Air Fryer French Fries: Nathan's Style

If you're craving a crispy, golden, and delicious batch of French fries without the guilt, then making Nathan's French fries in an air fryer is the way to go! Nathan's Crinkle Cut French Fries are a popular side dish from the famous American fast-food chain, Nathan's Famous. These fries stand out for their distinctive crinkled shape and fluffy inside texture. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect fry texture and taste using an air fryer.

Cut potatoes into fry-shaped pieces

To cut potatoes into fry-shaped pieces, you'll need a sharp knife and a steady hand. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, select potatoes that are suitable for frying. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which results in crispy fries. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Next, use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. The exact size and shape can vary depending on your preference, but aim for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. You can cut the potatoes into long, thin sticks for classic French fries, or experiment with different shapes like wedges or crinkle cuts.

As you cut the potatoes, try to maintain a consistent size to ensure even cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water as you work to prevent them from browning.

Once you've cut all the potatoes, you'll need to soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy. It also helps to improve the texture and promotes even cooking.

After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It's important to ensure they are thoroughly dried before placing them in the air fryer.

Now you have perfectly cut and prepared potatoes, ready for the air fryer!

Soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes

Soaking potatoes in cold water is an important step in making Nathan's French fries in an air fryer. This step ensures that your fries turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

First, cut your potatoes into fry-sized pieces. You can cut them into thin shoestrings or thicker wedges, depending on your preference. Once you have cut all your potatoes, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which can make your fries soggy. It also helps the potatoes absorb water, which will create steam during the frying process, resulting in a fluffy interior.

While the potatoes are soaking, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients and get your air fryer ready. Make sure your air fryer is clean and dry, and preheat it to the desired temperature if necessary. You can also gather your favourite dipping sauces and seasonings to serve with your fries.

After 30 minutes, drain the potatoes in a colander and pat them dry with a clean paper towel or kitchen cloth. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible so that your fries don't end up soggy. Once the potatoes are dry, you can place them in the air fryer and cook them according to your desired level of doneness.

By following this step of soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, you will be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and fluffy Nathan's French fries in your air fryer!

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and efficiently, and is especially crucial when cooking frozen foods like French fries. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the optimal cooking environment for achieving that signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior texture that Nathan's French Fries are known for.

When preheating your air fryer, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting or button that you can use. Simply set the desired temperature, which in this case is 400°F, and allow the air fryer to heat up for a few minutes before adding your food. The preheat time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's website for specific instructions.

While preheating, the air fryer's heating element will reach the set temperature, and the appliance will circulate hot air evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This ensures that when you add your frozen French fries, they are immediately exposed to the optimal cooking temperature. Preheating also helps to ensure that your cooking time remains consistent, so you can achieve the desired level of doneness for your French fries.

During the preheating process, it is important to ensure that your air fryer is placed on a flat, heat-resistant surface and that there is adequate ventilation in the surrounding area. Most air fryers will have safety features to prevent overheating, but it is always good to be cautious and follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature of 400°F, it will typically make a sound or display an indicator light to let you know it's ready. At this point, you can carefully open the air fryer, place your frozen French fries inside, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowding the basket, and then set the timer for the cooking duration.

By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for cooking Nathan's French Fries. This step ensures that your French fries will cook evenly, achieving the perfect texture and taste. Remember to always refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific preheating guidelines and safety precautions.

Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer

When you're ready to cook your fries, make sure you've preheated your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually around 400°F. Once it's preheated, it's time to add the potatoes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This is important because it allows the hot air to circulate evenly and prevents the potatoes from sticking together. You may need to cook in batches if you have a lot of potatoes.

When adding the potatoes to the basket, spread them out evenly. You don't want to pile them on top of each other, as this will affect how evenly they cook. It's better to air fry in multiple batches if you want a large quantity of fries. The more you fill the basket, the more frequently you'll need to shake it to ensure even cooking. If you have a larger air fryer, you can cook more as long as the basket is no more than half full.

Once the potatoes are in the basket, give it a gentle shake or stir to ensure the potatoes are distributed evenly. This will help them cook more uniformly.

Shake the basket every few minutes

Shaking the basket every few minutes is an important step in ensuring your Nathan's French fries cook evenly on all sides. This step is especially crucial if you are cooking a large batch of fries or if your air fryer is on the smaller side. By shaking the basket, you prevent the fries from sticking together and promote even browning.

When shaking the basket, it is essential to do so gently to avoid breaking the fries or causing them to fall through the cracks. You can use tongs or a spatula to help move the fries around gently. It is also a good idea to shake the basket in a back-and-forth and side-to-side motion to ensure that the fries are evenly distributed and not crowded in one area.

Additionally, shaking the basket allows you to check on the progress of your fries and ensure they are cooking evenly. This is especially important as different air fryers may have varying temperatures, and the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. By shaking the basket, you can assess the doneness of the fries and determine if they need more time or if they are cooking too quickly.

Lastly, shaking the basket helps prevent the fries from sticking to the basket, making it easier to remove them once they are done. It also helps to rotate the fries so that they cook evenly and don't end up with some burnt and others undercooked.

Remember, the key to successful air frying is ensuring even cooking and browning, and shaking the basket every few minutes is a critical step in achieving that goal.

Frequently asked questions