Air-Fried Curly Fries: Crispy, Golden, Homemade Perfection

Curly fries are a beloved side dish, but they can be time-consuming to make at home. Using an air fryer, however, can significantly reduce the cooking time and deliver the same great taste and texture. In this article, we will explore the steps to making delicious, crispy curly fries in an air fryer, from choosing the right type of potato to the best cooking methods. We will also offer tips on customising your fries with seasonings and dips to elevate your homemade curly fries to the next level.

How to Make Homemade Curly Fries in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The best potatoes for curly fries are those that are starchy and hold their shape well during frying. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are an excellent choice for this purpose. Their high starch content and firm texture make them ideal for creating crispy, flavourful fries. You can leave the skin on, just like Arby's famous curly fries, or peel them if you prefer. Either way, make sure to give them a good scrub and trim the ends for stability when using a spiralizer.

Potato Preparation

Before spiralizing, cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This step is especially important if you are using larger potatoes. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes is also recommended. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries and preventing discolouration. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before coating them in batter or oil.

Spiralizing

To achieve the perfect curly shape, use a spiralizer with a 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) blade, sometimes called the "fettuccine" blade. This blade size will give you the classic curly fry shape. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a sturdy countertop model or a large noodle blade on a spiralizer machine.

Potato Alternatives

While potatoes are the traditional choice for curly fries, you can also experiment with sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have a different flavour and nutritional profile, offering a unique twist on the classic curly fry.

In summary, choosing the right potato for homemade curly fries in an air fryer comes down to selecting a starchy variety like Russet or Idaho potatoes, preparing them properly by cutting, soaking, and drying, and using the appropriate tools for spiralizing. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try alternatives like sweet potatoes for a unique take on this classic side dish!

Spiralizing

First, select a spiralizer. While any sturdy countertop model will do the trick, the OXO Good Grips 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer is highly recommended for making curly fries. It stays in place and is tough enough to handle sturdy vegetables like potatoes. Look for a spiralizer with a 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) blade, sometimes called the "fettuccine" blade.

Next, prepare your potatoes. For curly fries, Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and crispy texture. Give the potatoes a good scrub, and trim the ends to stabilize them in the spiralizer. You can leave the skin on, just like Arby's curly fries, or peel them if you prefer.

Now, it's time to spiralize! Fit the trimmed potato into the spiralizer and spiralize it completely. Cut any very long spirals into shorter pieces with kitchen shears or scissors. This will prevent you from ending up with extremely long curly fries.

Once your potatoes are spiralized, it's important to soak them in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries, and also prevents discoloration. The longer you can soak them, the better. After soaking, dry the potatoes thoroughly using a kitchen towel to remove excess water.

At this point, your spiralized potatoes are ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Follow the remaining instructions for your chosen curly fry recipe, and enjoy your delicious, crispy homemade treat.

Soaking the potatoes

To soak your potatoes, start by spiralizing them. You can use a spiralizer for this task, which will cut your potatoes into noodle-like shapes. Look for a spiralizer with a 1/4-inch blade, sometimes called the "fettuccine" blade. Once you have spiralized your potatoes, use kitchen shears or scissors to cut the potato "noodles" into shorter, more manageable pieces.

Next, transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Let the potatoes soak for at least 15 minutes, but preferably for 30 minutes or even an hour if you have the time. The longer they soak, the better, as this will help ensure your curly fries come out crispy and not soggy.

After soaking, be sure to thoroughly dry your potatoes. You can do this by placing them on a clean tea towel or paper towels. Removing the excess moisture is crucial, as it will help your fries crisp up in the air fryer.

Once your potatoes are dry, they are ready to be loaded into your air fryer! Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe to finish cooking your homemade curly fries.

Seasoning

The best thing about making your own curly fries is that you can season them to your liking. While they are delicious with just salt and pepper, you can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create unique and exciting flavors.

Ideas for seasonings

• Garlic Parmesan: Mix grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley together.
• Cajun: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
• Ranch: Use a packet of ranch seasoning mix or make your own at home.
• Smoky BBQ: Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
• Chili Lime: Combine chili powder, lime juice, and salt.
• Spices: Try cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, or customize to your liking.

Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Aioli: Mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
• Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise, hot sauce, and smoked paprika.
• Honey Mustard: Mix honey, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt.
• Cheese Sauce: Melt cheddar cheese with milk and butter for a decadent dipping option.
• Yum Yum Sauce: A fun and tangy way to change things up.

Dipping sauces

There are many sauces you can use to dip your homemade curly fries in. Here are some ideas:

Marinara Sauce or Pasta Sauce

These sauces are more flavourful than plain tomato sauce. It is recommended to avoid cans of tomato sauce and instead opt for seasoned pasta sauces.

Ketchup

A classic choice for a reason! Ketchup is a great, simple option for dipping your curly fries.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a great option, especially if you like smoky flavours.

Hot Sauce

If you like your dips spicy, hot sauce is a great option. Try sriracha or chilli garlic crunch for a kick of heat.

Ranch

A creamy, tangy dip that is always a favourite.

Blue Cheese Dip

The rich, tangy flavour of blue cheese is a great pairing with curly fries.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Sweet and tangy, honey mustard sauce is a delicious choice for dipping.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is not just for seafood—try it with curly fries!

Fry Sauce

This sauce is made with a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup, with a few added ingredients for flavour, such as apple cider vinegar, mustard, pickle relish, and hot sauce. It is also known as "yum yum sauce", "salsa golf", "red white", "Marie Rose", "pink sauce", "mayochup", or "burger sauce".

Mustard-BBQ Sauce

A combination of yellow mustard, dijon mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This sauce is creamy and sweet, with a hint of tanginess.

Frequently asked questions