Air Fryer Shoestring Fries: Quick, Crispy, Golden!

If you're craving crispy, golden French fries without the grease and mess of deep-frying, then it's time to whip out your air fryer! Shoestring fries are thinly cut potatoes that, when cooked in an air fryer, become irresistibly crunchy. The key to achieving that perfect crispiness lies in two secrets: soaking the potatoes to remove excess starch and evenly coating them in oil before air-frying. With just a few simple steps and some creative seasoning, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, healthier fries in no time!

Soak the potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes

Soaking your potatoes in water is a crucial step in making crispy and golden shoestring fries in an air fryer. By soaking the potatoes, you are removing the excess starch from the surface of the potato strips, which helps to prevent them from browning too quickly during the cooking process. This step also ensures that your fries will have a fluffy inside while remaining crispy on the outside.

When making shoestring fries, it is recommended to peel the potatoes and cut them into very thin matchsticks, no more than half an inch thick. Once you have cut your potatoes, place them in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow the potatoes to soak for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, you can leave them to soak for up to 2 hours or even overnight. It is also a good idea to change the water halfway through the soaking process.

While the potatoes are soaking, you can prepare the seasoning. A simple yet effective combination is olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, parsley, basil, or oregano, to add extra flavour to your fries.

After the potatoes have finished soaking, drain the water and lay the potatoes out on a clean kitchen towel. It is important to ensure that they are thoroughly dried before moving on to the next step. Once they are dry, return the potatoes to the bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss the potatoes until they are completely coated.

Now your potatoes are ready for the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook at 400°F for 12-18 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking. And that's it! Your delicious, crispy shoestring fries are ready to be served.

Pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel

After you've peeled and cut your potatoes into shoestring fries, it's important to pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect crispiness in your air fryer fries. Here's why:

First, soaking the potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch. Starch is a type of carbohydrate that can make your fries soggy and floppy. By soaking the potatoes, you are helping to wash away this starch, resulting in fries that are light and crispy. However, this also means that your potatoes will be wet, and you don't want to add them to the air fryer with that excess moisture.

This is where patting them dry comes in. Use a clean kitchen towel to gently pat the potatoes dry. Make sure to get them as dry as possible, removing any water clinging to the fries. This step is important because if the potatoes are still wet when you add the oil and start cooking, they will steam instead of getting crispy. So, take your time with this step and ensure the potatoes are nice and dry.

Additionally, if you're using frozen fries, it's a good idea to let them defrost first. This will help ensure even cooking and crispiness. You can also experiment with adding a small amount of oil before cooking to trigger the "frying effect," but this is optional.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer shoestring fries is taking the time to prepare the potatoes properly. Soaking, drying, and ensuring they are dry before adding oil and seasoning will result in delicious, crispy fries.

Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and paprika

Seasoning is the secret to transforming your air fryer shoestring fries from bland to amazing. Here is a step-by-step guide to seasoning your potatoes with salt, pepper, and paprika:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Before seasoning, you will need to prepare your potatoes. Start by peeling your potatoes and slicing them into thin matchsticks, about 1/8" x 1/8" thick. You can use a knife, a mandolin, or a julienne peeler to get those perfect shoestring fries. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Add some ice to the water and let the potatoes soak for at least 30 minutes. This process helps remove excess starch, ensuring your fries turn out extra crispy.

Step 2: Drain and Dry the Potatoes

After soaking, drain the water from the bowl and lay the potatoes on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It is important to pat them dry thoroughly to remove any remaining moisture. This step is crucial because moist potatoes will not crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Oil

Return the potatoes to a large bowl and add your desired seasonings: salt, pepper, and paprika. You can also include garlic powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Drizzle some olive oil or another high smoke point oil over the potatoes. Using your hands or tongs, toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated in the oil and spices. Make sure each potato piece is well-coated for maximum flavour.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Now, it's time to place your seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the crispiness of your fries. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer or, if needed, in a very thin layer with a few overlaps. This arrangement ensures that hot air can circulate around each fry, cooking them evenly and making them nice and crispy.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your fries for about 12 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them and toss or shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, so adjust accordingly.

And there you have it! By following these steps and seasoning your potatoes with salt, pepper, and paprika, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy shoestring fries from the comfort of your home.

Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes

Cooking your fries at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes is a crucial step in achieving the perfect shoestring fries. Here's a detailed breakdown of this step and some important considerations to keep in mind:

First, it's important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer you have and the thickness of your fries. The recommended temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for most air fryers and will result in crispy and golden brown fries. However, you may need to adjust the timing slightly based on your air fryer's unique characteristics.

When cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it's essential to keep an eye on your fries to ensure they don't burn. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to shake or toss the fries a couple of times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. This step is crucial, as it prevents the fries from sticking to the air fryer basket and promotes even crisping.

Additionally, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the fries enough space to allow hot air to circulate and crisp them perfectly on all sides. If your air fryer basket is large enough, you may be able to cook all your fries in one batch. However, if needed, you can cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

During the cooking process, the fries will undergo a transformation. They will turn from pale and soft to golden brown and crispy. The high temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit helps to remove moisture from the potatoes, resulting in that satisfying crunch we all love. This temperature also ensures that the oil evaporates, giving your fries that extra crispness without an oily taste.

Lastly, while the recommended cooking time is 18 minutes, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your fries and adjust the timing as needed. Every air fryer is slightly different, and the thickness of your fries can also impact the cooking time. So, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to adjust the timing slightly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Serve with a dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your homemade shoestring fries, a delicious dipping sauce is key. Here are some ideas to elevate your fries and take them to the next level:

Classic Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic condiment for fries, and for good reason. It adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy potatoes. Look for a brand that is organic, has simple ingredients, and a natural sweetener. Sir Kensington's Classic Ketchup is a great option.

Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try dipping your fries in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This vegan nacho cheese sauce is sure to hit the spot. It's the perfect blend of spicy and savoury, and it's plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it.

Honey Mustard Sauce

For a sweet and tangy option, mix together some honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of mayonnaise. This sauce is perfect for those who want something a little different from the usual ketchup or cheese sauce. It's also great on burgers and sandwiches.

BBQ Sauce

A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce is another excellent option for dipping your fries. Look for a brand that suits your taste, whether you like it sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between. You can also make your own by mixing together your favourite BBQ spices with ketchup or tomato paste.

Garlic Aioli

For a more sophisticated dip, try making a garlic aioli. Simply mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This dip is perfect for those who want a more savoury option. It's also great on sandwiches and roasted vegetables.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a classic dip for a reason—it's creamy, tangy, and goes well with just about everything. You can buy it pre-made or make your own by mixing together buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a touch of pepper.

Experiment with Spices

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings in your dipping sauces. Try adding chilli powder, cumin, paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to take your sauces to the next level. You can also try making your own signature fry seasoning by mixing together your favourite spices.

Frequently asked questions