Make Fries Perfectly Crispy In Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, crispier French fries without the mess and hassle of deep frying. The air fryer method uses little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying. The fries are also cooked faster and more evenly, thanks to the small, concentrated space of the air fryer.

The key to getting that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior is to use the right type of potato and to pre-soak them before cooking. Russet potatoes are the best option for a classic fry, but Yukon golds can also be used for a firmer and creamier inside. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least an hour helps to remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together, resulting in a crispier texture.

When it comes to cooking, it is important to cook the fries in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the model and power of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook a batch of fries.

With the right techniques and a little experimentation, you can enjoy delicious, crispy French fries from the comfort of your own home!

Use the right type of potato

The type of potato you use will determine the texture and taste of your fries. The best potatoes for air fryer fries are Russet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes.

Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. They give you a fry that is most similar to what you would eat in a restaurant.

Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and result in fries that are equally crispy on the outside, but have a firmer, creamier inside. They also have a naturally buttery taste, giving the fries a richer flavor.

While Yukon golds are great for oven-roasted or mashed potatoes, when it comes to making a healthy version of classic French fries in the air fryer, Russet potatoes are the best option.

If you want to experiment, you can try using red potatoes or sweet potatoes. However, keep in mind that red potatoes might not be long enough for the classic fry shape, and sweet potatoes will require an adjustment in cooking time.

Ultimately, the best potato for air fryer fries depends on your personal preference. You can try using both Russet and Yukon gold potatoes and see which one you like better, or mix things up and use a combination of both!

Soak the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes is an important step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness for your air-fried French fries. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, prepare a cool water bath for your potatoes. Completely submerge the cut potatoes in water and let them soak for about an hour. This process helps to remove excess starch, which will improve the crispiness of the fries. If you're short on time, you can get away with soaking them for at least 10 minutes. On the other hand, if you're planning ahead, you can soak them for up to 24 hours. The longer soak will ensure that your fries turn out even crispier.

After the designated soaking time, drain the water from the potatoes. It's important to ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step. Use paper towels or a clean dish towel to pat them dry. This step is crucial because any residual moisture on the potatoes can lead to sogginess during cooking.

Once your potatoes are dry, it's time to season them. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or your desired seasonings. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or even herbs like rosemary or thyme. Toss the potatoes well to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.

Now your potatoes are ready to go into the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are all in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. This arrangement ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each fry, promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, which can vary depending on your specific model and the thickness of your fries. As a general guideline, aim for a temperature between 375-400°F and a cooking time of 10-20 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on your fries and adjust the time as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a batch of perfectly crispy and delicious air-fried French fries!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making delicious, crispy fries. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure you get the best results:

First, consult your air fryer's instructions manual to determine the appropriate preheating temperature and time. Most air fryers will need to be preheated for about 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on the model. Set the temperature to 375-390°F (190-200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the potatoes.

Benefits of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your fries will cook evenly and efficiently. It creates a consistent temperature environment for the potatoes to cook in, allowing them to achieve that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Timing is Key

It's important to time the preheating process right. You don't want your air fryer to cool down too much while you're preparing the potatoes, as this will impact the cooking time and the final texture of your fries. Try to time it so that the potatoes are ready to go into the air fryer as soon as it's preheated, or only a minute or two after.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

When placing the potatoes in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate and come into contact with all sides of the fries, ensuring even cooking and that desirable golden-brown crispness. You may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Adjust Timing as Needed

Keep in mind that every air fryer is different, and factors like humidity can also impact cooking time. Keep a close eye on your fries during the cooking process, and be prepared to adjust the timing as needed. Check your fries regularly to ensure they don't burn, and make a note of the ideal cooking time for future batches.

By following these instructions and tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy fries in your air fryer!

Season the potatoes

Seasoning the potatoes is an important step in making great-tasting air fryer fries. The right combination of spices and herbs can elevate the flavor of your fries and make them even more irresistible. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potatoes to perfection:

Choose the Right Potato Variety

The type of potato you use will impact the taste and texture of your fries. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer fries because they have a high starch content, which results in crispy outsides and fluffy insides. Yukon Gold potatoes are another option, offering a waxier texture and a naturally buttery taste. They will give you firmer, creamier fries with equally crispy exteriors.

Prepare the Potatoes

After cutting your potatoes into fries of a uniform size, it is recommended to soak them in water to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together. You can soak them in cold water for an hour or up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can use hot water for the soak, which will partially cook the potatoes and create a "double-fried" effect.

Pat the Potatoes Dry

Before seasoning and air-frying, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial, as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries.

Seasoning Options

Now comes the fun part – seasoning your potatoes! You can keep it classic with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favorite spices and herbs. Here are some seasoning ideas to consider:

• Sea salt and pepper – Use a light, salty seasoning like Maldon salt or powdered salt for even distribution.
• Onion powder or garlic powder – Add a bit more flavor to your fries with these savory options.
• Herbs de Provence salt – Give your fries a rustic French twist with this unique seasoning blend.
• Cajun seasoning – Sprinkle over your fries for a spicy kick, reminiscent of Five Guys-style fries.
• Garlic butter fries – In the final 15 minutes of baking, brush the fries with butter, diced garlic, and finely chopped parsley for a rich and sinful treat.
• Ranch – Create a ranch-style fry by adding onion powder and dried dill to your seasoning mix.
• Taco – Try a blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano for a taco-inspired flavor profile.
• Italian – Add some Italian seasoning to your fries for a delicious Mediterranean twist.
• Seasoning salt – If you want an extra punch of flavor, use seasoning salt instead of regular salt.
• Curry – A shake or two of curry powder will give your fries a warm and richly spiced flavor.
• Parmesan truffle – For an elegant and restaurant-worthy spin, sprinkle truffle salt on your fries and top them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Oil Options

A light drizzle of oil is all you need to make your air fryer fries crispy. Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with flavored oils like garlic oil or chile oil to add an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can use vegetable oils like canola or coconut oil. Keep in mind that olive oil may cause the potatoes to brown more quickly, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

When placing the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each fry. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. You may need to work in batches, but it's worth it for that perfect crunch!

Cook in batches

Cooking in batches is a crucial step in achieving the perfect air-fried French fries. While it may be tempting to cram as many fries into the air fryer as possible to speed up the cooking process, this will only lead to soggy, unevenly cooked fries. By cooking in batches, you allow the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring they all turn out crispy and golden brown.

The number of batches you'll need to cook will depend on the size of your air fryer basket and the amount of fries you're making. For example, if you're using 2 russet potatoes, you'll likely need to cook 3 batches. Each batch should be a single layer of potatoes, with a little space between each fry. This may seem tedious, but it's worth the effort for perfectly crispy fries.

When cooking in batches, it's important to keep an eye on the fries and adjust the timing as needed. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of your fries, and the number of layers you're cooking. For example, a single layer of fries may take around 10-15 minutes, while a double layer could take a bit longer. Be sure to check on your fries regularly to ensure they don't burn.

If you're cooking multiple batches, it's a good idea to keep the cooked fries warm while the rest are cooking. You can do this by placing them on a baking sheet in a warm oven (set to a low temperature of around 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit) until you're ready to serve them. This will ensure that all your fries are nice and hot when it's time to eat.

By following these tips and cooking your fries in batches, you'll end up with crispy, golden French fries that taste just like they came from your favourite fast-food restaurant!

Frequently asked questions