Making Fries Perfectly With A Nuwave Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make French fries, and the NuWave model is one of the best for achieving that crispy texture. To make French fries in a NuWave air fryer, start by cutting your potatoes into evenly-sized pieces – russet potatoes are the best for this. Then, rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and either dry them with a paper towel or leave them to soak overnight in the fridge. Once they're dry, toss them in a bowl with a small amount of olive oil and your desired seasonings – salt and pepper is a classic, but you can also add paprika, chili powder, or garlic salt for extra flavour. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and cook at 380–400°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For an extra crispy finish, increase the cooking time.

Cleaning and preheating your air fryer

Cleaning and Preheating Your Nuwave Air Fryer

Before you cook your fries, it's important to ensure your air fryer is clean and preheated. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

• Wipe down the inside and outside surfaces of your Nuwave Air Fryer with a damp cloth. Ensure that your air fryer is free from any residue or crumbs left behind from previous use.
• Note: Do not immerse any parts of the air fryer in water, as they are not dishwasher-safe.

Preheating Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired texture and taste in your food. Here's a step-by-step guide to preheating your Nuwave Air Fryer:

• Plug in your air fryer and connect it to a power source.
• Turn on the air fryer by pressing the power button.
• Choose the preheat setting on your air fryer.
• Set the temperature to 375°F or your desired cooking temperature. For the Nuwave Air Fryer, you can set the temperature anywhere between 50°F and 400°F.
• Press the start button to begin preheating. Wait for around 3-5 minutes.
• Once preheated, you can start cooking your delicious fries!

Tips for Preheating:

• Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions.
• Ensure the air fryer basket is clean before preheating to avoid any impact on the taste and quality of your food.
• Set the correct preheat temperature for the food you are cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket during cooking for optimal results.

Now that your air fryer is clean and preheated, you're ready to cook your fries! Enjoy!

Placing the food in the basket

To make fries in a NuWave air fryer, you will need to place the food in the basket. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to note that overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy fries. Therefore, always place the food in a single layer, ensuring adequate space for hot air circulation. If you have a large batch of fries, cook them in multiple batches to maintain crispiness.

Secondly, for frozen fries, it is recommended to not fill the basket more than half to three-quarters full. This ensures even cooking and prevents undercooked fries.

Thirdly, for optimal crispiness, it is essential to dry the potatoes thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer basket. Moisture on the surface of the potatoes can repel oil, leading to soggy fries.

Next, after drying the potatoes, return them to a dry bowl and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil or another oil of your choice. Sprinkle salt or your desired seasonings generously over the fries and mix well to ensure an even coating.

Finally, carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Once you have placed the food in the basket, you can proceed to set the temperature and cooking time according to your specific model's instructions. Remember to refer to the user manual for safety guidelines and additional tips for optimal results.

Adjusting the temperature and time

Temperature Settings:

Start by preheating your NuWave air fryer to the optimal temperature for cooking fries. The ideal temperature range for cooking French fries is between 350°F (175°C) and 400°F (200°C). You can set the temperature within this range based on your desired level of crispiness and the specific model of your air fryer.

Time Adjustments:

The cooking time will depend on several factors, including the quantity of fries, their thickness, and your desired level of doneness. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• For the initial cooking phase, set the timer for 10 minutes. This will give the fries a good start on their journey to becoming crispy and golden.
• After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and use tongs or a spatula to flip the fries. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
• Return the air fryer basket to the appliance and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Set the timer for another 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on the fries during this phase, as the higher temperature can lead to quicker browning.
• Once the fries appear golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If you prefer your fries extra crispy, you can let them cook for a few additional minutes, but be careful not to let them burn.
• Let the fries cool down for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the exterior to retain its crispiness while the interior stays soft and fluffy.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Always ensure your air fryer is clean and free from residue before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the fries in a single layer to allow for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
• For best results, use russet potatoes, as they have the ideal starch content for crispy fries.
• Soaking the cut potatoes in water for 10-minutes or 30 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries.
• Thoroughly dry the potatoes after soaking and before adding oil. This ensures that the oil adheres properly to the surface, promoting even browning.

The cooking process

The first step in making fries in a NuWave air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. Russet potatoes are the best option for French fries as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which helps them maintain their shape and texture during the frying process. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure even cooking.

Once the potatoes are cut, it is recommended to rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving golden and crunchy fries. For even crispier fries, you can soak the potatoes in cold water overnight in the refrigerator. After rinsing or soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.

Next, place the cut potatoes in a bowl and toss them with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil or any other type of cooking oil you prefer. Season with salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder.

When it comes to cooking the fries, preheat your NuWave air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You may need to cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic. Depending on the desired level of crispiness, the cooking time may vary. For crispier fries, increase the cooking time. Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent the fries from sticking.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt or other seasonings, if desired. Serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

If you have leftovers or want to reheat the fries, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. The air fryer will quickly circulate hot air, giving them a crispy exterior while retaining moisture.

Serving the fries

Once your fries are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Allow them to cool down for a few minutes before serving. If you are reheating fries, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to get them hot and crispy again.

French fries are a great side dish to many meals. They go well with hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. In the summer, you can pair them with coleslaw and watermelon salad for a full dinner.

French fries are also great with sauces and seasonings. You can add some french fry seasoning or make your own blend of spices with paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt. For dipping, you can use ketchup, nacho cheese sauce, ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli.

If you want to get creative, you can make your own healthy ketchup as a dipping sauce. You can also make a unique sauce by mixing your favourite spices with a bit of mayo and ketchup. Add chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for a spicy western sauce.

Frequently asked questions