Air Fryer Ribbon Fries: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Ribbon fries are a fun and delicious treat, and they can be made at home with a few simple steps and ingredients. Ribbon fries are essentially ruffled potato chips, and they can be made using a turning vegetable slicer or a spiral cutter. After slicing the potatoes into ribbons or spirals, they are fried until golden brown and crispy. Ribbon fries can also be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying. The air fryer method involves thinly slicing potatoes, tossing them in oil and seasoning, and then cooking them in the air fryer until crispy.

Cut potatoes into fries

To cut potatoes into fries, you'll need to decide on the type of potato you want to use. Russet or Idaho potatoes are classic options for fries due to their high starch content, which ensures a crispy texture. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which will result in a creamier centre.

Before cutting your potatoes, it's important to wash and peel them. This will remove any dirt or impurities and ensure that your fries are clean and safe to eat. You can also choose to leave the peel on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly if you go this route.

Now it's time to start cutting! For even cooking and crispy fries, it's important to cut the potatoes into even-sized fries. You can use a mandoline, a sharp knife, or a spiral cutter to cut the potatoes into thin strips, aiming for a thickness of around 1/4 inch. If you're using a knife, be sure to cut the potatoes lengthwise, creating long ribbons of potato. Try to be firm and consistent with your cutting so that the potato is cut evenly.

Once you've cut your potatoes into fries, it's a good idea to rinse them under cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel. This step will help remove any excess starch and moisture, which will ultimately lead to crispier fries.

Now you're ready to start cooking your ribbon fries! Depending on your preferred method, you can either air fry or deep fry your potatoes. If you're using an air fryer, lightly coat the fries with oil and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or any other seasonings of your choice. Then, cook the fries in the air fryer at a temperature between 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, tossing them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

If you're deep frying, heat a large pot of oil to 325°F (163°C). Be sure to use a frying oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or canola oil. Carefully add the potato ribbons to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take around 6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your ribbons.

And that's it! You now have a batch of delicious, crispy ribbon fries to enjoy. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Soak in water

Soaking the potatoes in cold water is an important step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness for your ribbon fries. This process helps to remove excess starch, resulting in fries that are light and fluffy on the inside, yet crunchy on the outside. The ideal soaking time is at least 30 minutes, but you can leave them for up to an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator. Make sure to thoroughly drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel after soaking to eliminate any residual moisture. This step is crucial, as any remaining water will cause the oil to bubble up and spatter when the potatoes are added to the air fryer.

While soaking is not mandatory, it is highly recommended if you want to achieve that extra crispy texture. If you choose to skip this step, make sure to wash and peel the potatoes before cutting them into evenly sized fries. Cutting them into uniform sizes will ensure they cook evenly, resulting in a perfect batch of crispy ribbon fries.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc

Seasoning is an important step in making delicious ribbon fries in an air fryer. While the ingredients you choose to season with are important, the process of seasoning is just as crucial. Here are some tips and instructions for seasoning your ribbon fries with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices:

• Choose Your Seasonings: The classic combination of salt and pepper is a must for most fry lovers. Salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes, while pepper adds a subtle kick. Paprika not only gives a vibrant red colour to your fries but also adds a mild spiciness. Garlic powder contributes a savoury, garlicky note that complements the other seasonings. Feel free to experiment with additional spices and herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to create your own unique flavour profile.
• Prepare the Spices: If you're using whole peppercorns or spice seeds, grind them just before adding to your fries. For dried herbs, crumble them between your fingers to release their aromatic oils. Fresh herbs can be finely chopped and added to the mix.
• Drizzle with Oil: Before seasoning, it's best to drizzle your cut potatoes with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or canola oil. This helps the seasonings stick to the fries and promotes even browning. Make sure to toss the fries gently to ensure they are evenly coated with oil.
• Add the Seasonings: Once the potatoes are coated with oil, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other spices of your choice over the fries. You can also mix the seasonings in a small bowl beforehand to create a custom blend.
• Toss to Coat: After adding the seasonings, gently toss the fries again to ensure they are evenly coated. You want each fry to have a nice, uniform coating of oil and spices. This step ensures that every bite of your ribbon fries will be packed with flavour.
• Timing is Key: It's important to season the potatoes just before placing them in the air fryer. If you add salt too early, it will draw moisture out of the potatoes, and they won't get as crispy. So, prepare your seasonings and have them ready, but only add them right before air frying.
• Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches. Spread the fries in a single layer, making sure they are not touching or overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, resulting in that desired crispy texture.
• Shake During Cooking: For even browning and cooking, gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides of the fries are exposed to the hot air and helps prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Final Seasoning Touch: Once the fries are done cooking, give them a final toss in a bowl with your favourite seasonings. This step ensures that any fries that may have lost some seasoning during cooking will be evenly coated again. It also helps to distribute the flavours evenly, so each fry is as tasty as the next!

By following these steps and choosing your favourite seasonings, you'll end up with delicious, flavourful ribbon fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—the perfect treat for any occasion.

Air fry

Ingredients:

• 3 large russet potatoes (or 1-2 lbs of potatoes)
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, etc.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and decide whether to peel them or keep the skins on. Peeling the potatoes is optional, but if you do peel them, make sure to remove any eyes or bruises. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into fries of roughly equal size. Cutting them evenly will ensure uniform cooking.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

Fill a large bowl with cold water and completely submerge the cut potatoes in it. Let the potatoes soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving the perfect crispness.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil (or your preferred oil) and toss to coat evenly. Then, season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Toss again to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Air fry the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For best results, shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.

Tips for Perfect Ribbon Fries:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in multiple batches if needed, allowing enough space for the hot air to circulate.
• Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add a unique flavor profile to your fries.
• For an extra crispy coating, lightly dust the potatoes with cornstarch before placing them in the air fryer.
• Don't add salt too early, as it will draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispness.

Serve with dips

Ribbon fries are a fun and delicious snack, and you can make them even more enjoyable by serving them with a variety of dips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Buttermilk Ranch

A classic dip that pairs perfectly with ribbon fries. It has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the crispiness of the fries. This dip is a favourite among both children and adults.

Ketchup

A traditional choice that never goes out of style. Ketchup has a sweet and tangy taste that goes well with the potato flavour of ribbon fries. It's a simple yet effective dip that is sure to satisfy everyone.

Onion Ring Dipping Sauce

For those who enjoy the taste of onion rings, this dipping sauce brings that flavour to your ribbon fries. It's a unique and tasty option that will elevate your snacking experience.

Fry Sauce

Also known as burger sauce, this dip is a perfect match for ribbon fries. It has a savoury and slightly sweet flavour that enhances the taste of the fries. It's a must-try for all fry enthusiasts.

Spicy Whipped Feta

If you're feeling adventurous, try this spicy and creamy dip. The feta cheese provides a tangy and salty base, while the addition of spices gives it a kick. It's an unexpected yet delightful pairing with ribbon fries.

Mayonnaise

A versatile and creamy dip that goes well with many types of fries, including ribbon fries. Mayonnaise has a rich and slightly tangy flavour that adds depth to the snacking experience.

Easy Homemade Blue Cheese Dip

This dip is perfect for those who enjoy the strong and unique flavour of blue cheese. It's a creamy and savoury option that will take your ribbon fries to the next level.

French Fry Sauce

As the name suggests, this sauce is specifically designed to complement French fries, and ribbon fries are no exception. It has a tangy and savoury taste that will keep you reaching for more.

BBQ Sauce

A classic and versatile sauce that goes well with many dishes, including ribbon fries. BBQ sauce has a sweet and smoky flavour that adds a delicious twist to your snacking experience.

Aioli

A garlic-based sauce that is both creamy and flavourful. Aioli adds a punch of garlicky goodness to your ribbon fries, taking them to a whole new level.

Ranch Dressing

A well-loved dressing that also works great as a dip for ribbon fries. It has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with the crispiness of the fries.

Cheese Sauce

A decadent and indulgent option, cheese sauce takes your ribbon fries to the next level. It has a rich and creamy texture with a savoury cheese flavour that is sure to satisfy all cheese lovers.

So, the next time you make ribbon fries in your air fryer, don't forget to include a variety of dips to elevate your snacking experience!

Frequently asked questions