Air Fryer Fries: Perfect Temperature For Crispy Results

Making fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the added bonus of less mess and grease. The air fryer's fan and heating element combine to force hot air all around the potatoes, resulting in crunchy-tender fries with only a slight coating of oil.

To make fries in an air fryer, start by cutting your potatoes into fries of roughly equal size. Russet potatoes are the best for this, as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, so they maintain their shape at high temperatures. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry. Next, toss the potatoes in a bowl with a light coating of oil and your desired seasonings. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook the fries in batches if necessary, leaving space between each fry. Air fry at around 380°F for 10–20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Cut potatoes into fries

To cut potatoes into fries, start by washing the potatoes. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on can add texture and flavour, as well as saving time.

Next, cut the potatoes into fries. For even cooking, cut the fries into similar sizes, around 1/4-inch thick. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the potatoes. Don't worry too much about making every fry the same size, a little variation in size is fine.

If you want to remove the excess starch from the potatoes, place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for an hour or so. This will help the fries crisp up more in the air fryer. After soaking, drain the water and pat the fries dry with a paper towel.

Soak in water

Soaking your potatoes in water before air frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness for your fries. While it may seem like an unnecessary hassle, this step significantly impacts the final texture of your fries. Here's a detailed guide on why and how you should soak your potatoes:

The process of soaking potatoes in water helps to remove excess starch. This might seem counterintuitive as starch is often associated with crispiness. However, removing the excess starch prevents the fries from sticking together and allows them to attain that coveted French fry crispiness. Soaking also helps to partially cook the potatoes, creating the "double-fried" effect that makes restaurant fries so addictive.

The duration of soaking can vary. Some recipes recommend a quick soak of 10-20 minutes in hot water, while others suggest a longer soak of up to 24 hours in cold water. The longer soak times are more common and tend to result in crispier fries. However, even a short soak will improve the texture of your fries.

Preparing Potatoes for Soaking

Before soaking your potatoes, it's important to cut them into your desired fry shape. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference for texture. Cutting the potatoes into uniform sizes is essential to ensure even cooking. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch for that classic fry shape.

After Soaking

Once you've completed the soaking process, it's crucial to thoroughly dry your potatoes. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. Removing any residual moisture is essential, as wet fries will not crisp up properly. You can also season your potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices of your choice at this stage.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved, shaking the basket or tossing the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Soaking your potatoes in water is a simple yet effective technique that will elevate your air-fried French fries to a whole new level of crispiness and deliciousness!

Seasoning

The seasoning is the secret ingredient to making your air fryer fries extra delicious. While the options for seasoning are endless, here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and Pepper

A classic combination of salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to season your fries. You can use regular table salt or get creative with sea salt or powdered salt for a lighter, salty flavour that distributes evenly.

Onion and Garlic Powder

For a bit more flavour, try adding onion powder or garlic powder to your fries. These seasonings will give your fries a savoury kick that complements the potato perfectly.

Herbs de Provence Salt

If you're feeling fancy, try using Herbs de Provence salt to season your fries. This rustic French-inspired blend will transport your taste buds to the south of France.

Cajun Seasoning

For a spicy kick, sprinkle some Cajun seasoning on your fries. It'll give them a flavour similar to the famous Five Guys french fries.

Butter, Garlic, and Parsley

For a rich and sinful treat, brush your fries with melted butter, diced garlic, and finely chopped parsley during the final 15 minutes of baking.

Paprika and Chilli Powder

Add a touch of heat to your fries with some paprika or chilli powder. These spices will give your fries a nice kick without being too overpowering.

Fresh Herbs

Chop up some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and toss them with your fries before air frying. This will add a delightful aroma and flavour to your dish.

Garam Masala

For an Indian-inspired twist, try seasoning your fries with garam masala. It's a warm and aromatic blend of spices that will take your fries to the next level.

Old Bay Seasoning

If you're looking for a unique flavour, try using Old Bay Seasoning. It's a blend of celery salt, black pepper, and paprika that will give your fries a zesty kick.

Parmesan and Lemon Zest

For a cheesy and tangy treat, toss your fries with grated lemon zest and Parmesan cheese before air frying. It's a combination that's sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Greek-Style

Add a teaspoon of dried oregano to your fries before air frying, then serve them topped with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavour profile.

Custom Blend

Create your own custom seasoning blend by mixing your favourite spices with mayonnaise and ketchup. Try chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for a spicy western sauce that's sure to impress.

Air fry

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold potatoes are recommended)
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
• Salt
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g., pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Feta cheese
• Oregano

Instructions:

• Prep the potatoes by washing them thoroughly. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. The skin adds texture, flavour, fibre, and nutrients, and it saves time!
• Cut the potatoes into fries of roughly equal size. For even cooking, aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch.
• (Optional) Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. This step will make your fries extra crunchy. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for an hour or overnight in the refrigerator for even crispier results.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture can affect the crispiness of your fries.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Add your seasonings and toss again. You can be creative with your seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Note that you may not need to preheat your air fryer, as some models do not require it.
• Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or stacked. Work in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the fries for 12-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired crispiness. For best results, flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
• Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt if needed.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, place the cooked fries on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack. Keep them in a warm oven (around 200-250°F or 93°C) to stay warm and crispy while the rest of the batches cook.
• Toss all the batches together in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving to ensure they are all crispy and warm.
• Serve your air fryer French fries with your favourite dipping sauces! Some popular options include ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or cheese sauce.

Reheat in the air fryer

If you have leftover fries, reheating them in the air fryer is a great way to get them crispy again. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. It's a good idea to let it run on empty for about 3 minutes to ensure the fries cook in high heat.
• Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket or tray. This allows for good air circulation and even cooking. If you have a lot of fries, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook for 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly!
• Serve with your favourite sauces.

You can also reheat other types of leftover food in the air fryer, such as pizza, fried chicken, egg rolls, and garlic bread.

Frequently asked questions