Air-Fryer French Fries: The Perfect Crispy Treat

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, as they use far less oil. You can make delicious, crispy French fries in a Chefman air fryer by following these steps:

First, prepare your potatoes. Russet potatoes are recommended, as their thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh make them ideal for French fries. Cut the potatoes into fries of your desired thickness; thicker fries will have a creamier interior, while thinner fries will be crunchier. Aim for the fries to be evenly sized so that they cook uniformly. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to wash them thoroughly.

Next, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up during cooking. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

Then, preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.

Now, you are ready to cook your French fries! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Cook for 12 to 20 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Finally, if you cooked the potatoes in batches, toss them all back into the air fryer for one to two minutes to warm and crisp up any that may have cooled. Serve your French fries hot and enjoy!

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

When it comes to air frying, russet potatoes are the most recommended variety. Russets have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, making them ideal for French fries. They maintain their shape at high temperatures and produce fries with crispy exteriors and soft, tender insides. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option, as they will also crisp up nicely while remaining tender.

Potato Size

Look for longer potatoes when selecting russets, as they will give you more substantial fries with a classic shape. Smaller, rounder potatoes tend to result in stubby fries that may not be as satisfying for dipping.

Potato Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, give them a good scrub to remove any excess dirt. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds texture and flavour and also retains some vitamins that are lost when peeled. Cut your potatoes into uniform, evenly sized pieces, typically about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. This will ensure even cooking and help them cook at the same rate.

Soaking Potatoes

Soaking potatoes in cold water before air frying is optional but can help enhance crispiness. Soaking removes excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together. You can soak them for as little as an hour or up to 24 hours in the fridge. Be sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before placing them in the air fryer, as moisture will inhibit crispness.

Preparing the potato for cooking

Preparing the potatoes for cooking is a crucial step in making delicious French fries in your Chefman air fryer. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve perfect results:

Selecting the Right Potatoes:

Choose russet potatoes for the classic French fry flavour. Russets have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which makes them ideal for maintaining their shape and texture during the cooking process.

Cutting the Potatoes:

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized sticks, about 1/4" to 1/2" thick. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife for this step. Don't worry too much about making every fry the exact same size, but try to keep them relatively consistent.

Soaking the Potatoes:

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least one hour. This step helps remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries. If desired, you can also soak the potatoes overnight in the fridge for even crunchier results.

Drying the Potatoes:

After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It's important to remove as much moisture as possible before the next step.

Seasoning the Potatoes:

Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavour. Make sure all the potato sticks are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your Chefman air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). A higher temperature, such as 400°F, will result in crispier fries.

Now that your potatoes are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you're ready to start cooking! Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. You may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer for the best results.

Seasoning the potato

Choosing the Right Potatoes:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes for your French fries. Russet potatoes are an excellent choice due to their thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. They maintain their shape at high temperatures and produce fries with crispy exteriors and soft, tender insides.

Preparing the Potatoes:

Wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but the skins add flavour and texture to your fries. After washing, cut the potatoes into fries of your desired size. Some people prefer thicker fries for a creamier texture, while others opt for thinner fries that get extra crispy.

Soaking the Potatoes:

Once your potatoes are cut, consider soaking them in cold water for at least an hour. This step helps remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries. Changing the water after 20-30 minutes can also help ensure the removal of starch. However, some people choose to skip this step, as it has been noted that soaking may not make a significant difference in the final result.

Drying the Potatoes:

After soaking, it is essential to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry, ensuring no residual moisture is left. This step is crucial, as wet potatoes will result in soggy fries.

Now comes the fun part – seasoning your potatoes! In a bowl, toss the potatoes with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. You can also use flavoured oils like garlic oil or chilli oil to add an extra punch of flavour. Next, sprinkle your desired amount of salt and pepper over the potatoes. Feel free to be generous with the seasoning, as this will enhance the flavour of your fries. You can also experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or thyme. Get creative and mix different spices to find your perfect combination.

Layering the Potatoes in the Air Fryer:

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Make sure they are all on the same level and not stacked on top of each other. Leave some space between each potato to allow for proper air circulation. You can cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Potatoes:

Follow the cooking instructions provided by your Chefman air fryer for the best results. Keep an eye on your fries during the cooking process, and adjust the timing as needed. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer.

Serving the French Fries:

Once your French fries are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter and enjoy them while they're hot. You can serve them as a side dish or a fun snack. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, or cheese sauce. Get creative and experiment with different seasonings and dips to find your favourite combinations.

Cooking the potato

Ingredients

• 2-3 large russet potatoes
• 2-3 tablespoons of good quality olive oil, or another oil of your choice (garlic oil or chilli oil work well)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: onion powder, garlic powder, herbs de Provence salt, Cajun seasoning, butter, diced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, herbs, chili powder, or garlic powder

Method

• Prep: Using a mandoline, slice the potatoes into fries. Don't worry too much about making them all the same size—a variety of sizes is fine!
• Soak: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least an hour. This helps to remove excess starch and will ensure crispier fries.
• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Season: Drain the water from the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice.
• Air fry: Place the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are all on the same level (don't stack them on top of each other). Cook for 13-20 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
• Rest: Place the cooked fries on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack. Place them in a warm oven (set to a maximum of 250°F/93°C) to keep them warm and crispy while you cook the remaining batches.
• Enjoy! Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips

• For the crispiest fries, it is essential to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried after soaking and well-coated in oil before air frying.
• For even cooking and to avoid sogginess, cook the fries in a single layer with space in between each one. You may need to cook them in batches.
• The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries. Keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed.
• For extra crispy fries, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• For a classic French fry flavour, use russet potatoes. However, Yukon Golds also work well.
• You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to wash them well.

Serving the potato

The key to serving the perfect air-fried French fries is to ensure they are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Cutting the Potatoes

Start with russet potatoes. Cut the potatoes into fries of an even size, about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to wash them well.

Soaking the Potatoes (Optional)

Some recipes suggest soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight to remove excess starch and improve crispiness. However, others claim that this step is not necessary and does not make a significant difference to the final result. If you choose to soak your potatoes, be sure to dry them thoroughly after soaking to remove all residual moisture as wet fries will become soggy.

Seasoning the Potatoes

Toss the cut potatoes in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings. You can use sea salt and pepper to taste, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, paprika, rosemary, or thyme. For an extra crispy coating, you can also toss the potatoes in a mixture of spices and flour before air frying.

Air Frying the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each fry to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Air fry for 12 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or until crispy and golden brown.

Serving the Fries

For the best taste and texture, serve the fries while they are still hot. You can enjoy them plain or with your favourite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. You can also get creative with out-of-the-box choices like chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese.

Frequently asked questions