Making French Fries In A Vortex Air Fryer

Making French fries in a vortex air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy results. This method is healthier than deep frying, and can be done in under 30 minutes. The key to success is in the preparation: the fries should be cut to size, soaked, dried, and seasoned before being placed in the air fryer.

Choosing the right potatoes

When choosing potatoes for your air fryer French fries, it is essential to avoid waxy potatoes such as red-skinned, new, or fingerling potatoes. Their high moisture and sugar content can lead to soggy and limp fries that darken too quickly.

Large, oval-shaped potatoes are ideal if you want long, classic French fries. Before cutting your potatoes, decide whether you want to peel them or not; it's a matter of personal preference. For uniform French fries, cut your potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch thick slices, then stack the slices and cut them into fries of your desired thickness.

Preparing the potatoes

First, select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for French fries due to their extra starchiness, which results in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Yukon gold potatoes are another great option. The potatoes should be medium-sized and washed thoroughly before cutting.

Next, use a French fry cutter or a mandolin slicer to cut the potatoes into uniform sticks. The ideal size is around 1/2-inch thick, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. If you don't have a cutter or slicer, carefully cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices, then cut those slices into 1/2-inch fries.

Once you have a pile of potato sticks, it's time to rinse and soak them. Fill a bowl with cold water and submerge the potatoes for at least 10 minutes. This process helps remove excess starch, allowing the fries to crisp up better during cooking. You can also add a teaspoon or two of baking soda to the water for even crispier results. After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

At this point, you can choose to peel the potatoes if you prefer. Then, toss the sliced potatoes in a medium or large bowl with your choice of oil. Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are all good options. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly.

Finally, add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss again to coat the potatoes. You can use seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, black pepper, or any of your favourite spice mixes. If you want to add cheese, it's best to sprinkle it on after cooking.

Now your potatoes are ready to be placed in the Vortex Air Fryer and cooked according to the instructions!

Using the right oil

When making French fries in a vortex air fryer, the type of oil you use can impact the taste and texture of your fries. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the right oil:

Type of Oil

You can use various types of oil for air frying French fries, including olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavour to your fries, so it's essential to choose one that complements your desired taste profile. For example, olive oil has a distinct flavour that may be detectable in the cooked fries, while other oils may have a more neutral flavour.

Amount of Oil

When air frying, it's important to use just enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly. A light coating of oil will help the potatoes crisp up and achieve that desirable golden colour. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the fries greasy and hinder the crisping process.

Oil Application

To ensure even cooking and seasoning, it's best to toss the cut potatoes with oil in a large bowl before placing them in the air fryer. This way, each fry will be evenly coated, resulting in a consistent texture and taste. You can also add seasonings to the bowl and toss everything together to infuse flavour into the fries.

Oil Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking French fries in a vortex air fryer is around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Preheat your air fryer to this temperature before adding the oiled and seasoned potatoes. Depending on the thickness of your fries and the specific model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary, but generally, it should take around 15-20 minutes for the fries to turn golden and crispy.

Adding seasoning

Choosing Your Seasoning:

Before you start cooking, decide on the type of seasoning you want to use. You can go with a simple option like salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and herbs. Some popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, paprika, chilli powder, cumin, and parmesan cheese. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend like Lawry's Seasoned Salt or make your own custom blend.

Preparing the Seasoning:

If you're using a dry seasoning blend, prepare a mixture of your chosen spices in a small bowl. This way, you can ensure your spices are well combined and ready to be applied to the fries. If you're using a wet seasoning or a sauce, have it prepared and easily accessible when your fries are done cooking.

Seasoning Before Cooking:

When it comes to seasoning, you have the option to season your fries before or after cooking them in the Vortex Air Fryer. If you prefer to season before, toss the cut potatoes with your chosen dry seasoning blend after coating them in oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the fries and infuse flavour as they cook.

Seasoning After Cooking:

If you want to add a final touch of seasoning after cooking, simply sprinkle your desired seasoning on the fries once they're done. This method is excellent for dry seasonings and adding a final punch of flavour. For wet seasonings or sauces, place the cooked fries in a large bowl, add the desired amount of seasoning or sauce, and toss gently until the fries are evenly coated.

Storing Seasoned Fries:

If you have leftover seasoned fries, let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the fries in the Vortex Air Fryer or oven to retain their crispiness.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned french fries!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for french fries in a vortex air fryer will depend on the type of potatoes you are using, the thickness of the fries, and your personal preference for crispiness.

For fresh potatoes, the cooking time will be longer than for frozen fries. For example, one source recommends cooking fresh potatoes at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for an additional 7-9 minutes. Another source recommends cooking fresh potatoes at 380°F for 20 minutes. If you prefer crispier fries, you can cook them for a few extra minutes.

For frozen french fries, the cooking time will be shorter. Most sources recommend cooking frozen fries at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fries, how full your air fryer basket is, and the brand of your air fryer. It's recommended not to fill your basket more than 75% full to ensure even cooking. Additionally, shaking the basket frequently will help the fries cook evenly.

Frequently asked questions