Air-Fried Potatoes: Gourmia Fryer Tips And Tricks

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, tasty potatoes without the guilt of consuming excess oil and calories. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, and with the Gourmia Air Fryer, you can enjoy your favourite crispy treats with less oil. To make potatoes in a Gourmia Air Fryer, start by washing and peeling your potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized strips or slices, about 1/2 inch thick. Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and improve crispiness. Drain and pat them dry before lightly coating them with oil and seasoning. Preheat your Gourmia Air Fryer to 400°F and place the potatoes inside, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your crispy, golden potatoes as a side or with your favourite dipping sauce!

Choosing the right type of potato

Variety

Different varieties of potatoes will yield different results in terms of texture and colour. Here are some common options:

• Russet potatoes are high-starch potatoes that will give you a wonderful crispness with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft, fluffy, and mildly flavoured.
• Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice for air frying due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. They will crisp up nicely and turn a deeper golden brown colour. The crisp will be slightly softer than russets, but their insides will be creamy and flavourful.
• Red potatoes have an even higher sugar and lower starch content than Yukon Golds. They will become very crispy when roasted but will also soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby potatoes or new potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes harvested early. They have a high sugar content and are perfect for air frying, as they hold their shape well. They will roast evenly and have a crispy exterior with a soft interior.

Size and Uniformity

When choosing potatoes, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. This will help ensure even cooking and browning. If using larger potatoes, cut them into evenly sized pieces or chunks of a similar size.

Starch Content

For air frying, it is generally recommended to use high-starch potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds, especially if you want crunchy and fluffy results. Soaking cut potatoes in cold water before cooking can also help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

In summary, selecting the right type of potato for your Gourmia Air Fryer depends on the specific texture, colour, and flavour you desire. Consider the variety, size, and starch content of the potatoes to achieve the best results for your air-fried potato dishes.

Preparing the potatoes

Wash and peel

Start by washing your potatoes. You can then decide whether to peel them or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and flavour to your dish, and it's also more nutritious.

Cut

Once your potatoes are washed and peeled (or not), cut them into evenly sized strips or slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. If you're making roasted potatoes, cut them into bite-sized chunks.

Soak

Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking achieves the perfect texture. It helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes, and prevents them from sticking together during the cooking process. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Season

Place the dried potatoes in a bowl and toss with a small amount of oil—just enough to coat the potatoes lightly. The oil will help the potatoes achieve a golden and crispy texture when cooked. You can also add your favourite seasonings at this stage. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and any additional spices or herbs you prefer, such as paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or onion powder.

Soaking the potatoes

Start by washing and peeling your potatoes. You have the option to leave the skin on for extra texture and flavor. If you're making French fries, cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips or slices, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.

Fill a bowl or container with cold water and submerge the potatoes in it for at least 30 minutes. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes. It also prevents the potatoes from sticking together during cooking.

After soaking, thoroughly drain the potatoes and pat them dry using a clean kitchen or paper towel. Removing as much moisture as possible before cooking is crucial to achieving maximum crispiness.

If you're making seasoned potatoes, you can proceed to season them with your choice of herbs and spices. If you're making French fries, lightly coat the potatoes with oil, just enough to give them a light coat. This will help achieve that golden, crispy texture.

Now your potatoes are ready to be cooked in your Gourmia Air Fryer! Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F, and cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, ensuring proper air circulation and even cooking.

Remember, the soaking process is key to getting that perfect texture, whether you're making French fries or delicious seasoned potatoes in your Gourmia Air Fryer.

Seasoning the potatoes

There are many ways to season potatoes in an air fryer. The simplest option is to use salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, or dried parsley. For a more intense flavour, you can add Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika. Alternatively, you can try a combination of ground cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour. For example, you can try a combination of dried or fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or dill, and a squeeze of lemon. You can also add cooked and crumbled bacon to your potatoes for a heartier option.

When seasoning your potatoes, it is important to use a light coating of oil to help the seasonings stick. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other type of oil with a high smoke point. Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays, as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in oil and use your hands to rub the seasonings onto the potatoes, ensuring an even coat.

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, red, or baby potatoes are great options)
• Oil (preferably olive oil, avocado oil, or any oil with a high smoke point)
• Salt
• Optional seasonings (such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or Cajun spice)

Instructions

First, wash and scrub your potatoes. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, as it adds texture and flavour. If you are making French fries, cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips or slices about 1/2 inch thick. For other recipes, cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes will help achieve a perfect texture by removing excess starch.

Next, dry the potatoes and place them in the air fryer basket. Drizzle or spray the potatoes with oil and sprinkle on your desired seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are coated evenly.

Now, it's time to cook the potatoes! Preheat your Gourmia Air Fryer to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato and the desired level of crispness. For French fries, cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. For baked potatoes, cook for about 40-50 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake or flip the potatoes to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy potatoes!

Frequently asked questions