Air Fryer French Fries: Perfectly Crispy And Golden

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier, quicker, and less messy alternative to deep-frying. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can make crunchy, crispy, and delicious French fries without the grease and mess of classic fried ones. This paragraph will introduce you to the topic of how to make perfect air fryer French fries and provide a glimpse into the tips and techniques you'll need to master this easy and tasty dish.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use will determine the texture and taste of your air fryer French fries. The best potatoes for French fries are russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) and Yukon gold potatoes.

Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispy outside and drier inside, giving you a fry more similar to what you'd find in a restaurant. Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and will give you fries with a firmer, creamier inside and a richer, buttery taste.

If you want your fries to be crispy on the outside and very soft on the inside, russet potatoes are the best option. However, if you prefer your fries to have a firmer, creamier texture, Yukon gold potatoes are the way to go. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so feel free to experiment with both types of potatoes and see which one you like best!

When selecting your potatoes, look for those that are firm and have smooth, blemish-free skins. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted, as this indicates that they are past their prime. Also, make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting and cooking them, especially if you plan to leave the skins on.

In terms of quantity, one pound of potatoes, or approximately two medium-sized russet potatoes, is usually enough to serve two to four people. However, you can adjust the amount depending on your desired yield.

Preparing the potato

Select the Right Potatoes: Choose russet potatoes or Idaho potatoes for that classic French fry flavour and texture. Russet potatoes are starchier and will result in fries that are crispy outside and drier inside, similar to restaurant-style fries. Alternatively, you can use Yukon gold potatoes, which are waxier and will give you fries with a firmer and creamier inside, along with a richer, more buttery taste.

Cut the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and cut them into even-sized sticks or matchsticks. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch, and try to make sure all the pieces are the same size for even cooking. You can use a mandoline for easy, uniform cutting, or a sharp knife. Leaving the skin on is preferable as it helps the potatoes crisp up nicely and adds flavour and nutrients.

Soak the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water or very hot tap water. Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries. Let the potatoes soak for at least 10 minutes, or preferably for about an hour, changing the water once or twice for best results.

Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial as any residual moisture will prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly.

Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice, and toss to coat evenly. You can also add your desired seasonings at this point. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or other herbs and spices.

Soaking the potato

The soaking process helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes. This is important because the starch can prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly during the air frying process. By removing the excess starch, you'll end up with fries that are crunchier and have that perfect "`double-fried' texture.

Type of Water to Use

There are different opinions on whether to use hot or cold water for soaking. Some sources recommend using hot water, as it slightly cooks the potatoes and creates that "double-fried" effect found in addictive restaurant fries. Others suggest using cold water, and even soaking the potatoes in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you're short on time, a 10-minute soak in hot water or a longer soak in cold water will do the trick!

Soaking Time

The soaking time can vary depending on your preference and the type of water used. For hot water, a shorter soaking time of around 10 minutes is sufficient. For cold water, you can soak the potatoes for about an hour or even overnight for maximum starch removal.

Preparing Potatoes After Soaking

After soaking, it's crucial to pat the potatoes very dry with kitchen towels or paper towels. This step ensures that the potatoes are completely free of residual moisture, as any remaining water can lead to soggy fries. Make sure to blot them gently but thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Seasoning and Cooking

Once the potatoes are dry, it's time to season them with your choice of oil, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Toss the potatoes to ensure an even coating of oil and spices. Then, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Maintaining Crispiness

If you're cooking in batches, it's a good idea to keep the first batch of fries warm and crispy while the others are cooking. You can do this by placing them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack in a warm oven set to a low temperature (around 200-250°F). This setup allows any excess oil to drip off and prevents the fries from becoming cold or soggy.

Remember, the key to perfect air fryer French fries is taking the time to prepare the potatoes properly, including the crucial step of soaking to remove excess starch. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying crispy, golden, and delicious homemade French fries!

Seasoning the potato

Ingredients

To make perfect air fryer French fries, you will need the following ingredients to season the potato:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Parsley

Seasoning Tips

• Don't add salt too early as this will draw out moisture from the potatoes, making them less crispy.
• For extra flavour, use garlic oil or chilli oil instead of olive oil.
• For a rustic French twist, use Herbs de Provence salt.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle some Cajun seasoning or curry powder over the fries.
• For a restaurant-worthy side, sprinkle truffle salt and top with freshly grated Parmesan.
• For Greek-style fries, toss grated lemon zest and Parmesan into the bowl with the potatoes.
• For San Francisco-style garlic fries, swap the salt for garlic salt.
• For a creamy centre, use Yukon gold potatoes.
• For a classic fry, use russet potatoes.

Cooking the potato

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make French fries in an air fryer:

• 1-2 medium-sized russet potatoes (about 1 pound)
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Any additional seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

Preparation

First, wash and scrub the potatoes, leaving the skin on for added texture and flavor (optional). Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries of roughly the same size, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly.

Soaking

Fill a large bowl with cool water and completely submerge the cut potatoes in it. Let them soak for about an hour to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up during cooking.

Seasoning

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, place the potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Toss well to ensure even coating.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will result in soggy fries. You may need to cook in multiple batches.

Cook the fries for about 15-20 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once done, remove the fries from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. If you are cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked fries warm in an oven set to a minimum temperature (not above 250°F) while the rest of the batches are cooking.

Serving

Serve the fries hot and crispy! They go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. You can also get creative and experiment with different seasonings and dips to find your favorite combinations.

Frequently asked questions