika, rosemary, thyme, or chili powder.
• Toss the fries with the seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Now your potatoes are ready for the air fryer! Remember to cook them in a single layer and in batches if needed, for that perfect crispiness. Enjoy your homemade French fries!

Air fryer settings

The air fryer settings you use will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the type of potatoes you are using, and your personal preference for how crispy you like your fries. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the perfect french fries:

Temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 375°F (190°C). For frozen french fries, a higher temperature of 400°F is recommended.

Cook Time

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fries and the desired level of crispiness. For fresh fries, the cooking time typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes. For frozen fries, the cooking time can be longer, up to 25 minutes or more, depending on the type of frozen fry.

Single Layer

For best results, it is recommended to cook the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. If you are cooking a large batch of fries, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.

Soaking

Soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking helps to remove excess starch and results in crispier fries. The soaking time can vary from 15 minutes to one hour, or even overnight. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding oil and seasoning.

Seasoning

You can season your fries with a variety of spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor.

Shaking/Flipping

To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it is important to shake or flip the fries during the cooking process. For air fryers with a basket, shake the basket every 5 minutes to toss the fries. For other types of air fryers, you may need to manually flip the fries halfway through the cooking time.

Warm Oven

If you are cooking multiple batches of fries, you can keep the cooked fries warm and crispy by placing them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack in a warm oven (set to a low temperature, no more than 250°F or 120°C).

Other Tips

• Cut the fries into similar widths for even cooking.
• Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• You can use olive oil or another oil of your choice to coat the potatoes before seasoning.
• For frozen fries, simply sprinkle them into the air fryer basket in a loose pile, without overcrowding, and shake the basket periodically during cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making French fries in an air fryer or instant pot can vary depending on the type of potato, the thickness of the fries, and the specific model of the appliance. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

Air Fryer Settings:

• For air fryers, preheat the appliance to a temperature between 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C).
• Cook the fries for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness. For thinner fries, such as shoestring fries, cook for around 15 minutes. For thicker cuts, like steak fries, cook for about 20 minutes.
• It is recommended to shake or flip the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer crispier fries, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes or until they reach the desired level of doneness.
• For best results, arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the fries in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Instant Pot Settings:

• When using an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid, the cooking temperature is typically set to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the fries for a total of 20 minutes, divided into two 10-minute intervals, flipping the fries in between.
• Similar to the air fryer, you can add 5 minutes to the cooking time if you prefer crispier fries.
• If you are using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, ensure that the Instant Pot is plugged in and turned on. However, if you are using the Crisp Lid or Air Fryer Lid, keep the Instant Pot unplugged.
• For frozen French fries, preheat the air fryer lid to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

Additional Tips:

• The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer or instant pot, so it is important to monitor the fries and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Different types of potatoes may require slightly different cooking times. For example, russet potatoes (regular potatoes) may need a little longer to cook compared to sweet potatoes.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 15-45 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch and promotes crispier fries. However, this step can be skipped if you are short on time.
• Make sure to pat the potatoes dry thoroughly after soaking to prevent sogginess during cooking.
• For even cooking, cut the fries into similar widths or thicknesses.

By following these guidelines and adjusting as needed for your specific appliance, you'll be able to achieve delicious, crispy French fries with just the right amount of cooking time and temperature.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve French fries made in an air fryer or instant pot. Here are some serving suggestions:

Dipping Sauces

Fries go well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, and spicy whipped feta. You can also get creative and make your own sauces, such as a 5-minute yum yum sauce.

Seasonings

You can sprinkle various seasonings on your fries to add extra flavour. Some options include onion salt, garlic powder, paprika, chili lime seasoning, and cajun seasoning. You can also add some grated parmesan and dried herbs, such as parsley.

Sides and Snacks

French fries are a great side dish or snack, especially for kids. They can be served as an appetizer, at parties, for weeknight dinners, or any time you have guests. They also pair well with burgers, chicken, and other meats.

Cooking Methods

French fries can be made in an air fryer, instant pot, or even a regular oven. If you're using an air fryer, it's best to cook the fries in a single layer to ensure they get crispy. You may need to cook them in batches. For an instant pot, you'll need to use the air fryer lid and set the temperature to 375°F. You can also make frozen fries in an air fryer by preheating to 400°F and cooking for about 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions