Air-Fryer Jojo Fries: Crispy, Golden, And Delicious

If you're craving some delicious, crispy jojo fries, then an air fryer is a great way to make them! Jojo fries, also known as potato wedges, are a type of fried potato that is cut into eight segments, breaded, cooked, and then spiced. They are typically made with starchy potatoes like russets or gold potatoes, which will give them a soft and fluffy texture on the inside while crisping up nicely on the outside.

To make jojo fries in an air fryer, start by washing and slicing your potatoes into wedges. You can optionally soak the wedges in cold water for about 20-30 minutes to enhance their crispiness. Then, coat the wedges with a mixture of flour and spices, as well as an egg mixture. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at a temperature between 360-400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

Russet potatoes are the most recommended variety for jojo fries. Their high starch content and low moisture level make them ideal for frying, resulting in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Their large size and uniform shape also make them easy to cut into long, even wedges. However, if you don't have russet potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes or other starchy varieties as a substitute.

Potato Size

When selecting your potatoes, try to choose ones that are similar in size and shape. This helps ensure even cooking, so all your wedges turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Look for potatoes that are around 4 inches in length, as this is the ideal size for jojo fries.

Potato Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, give them a good scrub to remove any dirt. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise and then cut each half into 4-6 wedges, depending on the thickness of the potato. If you prefer thicker wedges, cut each potato into six wedges; for thinner wedges, cut each potato into eight pieces.

Soaking Potatoes (Optional)

Some recipes suggest soaking the potato wedges in cold water for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness of your jojo fries by removing excess starch. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel before proceeding to the next step.

Remember, choosing the right potatoes for your jojo fries will ensure you get that classic crispy exterior and fluffy interior that makes these fries so delicious. With the right variety, size, and preparation, you'll be well on your way to air fryer jojo fry perfection!

Preparing the potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for jojo fries as they have the ideal shape and size for cutting into long wedges. Their starchy nature also contributes to a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Alternatively, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes or other similar gold varieties. It is recommended to avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they tend to remain hard after cooking.

Once you've chosen the right potatoes, give them a good wash using a scrub brush to remove any dirt. This step ensures your potatoes are clean before cutting and cooking.

After washing, it's time to cut the potatoes into wedges. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4-5 wedges, depending on the thickness and shape of your potatoes. Try to keep the wedges of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

Now, you have the option to soak the potato wedges in cold water. Soaking is not mandatory, but it helps remove excess starch and improves the crispiness of your jojo fries. If you decide to soak, let the wedges sit in cold water for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for the best results.

After soaking (or if you skip this step), pat the potato wedges dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it ensures that the wedges are not dripping wet when you add the coating.

Next, prepare a coating mixture by combining flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper in a wide dish. You can adjust the spices according to your preference, but these are the typical spices used in jojo fries.

Take each potato wedge and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure all sides of the wedge are coated evenly. Repeat this process for all the wedges.

Once all the wedges are coated, it's time for the final preparation step. Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook the wedges in batches to ensure proper air circulation. Spray the wedges with vegetable oil or avocado oil to help them crisp up.

Now your potato wedges are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Follow the standard cooking instructions for your air fryer, typically cooking at around 380°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through.

And that's it! You now have perfectly prepared potatoes ready to be transformed into delicious, crispy jojo fries in your air fryer. Enjoy!

Making the batter

• Wash and scrub your potatoes: Start by giving your potatoes a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a scrub brush to clean the potatoes thoroughly.
• Cut the potatoes into wedges: After washing, cut the potatoes into wedges of similar size. Try to keep the wedges about 1/2-inch thick and evenly sized to ensure even cooking.
• Soak the potato wedges (optional): Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak them for around 20-30 minutes. This step is optional but helps remove excess starch and improves the crispiness of your jojo fries.
• Dry the potatoes: After soaking, thoroughly dry the potato wedges with paper towels or a clean cloth. It's important to remove any excess moisture before proceeding to the next step.
• Prepare the flour mixture: In a wide, shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour with your desired spices and seasonings. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Prepare the egg mixture (optional): In a separate dish, whisk an egg with a small amount of water. This step is optional but helps create a lighter, airier batter.
• Coat the potatoes: Now, it's time to coat your potato wedges with the batter. Start by dipping the wedges in the flour mixture, making sure all sides are covered. Then, dip them in the egg mixture (if using), and finally, dredge them in the flour mixture once again. This double-coating ensures a thicker, crispier batter.
• Add oil and seasonings: Once your potatoes are coated, add a light coating of oil to the wedges. You can use a spray oil or brush on a thin layer of oil. Then, season the potatoes with salt and pepper, or your desired seasonings, to taste.
• Air fry the jojo fries: Place the battered potato wedges in your air fryer in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook at around 350-400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

By following these steps, you'll end up with delicious, crispy jojo fries with a golden-brown crust and a fluffy interior. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your perfect flavor combination!

Cooking the fries

Wash your potatoes thoroughly. For the best results, use russet potatoes as they will bake up nice and fluffy on the inside while keeping a crispy exterior.

Slice the potatoes into wedges. For even cooking, try to keep the wedges about the same thickness. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Soaking the potato wedges in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes is optional but recommended, as it will help make your potato wedges much crispier. It also helps to remove excess starch and will make the potatoes about 30% crispier. Drain the potato wedges and pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk an egg with a small amount of water or milk.

Dredge the potato wedges in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Then, dip the floured wedges in the egg mixture. Finally, dredge the wedges in the flour mixture one more time.

Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the wedges with vegetable oil or avocado oil.

Cook at 380-400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through the cooking time. For extra crispy wedges, spray them with oil again after flipping.

Once the wedges are golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Jojo potato wedges are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for serving these delicious, crispy wedges:

• For breakfast, serve them with eggs and bacon.
• For a hearty meal, pair them with burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, or any other sporting event-style meal that needs potatoes.
• As a side dish, serve them with steak, chicken, pork, or any other meat to offset a healthier veggie option.
• Enjoy them as a snack with your favourite dips like ketchup or ranch.
• For a lighter meal, serve them with a salad for lunch.
• They also go well with chicken wings, fried chicken, or frozen hamburgers.
• For a surf and turf twist, try them with tequila lime shrimp stuffed flank steak.
• If you're craving something spicy, serve them with a spicy hot sauce.
• They can also be a great addition to a game day spread, served with dips like BBQ sauce, ranch, or buttermilk ranch.
• For a classic combo, serve them with ketchup and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions