Making French Fries In A Bella Air Fryer

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires far less oil. The air fryer's convection-like cooking method also means quicker cook times and easier clean-up. To make French fries in a Bella air fryer, start by slicing your potatoes into fries. You can peel the potatoes or leave the peel on, but be sure to wash them well. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up. Pat the potatoes dry, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each fry. Cook at 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The best type of potato for French fries is the russet potato. Russets have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which makes them ideal for maintaining their shape and texture during the air-frying process. They will give you that classic French fry flavour and crispiness. Alternatively, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which work well in an air fryer.

Potato Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, be sure to wash them thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on, as this adds texture and flavour to your fries. When cutting your potatoes, aim for a uniform size of about 1/4-inch thick sticks. This will ensure even cooking and allow your fries to cook at the same rate. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get evenly sized fries.

Soaking the Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cut, place them in a bowl of cold water for at least one hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator if you want extra-crunchy fries. Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which will make your fries crispier. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel to remove any residual moisture, as wet fries will not crisp up nicely.

Seasoning

After drying your potatoes, toss them with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can also experiment with different flavoured oils, such as garlic oil or chilli oil, to add a unique twist to your fries.

By choosing the right type of potato, preparing it properly, and following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious French fries in your Bella air fryer!

Preparing the potatoes

Select the Right Potato Variety:

Choose russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) for that classic French fry taste and texture. They have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which makes them ideal for frying. Alternatively, you can opt for Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer a creamier center to your fries.

Wash and Peel (Optional):

Give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. You can leave the peels on for added texture and flavor, or peel them if you prefer a smoother finish.

Cut the Potatoes:

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate. Aim for uniformity in thickness, but don't worry too much about the length—some can be bigger, and some can be smaller.

Soak the Potatoes:

Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. This step helps remove excess starch, which will give you crispier fries. You can also soak them in cold water overnight in the fridge for extra crunch.

Dry the Potatoes:

After soaking, drain the water and 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. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible.

Season the Potatoes:

Add the dried potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another oil of your choice. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring that all surfaces are covered. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like.

Now that your potatoes are prepared, you can move on to the next step of cooking them in your Bella Air Fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making French fries in a Bella Air Fryer will depend on the type of potato used, the thickness of the cut, and the number of layers cooked at once. The ideal temperature for cooking French fries in an air fryer is between 375-400°F (190-200°C). The cooking time can range from 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the model and its power.

For thicker-cut fries, it is recommended to use a mandoline to ensure uniform cuts. The potatoes should be cut into matchsticks that are about 1/4-inch wide and 3 to 4 inches in length. Soaking the potatoes in hot water for about 10 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch and ensures crispier fries.

When arranging the potatoes in the air fryer basket, it is important not to overcrowd them. Cooking in a single layer yields the crispiest fries, but it also increases the number of batches required. A double layer of potatoes can be cooked at once, resulting in slightly less crispy but still delicious fries. Stacking the potatoes in three or more layers is not recommended as it affects the crispiness.

The cooking time will vary depending on the number of layers and the thickness of the cuts. For a single layer of potatoes, cook for about 4-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For a double layer, cook for 5 minutes, flip, and then continue cooking for 3 to 7 additional minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the fries during the last few minutes to prevent burning and adjust the time accordingly.

The cooking time and temperature may require some adjustments based on the specific model of the Bella Air Fryer and the desired level of crispiness.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil and type of seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference and dietary requirements.

Oil

A light drizzle of oil is all that is needed to make crispy French fries in the air fryer. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even duck fat. You can also use oil alternatives such as aquafaba, soy sauce, or fat-free salad dressing.

Seasoning

The options for seasoning are endless. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices and herbs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sea salt and powdered salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Herbs de Provence salt
• Cajun seasoning
• Butter, diced garlic, and finely diced parsley
• Garam masala
• Old Bag seasoning
• Parmesan truffle
• Italian seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• BBQ seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Curry powder
• Paprika
• Chilli powder
• Chipotle powder
• Fresh herbs
• Black pepper
• Garlic salt
• Lemon zest
• Parmesan
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Crumbled feta
• Garam masala

When to Season

It is best to season the potatoes just before air frying them. If you add salt too early, it will draw moisture out of the potatoes, and they won't be as crispy.

Dipping Sauces

French fries are often served with a dipping sauce. Here are some ideas:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Ranch
• Onion ring dipping sauce
• Fry sauce
• Honey mustard dip
• Greek yogurt ranch dip

Serving suggestions

These air fryer French fries can be served as a fun snack or appetiser, or as a side dish. They are delicious on their own, with just salt and pepper, or dressed up with fresh herbs, spices, or your favourite dipping sauce.

• Fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or rosemary
• Spices like chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or thyme
• Dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese
• Buttermilk ranch
• Onion ring dipping sauce
• Fry sauce (doubles as burger sauce)
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard dip
• Zhoug (Skhug) Sauce
• Spicy Whipped Feta
• Mayo
• Easy Homemade Blue Cheese Dip
• French Fry Sauce
• Aioli
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Cheese sauce
• Greek yogurt ranch dip
• Honey Mustard Dip

You can also pair these air fryer French fries with veggie burgers, salads, or corn on the cob. They make a great side dish with Portobello Mushroom Burger, Crispy Cauliflower Po’ Boy Sandwich, or BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions