Air-Fryer Pommes Frites: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Pommes frites, or French fries, are a popular snack or side dish. They are usually crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle, and are often seasoned with salt and pepper. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses far less oil. Air-fried pommes frites are also quicker and easier to make than their deep-fried counterparts, and can be just as crispy and tasty.

Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices

To make pommes frites in an air fryer, you'll want to cut your potatoes into slices about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly and give them that classic fry shape. Here are some detailed steps and tips to guide you through the process:

Start by washing the potatoes, especially if you plan to keep the skins on. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skins add flavour, texture, fibre, and nutrients, and they save you time!

Now, use a sharp knife or a mandoline to cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Try to make the slices as uniform in size as possible so that they cook at the same rate. If you're using a mandoline, this task will be much quicker and easier. Aim for fries that are about the same thickness as your average fast-food fry.

If you want to be precise, you can use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure your slices are exactly 1/4-inch thick. Alternatively, you can use the measurements on your knife or mandoline if they have them.

Once you've sliced all your potatoes, give them a quick rinse under cold water. This will help remove any excess starch, which will, in turn, help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. After rinsing, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Now you're ready to season and cook your pommes frites! Follow your chosen recipe for air fryer pommes frites, and you'll be enjoying delicious, crispy fries in no time.

Soak the potatoes in cold water

Soaking the potatoes in cold water is an important step in achieving the perfect pommes frites. By allowing the potato sticks to sit in cold water for a period of time, you are helping to remove excess starch from the potatoes. This process is key to ensuring your pommes frites turn out crispy and golden. The length of time you should soak the potatoes can vary, with some recipes recommending a quick five-minute soak, while others suggest a longer soak of up to an hour.

To soak your potatoes, simply fill a large bowl with cold water and fully submerge the potato sticks. Give them a gentle stir to ensure all surfaces are exposed to the water. You can also give the bowl a gentle shake from time to time during the soaking process.

After the allotted time has passed, drain the water from the bowl and pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial as any remaining moisture can impact the crispiness of your pommes frites. Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before moving on to the next step, which is seasoning and tossing the potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

By taking the time to properly soak your potatoes in cold water, you are setting yourself up for success in achieving that coveted crispy texture that makes pommes frites so delicious.

Season with olive oil, salt and pepper

To season pommes frites with olive oil, salt, and pepper, start by rinsing the cut fries under cold water and patting them dry. Place the fries into a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle the fries with salt and pepper, and toss to coat them evenly.

You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. The key is to season the potatoes just before air frying them, as adding salt too early will draw out moisture and affect the crispiness of the final product.

Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes

Now that you've sliced your potatoes, soaked them, and seasoned them, it's time to air-fry them! Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are all on the same level and not stacked on top of each other. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the fries for 12-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through. The key to getting that perfect crispiness is to ensure they are spread out and not overcrowded in the basket, allowing the hot air to circulate and come in contact with all sides of the fries.

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the fries in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded. If you are cooking in batches, place the first batch on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a cooling rack while the remaining batches cook. Set your oven to the minimum temperature (around 200-250°F) to keep the first batch of fries warm without drying them out. Repeat the cooking process for the remaining batches of fries.

Once all the potatoes are cooked, add some of the fries back into the basket and cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm and crisp everything up. This final step ensures that all your fries are nice and crispy and ready to be devoured!

Serve with your favourite sauce

Now for the fun part: serving your pommes frites with your favourite sauce!

The world is your oyster when it comes to sauces, but there are some classics that you might want to consider. The French typically serve pommes frites with a little aioli on the side, but you could also try ketchup, mayo, BBQ sauce, mustard, or ranch dressing. If you want to get a bit more creative, why not try something spicy like chipotle sauce or sriracha, or go for a herb-based sauce like chimichurri?

If you're feeling extra indulgent, you could even make a cheese sauce to smother your pommes frites in. Or, for something a little healthier, try a zingy, homemade herb dip with a Greek yoghurt base.

And don't forget, if you're serving your pommes frites as a side, they go perfectly with burgers and chicken wings!

Frequently asked questions