Air-Fryer Julienne French Fries: Quick, Crispy, Golden Treat

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires far less oil. The air fryer method is also much easier and quicker, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes. To make French fries in an air fryer, start by cutting your potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, as this adds flavour and texture, as well as fibre and nutrients. Next, rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and help make the fries crunchier. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for up to 24 hours for extra crunch. Once you've dried the potatoes, toss them in a bowl with oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, and season with salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, or chili powder. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and air fry at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispy fries, return all the batches to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Choosing the right potatoes

The type of potatoes you use for your julienne French fries can make or break your dish. The wrong type of potatoes can result in fries that are too soft, too waxy, or simply not crispy enough.

The best type of potatoes for French fries is russet potatoes. Russets are ideal for frying because the interior turns fluffy and soft, while the exterior stays nice and crispy. They are also the perfect size for fries. If you can, select them individually instead of buying a bag, and try to find the longest ones. Smaller, more round potatoes will result in stubby fries.

You could also use Yukon gold potatoes, which will give your French fries a creamier centre. However, russets are the superior choice if you want the classic French fry texture.

Red potatoes can also be used, but they are not ideal as they tend to be too short and waxy. They also won't give you the classic fry shape.

When selecting your potatoes, try to find ones that are similar in size so that they cook at the same rate.

Once you've selected your potatoes, give them a good scrub. You can peel them if you prefer, but it's not necessary. In fact, leaving the skin on can add flavour, texture, and extra nutrients to your fries.

Prepping Your Potatoes

After you've chosen and washed your potatoes, it's time to cut them into thin julienne strips. For even cooking, make sure all the strips are the same size. Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water and pat them dry.

Now it's time to season your fries. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. You can also add other seasonings like pepper, paprika, or garlic powder to give your fries an extra kick. Just be sure to season them right before air frying, as adding salt too early will draw out moisture and affect the crispiness of your fries.

Preparing the potatoes for frying

Step 1: Selecting the Right Potatoes

Start by choosing the right type of potatoes for frying. Russet potatoes are highly recommended due to their thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. They maintain their shape at high temperatures and produce fries with crispy exteriors and soft, tender insides. Alternatively, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which will give your fries a creamier centre.

Step 2: Cutting the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly but leave the skins on, as they add flavour, texture, and extra nutrients. Cut the potatoes into thin julienne strips, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and gives you that classic fry shape. You can use a mandoline slicer set to the julienne setting for uniform cuts.

Step 3: Soaking the Potatoes

Once you've cut the potatoes, it's time to soak them. Fill a large bowl with ice water and place the cut potatoes in it. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which is key to achieving crispy French fries. It also prevents the fries from sticking together. You can soak the potatoes for at least an hour or even up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Drying the Potatoes

After soaking, remove the potatoes from the water and lay them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It's important to dry them thoroughly before the next step. Make sure to pat them completely dry to remove as much moisture as possible.

Step 5: Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the dried potatoes in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle them with oil—you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for extra flavour.

Step 6: Air Frying the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Working in batches, place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

And there you have it! By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy julienne French fries made right in your air fryer.

The importance of soaking potatoes

Soaking potatoes is an important step in the process of making julienne French fries in an air fryer. By soaking the potatoes, you can achieve the perfect crispiness that is desired in French fries. The technique is especially useful when making thicker-cut fries, as it ensures even cooking and prevents the formation of unpleasant textures.

The main reason for soaking potatoes is to remove excess starch from the outer surface of the potato strips. Starch can prevent moisture from escaping during the cooking process, resulting in soggy fries. By soaking the potatoes, you can draw out the starch and create a crispy texture. The longer the soaking time, the more starch is removed, so it is recommended to soak the potatoes for at least two to three hours, or even overnight for thicker cuts.

Soaking potatoes also help prevent premature browning of the potato strips due to exposure to air. The water keeps the potatoes from turning dark, maintaining their light colour. Additionally, soaking potatoes can add flavour to the fries. While adding salt to the water may seem like a good idea, it is not recommended as it can cause the fry oil to break down prematurely. Instead, consider a water and vinegar solution, which adds flavour without the negative effects of salt.

Overall, soaking potatoes is a crucial step in achieving the perfect French fry. It ensures the removal of excess starch, prevents premature browning, and can enhance the flavour of the final product. By following this step and allowing for adequate soaking time, you can create crispy, golden, and irresistible French fries.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning are the key to making your air-fried julienne fries delicious. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get the most out of your fries:

Oil

• You can use a variety of oils for air frying, such as olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
• The amount of oil needed will depend on the quantity of fries you are making. As a guide, use around 1/3 cup of oil for 3 pounds of shoestring fries.
• When preparing the fries, toss them with the oil to ensure they are evenly coated before placing them in the air fryer.
• If using an olive oil alternative, be aware that it may cause the potatoes to brown more quickly without cooking through.

Seasoning

• Seasoning your fries is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or Parmesan.
• It is recommended to season the potatoes just before air frying them. Adding salt too early may draw moisture out of the potatoes, affecting their crispness.
• Be generous with your seasoning! Fries are a great canvas for a variety of flavors, so don't be afraid to experiment.
• For an extra kick, try tossing your fries in homemade Cajun seasoning or serving them with a side of Cajun Fry Seasoning.

Air frying techniques

Preparation

Before air frying, it is important to prepare the potatoes. Firstly, wash the potatoes, scrubbing them clean. You can peel the potatoes, but it is not necessary and may even be preferable to leave the skin on for added texture, flavour, and nutrients. It also saves time!

Next, cut the potatoes into fries. For the best results, cut them into evenly-sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. This will help them cook evenly. Russet potatoes are the best variety to use, as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, so they maintain their shape at high temperatures.

Soaking

Once cut, the potatoes should be soaked in cold water. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together. They can be soaked for as little as an hour, or even up to 24 hours. The longer they are soaked, the better. After soaking, the potatoes should be dried thoroughly with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.

Seasoning

After drying, the potatoes should be seasoned. Place the fries in a bowl and drizzle with oil (olive, vegetable, or canola), and sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing to coat. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, or chili powder.

Air frying

Preheat the air fryer to between 380-400°F. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will make the fries soggy. You may need to cook the fries in batches.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The fries are done when they are golden brown and crisp. If you are cooking in batches, you can reheat all the fries together at the end for 1-2 minutes to ensure they are all hot and crispy.

Serving

Air fryer fries can be served with a variety of dips, such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, or ranch. They also go well with a juicy burger or classic BLT sandwich.

Frequently asked questions