Make French Fries In An Air Fryer

French fries are a popular side dish that can be made in an air fryer, baked in the oven, or deep-fried. For the oil-less fryer method, the key to getting crispy French fries is to soak the potato strips in ice-cold water for about 10 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, it is important to dry the potatoes thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer. This method can also be used for baking French fries in the oven, but for deep-frying, a double-frying technique is often used to ensure crispiness.

Soak the potatoes in cold water to remove starch

Soaking potatoes in cold water is an important step in the process of making french fries, as it helps to remove excess starch. This is key to achieving the desired crispiness of the fries. By removing the excess starch, you prevent the potatoes from having a gummy or sticky texture and ensure they cook evenly. It is important to use cold water, as hot water would react with the starch, activating it and making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

The length of time you soak the potatoes can vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes suggest soaking for about 30 minutes, while others recommend a shorter soak of 10 minutes. You can also try rinsing the potatoes first and then soaking them for a few hours, replacing the water as needed. You'll notice cloudiness and starch at the bottom of the bowl.

After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry before moving on to the next step in your french fry-making process.

Removing the excess starch is a crucial step in achieving the perfect french fry, so be sure to give your potatoes a good soak before frying!

Rinse and dry the potatoes

Rinsing and drying the potatoes is an important step in making french fries. This process helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which can interfere with the crispiness of the final product. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

• After cutting your potatoes into the desired shape and size, place them in a colander or a bowl.
• Rinse the potatoes under cold tap water for about 15 to 20 seconds. You can also soak them in cold water for a longer period, ranging from 10 minutes to overnight. Soaking draws out more starch, resulting in crispier fries.
• Once they are rinsed or soaked, use paper towels or a clean dishcloth to pat the potatoes completely dry. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture can affect the frying process and the final texture of your fries.
• If you have the time, you can even let the potatoes air dry for a few minutes after patting them with a towel.

Remember, this step is an important part of preparing your potatoes for frying. It ensures that your french fries will have the desired crispiness and golden color.

Fry the potatoes at 300°F for 5-6 minutes

Now it's time to fry the potatoes! Set your air fryer to 300°F and fry the potatoes for 5-6 minutes. This is the second fry, which will give your potatoes that wonderful crunch.

If you are using a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat the oil to 350°F and add the potatoes, frying them for a second time until they are golden brown, which should take around 5-6 minutes.

If you are using an air fryer, 5-6 minutes at 300°F will be enough to get that golden, crispy finish. Remember to shake the basket and stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.

Increase the heat to 400°F and fry again until golden brown

Now, this is where the magic happens. You've sliced your potatoes, you've soaked them, and you've patted them dry. You've done the first fry at a lower temperature, and now it's time to crank up the heat and get that golden brown crispiness.

Increase the heat to 400°F. This is the temperature at which the magic happens and your potatoes will transform into delicious, crispy French fries. You'll want to fry them for around 4 to 5 minutes, or until they reach that perfect golden brown colour. Keep an eye on them, as you don't want to overdo it.

As you're frying, use a slotted spoon to move the potatoes around in the oil. This ensures that they cook evenly on all sides and helps to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of your fryer. It's important to note that you should only fill your fryer basket about three-quarters full. If you crowd the basket too much, your potatoes will steam instead of crisp up.

Once they're done, remove the potatoes from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or tray. Blot them with another paper towel to absorb any excess oil, and sprinkle with salt. Enjoy that crispy, crunchy, golden goodness!

Sprinkle with salt

Once you've cooked your French fries, it's time to serve them. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil, and sprinkle with salt. This should be done immediately, so the salt sticks to the fries. You can also add other seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, or rosemary salt.

If you're making a large batch, you can flash-fry the fries for 30 seconds to one minute to reheat them, so you can serve them all hot and crispy.

Frequently asked questions