Cody Casey
Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, homemade French fries with a fraction of the oil needed for deep frying. The air fryer method is also much easier and faster than traditional frying. You can use russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The key to crispy fries is to cut them into evenly sized pieces, soak them in water to remove excess starch, dry them thoroughly, and coat them with a thin layer of oil before air frying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potato type | Russet |
| Potato preparation | Peel, cut into strips, soak in water, pat dry |
| Oil type | Olive oil, Vegetable oil, Canola oil |
| Other seasonings | Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder, Garlic salt, Paprika, Rosemary, Thyme, Parmesan cheese |
| Air fryer temperature | 350-400°F |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right potatoes
The secret to making the perfect garlic fries in an air fryer starts with choosing the right potatoes. You might be tempted to think that all potatoes are created equal, but when it comes to making fries, the type of potato you choose can make a big difference in the final result.
For the perfect garlic fries, you'll want to use potatoes that are high in starch. High-starch potatoes have a light, mealy texture, which is ideal for frying. The most recommended variety for garlic fries is the Russet potato, also known as the Idaho potato. These potatoes are dense and have a lower moisture content, which helps to prevent your fries from becoming soggy. Russet potatoes also have an oval shape, which is perfect for making long, even strips for your fries.
Another option for your garlic fries is the Yukon gold potato, which is considered an all-purpose potato. It can be used for frying and will give you delicious results, although it may not yield the same crispiness as Russet potatoes.
It's important to avoid waxy potatoes, such as red-skinned potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerling potatoes. These varieties have a high moisture and sugar content, which can lead to limp and soggy fries that may also darken too quickly.
When selecting your potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from any sprouts or blemishes. Make sure they are of a suitable size to cut into even strips for your fries.
Remember, choosing the right potatoes is the first step in creating delicious, crispy garlic fries in your air fryer. With the right variety and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the perfect batch of homemade fries.
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Preparing the potatoes
The first step in making delicious garlic fries in your air fryer is to choose the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are a great option due to their high starch content, which helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Look for potatoes that are firm and free from any sprouts or blemishes.
Once you have selected your potatoes, it's time to peel them. Use a peeler to remove the skins and then cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure they cook evenly.
After cutting, it is essential to soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This process helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. It is best to use a large bowl and completely submerge the potato strips.
Once the potatoes have soaked, it's crucial to pat them dry thoroughly. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step prevents the potatoes from becoming soggy during cooking.
Now, it's time to coat the potatoes with a thin layer of oil. Use a neutral-flavoured oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and pour it over the potatoes. Toss them gently to ensure each fry is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispy texture.
Finally, it's time to season the potatoes with garlic. You can use freshly minced garlic or garlic powder, depending on your preference. Sprinkle the garlic over the oiled fries and then add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the potatoes again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Your potatoes are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook according to your recipe instructions. Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
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Adding seasoning
Choosing Your Seasoning
The most important ingredient in garlic fries is, of course, garlic! You can use either freshly minced garlic or garlic powder, depending on your preference. If you're a true garlic lover, you can even use both. For instance, you can toss your cooked fries with minced garlic and also add some garlic powder to your seasoning mix.
In addition to garlic, you'll want to add some salt and pepper to taste. You can use regular salt, or for an extra garlic kick, go for garlic salt. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or Parmesan cheese.
Preparing the Garlic
If you're using fresh garlic, you'll want to prepare it before adding it to your fries. Mince or crush the garlic cloves to release their flavour. You can also create a creamy garlic paste using a garlic press, which will give your fries an intense garlic flavour without the sharp bites of raw garlic.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Once you've cut and soaked your potatoes, it's time to season them. After draining the water, return the potatoes to the bowl and add your oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
Next, sprinkle your garlic, salt, and pepper (and any other seasonings you're using) over the oiled potatoes. Toss the potatoes again to distribute the seasoning evenly. Make sure each fry is well-coated with the delicious garlicky goodness.
Mid-Cook Seasoning
After your fries have been cooking for half the total time, it's a good idea to shake the basket to ensure even cooking. At this point, you can also add more seasoning. Open the air fryer, and sprinkle in some extra garlic powder, salt, and pepper, especially if you feel the seasoning has fallen off during the cooking process.
Final Seasoning
Once your fries are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer them to a bowl. At this point, you can add some more garlic, especially if you're using minced garlic. Toss the fries to ensure an even coating, and then taste a fry to check the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic salt to your taste.
Presentation and Serving
Finally, it's time to plate your fries. For a beautiful presentation, garnish your fries with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve them with a side of your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, barbecue sauce, or even a special fry sauce. Enjoy!
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Air frying
Preparing the Potatoes:
- Choose the right potatoes: Select firm Russet potatoes with high starch content for the best crispiness.
- Peeling and Cutting: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized strips, about ½ inch thick.
- Soaking: Submerge the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispier fries.
- Drying: After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel to remove moisture and prevent sogginess during cooking.
Coating and Seasoning:
- Oil: Coat the potatoes with a thin layer of oil like neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a stronger flavor.
- Garlic: Add freshly minced garlic or garlic powder generously. Garlic is the star ingredient, providing a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the fries. You can also experiment with other seasonings like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Batches: Cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Spread a single layer of fries, ensuring they don't touch each other.
- Cooking Time: Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Adjust the time as needed for your desired level of crispiness.
- Doneness Check: Take out a fry and taste it to check if it's done to your liking. The ideal garlic fry should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serving and Customization:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your garlic fries with flavorful dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or barbecue sauce. Get creative and experiment with different combinations.
- Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or other herbs on top of the fries for added flavor and garnish.
- Gluten-free and Keto-friendly: You can make gluten-free or keto-friendly versions of garlic fries by adjusting the ingredients and cooking time accordingly.
Remember to allow your air fryer to cool down before cleaning it. Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and delicious garlic fries!
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Serving suggestions
These garlic fries are a perfect side dish to complement your meal. They are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sauces for dipping. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Ketchup: The classic choice for french fries. Ketchup adds a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the garlic.
- Aioli: A garlicky mayonnaise that will enhance the garlic flavour of the fries.
- Barbecue Sauce: For a tangy, smoky twist, try serving your garlic fries with barbecue sauce.
- Fry Sauce: For something different, make a dip by stirring together ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, and seasoned salt.
- Ranch: A classic ranch dressing can be a great pairing with garlic fries, offering a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy fries.
- Blue Cheese: Another bold and flavourful option is blue cheese dressing, which will add a tangy, savoury note to your garlic fries.
- Avocado Mayo: For a creamy, indulgent dip, try mixing avocado into mayonnaise and adding a squeeze of lemon juice and some cracked pepper.
These garlic fries are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Hamburgers: A classic combination, garlic fries go perfectly with juicy hamburgers, especially if you add some of that fry sauce!
- Brats or Sausages: Whether it's a bratwurst or another type of sausage, garlic fries make a great side to complete your meal.
- Chicken Tenders or Wings: Crispy, savoury chicken tenders or wings pair wonderfully with garlic fries, especially when dipped in ranch or blue cheese.
- Meat Dishes: Try serving garlic fries with baby back ribs, chicken drumsticks, or a juicy steak for a hearty, indulgent meal.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cut your potatoes into evenly sized strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Next, soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour, then pat them dry. After that, coat the potatoes with a thin layer of olive oil, and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Finally, cook the fries in the air fryer at 380-400°F for 12-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
You can peel the potatoes if you want, but leaving the skin on can add flavour and texture, as well as saving time.
No, boiling the potatoes is not necessary. In fact, it's recommended that you don't, as boiling can affect the texture and shape of the fries.
Yes, you can use butter instead of olive oil. However, keep in mind that olive oil has a higher smoke point and is better for deep frying.
You can experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Some options include rosemary, thyme, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and chili powder.
Garlic fries go well with a variety of dishes, such as hamburgers, brats, chicken tenders, and wings. They can also be served with a dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or barbecue sauce.
