Air Fryer Garlic Fries: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Garlic fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried French fries. They can be made in an air fryer with frozen French fries, which is not only quick and easy but also ensures a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The key to achieving this desirable texture lies in the preparation, which includes drying the potatoes, coating them in olive oil, and air frying at the right temperature. Additionally, tossing the fries halfway through cooking ensures even crisping. For an extra punch of flavour, garlic can be incorporated in the form of minced garlic, garlic powder, or garlic-infused oil. Serve these mouth-watering garlic fries with your favourite dip, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or a combination of the two!

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

Russet potatoes are an excellent choice for garlic fries due to their high starch content, which results in a crispy texture. Their fluffy interior and golden exterior make them ideal for achieving that perfect fry texture. Alternatively, Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are also a popular option for air frying. They will crisp up nicely, but their lower starch and higher sugar content will result in a slightly softer crisp and a deeper golden colour.

Freshness and Quality

When selecting your potatoes, always opt for those that are firm and free from any sprouts or blemishes. This ensures that your fries will have a better texture and taste. Look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes or imperfections. Baby golden potatoes or regular Yukon Golds can be used, depending on what is available to you.

Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that your fries will cook evenly and have a consistent texture. If you're using baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are thinner and have a higher sugar content, be aware that they may cook faster and might need a shorter cooking time.

Soaking and Drying

Soaking your cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes is an essential step to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. After soaking, it's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible by patting the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen or paper towel. This step prevents your fries from becoming soggy during the cooking process.

By following these tips and choosing the right potatoes, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy garlic fries in your air fryer!

Soaking the potatoes

It is best to use a large bowl for soaking and ensure the potato slices are fully submerged. While this step is optional, it will make a noticeable difference in the crispiness of your fries.

After soaking, be sure to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry before proceeding to the next step. This is a crucial step as any excess moisture can hinder the formation of that desirable golden crispness. Take your time to ensure they are as dry as possible.

If you are short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but your fries may not turn out as crispy. However, if you are using frozen fries, there is no need to soak as they have already been treated to prevent sticking and promote crispness.

Drying the potatoes

After peeling and cutting the potatoes into fries, it's essential to remove excess moisture. Use a paper towel or kitchen towel to pat the potatoes dry. Ensure you remove as much moisture as possible by taking your time with this step. This step is crucial as any remaining moisture can hinder the formation of a golden, crispy exterior.

Once the potatoes are dry, place them in a bowl and set them aside. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight, to remove excess starch. This step is optional but recommended for the crispiest fries. After soaking, be sure to drain the water and pat the potatoes completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Now it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the olive oil, garlic, and any other seasonings you wish to use.

Combining the dried potatoes with olive oil is the next step. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Stir the potatoes with a spoon or toss them gently to ensure an even coating of oil on each fry. This step not only helps with achieving a crispy texture but also allows the seasonings to adhere better to the potatoes.

At this point, you can add your desired seasonings. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, pepper, or any other herbs and spices you wish to use. Toss the fries again to ensure an even coating of the seasoning mixture. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese at this stage for an extra cheesy kick.

Now your potatoes are dried and seasoned, and it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Place the coated potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single, even layer without overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Cook the fries at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a bowl. If desired, you can toss them with minced garlic for an extra punch of garlic flavor. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve your garlic fries immediately to enjoy them at their crispiest and tastiest!

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning are key to achieving the perfect garlic fries. Here's a detailed guide:

Oil

• Olive oil is a popular choice for its health benefits and flavour. It provides a good base for the seasoning and helps to achieve a crispy texture.
• Alternatively, you can use a neutral-flavoured oil such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. These oils have a milder taste that lets the garlic shine.
• Avoid using oils with a strong flavour, as they can overpower the other ingredients.

Seasoning

• The star of the show is, of course, garlic. You can use minced garlic, garlic powder, or garlic-infused oil. Fresh garlic will provide the most intense flavour.
• Parmesan cheese is a fantastic addition, adding a savoury, umami note.
• For extra flavour and colour, add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
• Basic seasonings like salt and pepper are essential to bring out the flavours.
• For a spicy kick, include some chilli flakes or cayenne pepper.
• If you like your fries on the tangy side, add some paprika.
• For a cheesy variation, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the fries.
• For an Italian twist, mix in some Italian herbs and a touch of parmesan.

When mixing the oil and seasoning, ensure everything is well combined before tossing with the fries. This guarantees an even distribution of flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings to your taste!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking garlic fries in an air fryer is 400°F. However, temperatures may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired crispiness of the fries. For example, one source recommends cooking at 380°F for 20 minutes, while another suggests a temperature of 390°F for 15-20 minutes.

When cooking frozen fries, it is not necessary to thaw them first. Cooking times may range from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of doneness. It is important to shake or toss the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

For best results, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water before air frying to remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together. The potatoes should also be thoroughly dried before cooking to achieve the desired crisp texture. Additionally, coating the potatoes with a small amount of olive oil or another type of oil will enhance the crispiness of the fries.

Frequently asked questions