Air-Fryer Hand-Cut Fries: Quick, Crispy, Golden Perfection

Making hand-cut fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthier version of a classic snack. The air fryer uses a fan and heating element to force hot air all around the potatoes, resulting in crunchy-tender fries with only a slight coating of oil.

Choosing the right potato

The secret to getting the perfect homemade fries is to use the right type of potatoes. While all potatoes may seem similar, there are important differences that will affect the final result of your hand-cut fries.

High-Starch Potatoes

High-starch potatoes are the best option for making fries. These potatoes are denser and have less moisture, which is key to avoiding soggy fries. The most popular options are Idaho or russet potatoes. Russets are also a good choice because of their high starch content, which makes them fluffy and perfect for baking. However, they don't fare as well when boiled, as they tend to fall apart.

All-Purpose Potatoes

If you're looking for a more versatile option, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good choice. They are considered all-purpose potatoes and can be used for frying, baking, boiling, roasting, and mashing. They will give your hand-cut fries a creamier centre.

Waxy Potatoes

It is recommended to avoid waxy potatoes like red-skinned, new, or fingerling potatoes. Their high moisture and sugar content can make them unsuitable for deep frying, as they will result in limp and soggy fries that can darken too quickly.

Preparing the potato

Once you have cut your potatoes, you will need to rinse them in cold water. This will remove excess starch, which will help them to crisp up. You can also soak the cut potatoes in cold water for up to an hour, or even overnight, to make them extra crispy. After rinsing or soaking, make sure you dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Now you are ready to season and cook your fries!

Seasoning

Before seasoning, it is recommended to rinse the cut potatoes in cold water. This helps to remove excess starch, which will allow the potatoes to crisp up better during cooking. If you want extra-crunchy fries, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for about an hour, or even overnight in the fridge. After rinsing or soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture is crucial, as wet fries will not crisp up properly.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Here are some common options:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Ranch seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Rosemary
• Onion powder
• Garlic salt
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Lemon zest
• Parmesan cheese

You can also try more exotic combinations, such as herbs de Provence salt for a French twist or a spicy Cajun seasoning for a Five Guys-style fry.

When seasoning the fries, it is generally recommended to toss them in a bowl with oil first and then add the desired seasonings. This helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes. Be sure to coat all surfaces evenly. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch to the oil and seasoning mixture, as this will make the fries even crispier.

It is important to note that salt should be added just before air frying, as adding it too early can draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispness.

Air frying

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes. You can leave the skins on for added texture and flavor, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that all the fries cook at the same rate. Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for about an hour, or even overnight in the fridge, for extra crunchy fries.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

After rinsing or soaking, thoroughly pat dry the potatoes with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture is crucial for crispy fries. Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use vegetable, canola, or flavored oils like garlic or chile oil. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with oil. Now it's time to season! You can use salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even Cajun seasoning. Toss the potatoes again to ensure they are well-coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 12-20 minutes, flipping or tossing the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your fries are nice and crispy, it's time to serve them! You can enjoy them as is, or toss them all together in the air fryer for a minute or two to warm them up and ensure they are all crispy. Air fryer French fries go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, fry sauce, garlic aioli, or even spicy whipped feta. Get creative and enjoy your delicious, crispy, homemade fries!

Dipping sauces

Now that you've made your hand-cut fries in the air fryer, it's time to talk about dipping sauces!

There are many different sauces that you can pair with your fries, and you can easily make them at home. Here are some ideas:

• Fry Sauce: This sauce is a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup with additional flavourings such as vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce, or other spices. It is creamy, tangy, and full of flavour. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste and even add some fresh herbs.
• Buttermilk Ranch: A creamy and herby sauce that is perfect for dipping fries.
• Ketchup: A classic choice for fries, and you can easily make your own at home by combining tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
• Onion Ring Dipping Sauce: A tangy and savoury sauce that pairs well with the crispiness of air-fried fries.
• Chipotle Sauce: A smoky and spicy sauce that adds a kick to your fries.
• Chimichurri: An herbal and garlicky sauce that will add a fresh flavour to your fries.
• Curry Sauce: Try something different with a creamy and spicy curry sauce.
• Burger Sauce: A tangy and savoury sauce that is perfect for dipping fries, or you can even use it as a spread on burgers.
• Yum Yum Sauce: A simple and versatile sauce that you can easily make with mayonnaise, ketchup, and other ingredients of your choice.
• Salsa Golf (Golf Sauce): A bright and tangy sauce that will add a pop of colour to your plate.
• Mayochup: A combination of mayonnaise and ketchup that is perfect for those who want a creamy and tangy dip.
• Garlic Aioli: A creamy and garlicky sauce that will add a punch of flavour to your fries.

Remember, you can adjust the ingredients in these sauces to your taste and even experiment with adding new ingredients. So, get creative and enjoy your hand-cut air-fried fries with a variety of delicious dipping sauces!

Frequently asked questions