Making Crispy Skinny Fries In An Air Fryer

Skinny fries are a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. You can make them in an air fryer with just a few simple steps. First, cut your potatoes into 1/4-inch strips, using a mandolin with a julienne blade if possible. Rinse the potatoes with cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes or as long as overnight. Then, preheat your air fryer to 380ºF. Drain and dry the potatoes, toss them with oil, and air fry in two batches for 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Season with salt and serve with ketchup or your favourite dip.

Soak the potatoes in water for at least 10 minutes, or overnight

Soaking the potatoes is an important step in achieving the perfect skinny fries. This is because the process helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which is key to achieving the desired crispiness. The longer you soak the potatoes, the crispier they will be, so it is recommended to soak them for at least 10 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time.

When you are ready to cook the fries, be sure to thoroughly pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is an important step as any remaining water will prevent the potatoes from crisping up in the air fryer. Once dry, you can proceed to season and cook your skinny fries as desired.

Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking

After soaking the potatoes, it is important to dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer. This step is crucial as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries. Here are some tips to ensure your potatoes are sufficiently dried:

• Use paper towels or a lint-free dish towel to pat the potatoes dry. Make sure to get rid of as much water as possible.
• Spread the potatoes out on the towel to allow for more surface area to be dried.
• Ensure the potatoes are in a single layer with space between them so that they can dry evenly and thoroughly.
• Change the towel as needed if it becomes saturated with water.
• If time permits, allow the potatoes to air dry for a few minutes after patting them dry to ensure no moisture is left.

By taking the time to thoroughly dry your potatoes after soaking, you'll be well on your way to achieving crispy and delicious skinny fries from your air fryer!

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making skinny fries. It ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature before you add the potatoes, promoting even cooking and helping to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Different air fryers may have specific instructions for preheating, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual. However, a general guideline is to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F (190-200°C). This temperature range is ideal for cooking skinny fries and will help you achieve the best results.

When preheating, make sure the air fryer is empty and that there is nothing inside that could obstruct the airflow or affect the temperature distribution. The preheating time can vary depending on your air fryer model, but it usually takes around 3-5 minutes.

Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you can proceed with adding the seasoned potato sticks and cooking them according to the recipe instructions. Remember to shake the basket occasionally during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Season the potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper

Seasoning the potatoes is a crucial step in making skinny fries in an air fryer. After soaking and drying the potatoes, it's time to add some flavour! Place the potatoes in a dry bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil of your choice. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with the oil.

Next, it's time to add the salt. You can use regular table salt or kosher salt, depending on your preference. Sprinkle the salt over the potatoes and toss them to ensure an even coating. Don't be shy with the salt, as it will bring out the flavour of the potatoes.

Finally, add some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just like with the salt, make sure to toss the potatoes so that the pepper is evenly distributed. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other spices you like. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Once the potatoes are seasoned to your liking, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Follow the instructions for your specific air fryer model, and soon you'll have delicious, golden brown skinny fries!

Air fry the potatoes in batches for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally

Air frying is all about getting that crispy texture without the excess oil and calories of deep frying. To get the best results, there are a few things to keep in mind when air frying potatoes in batches.

First, it's important to cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for this step.

Next, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 10 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time. This step helps to remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a lint-free dish towel. Wet potatoes will not crisp up as well.

Now it's time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches. Air fry for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the fries are crispy and golden brown. For thinner fries, the cooking time will be closer to 10 minutes, while thicker fries may take up to 20 minutes.

If you're cooking in multiple batches, it's a good idea to keep the first batch warm in the oven while the second batch cooks. Set your oven to the lowest temperature, around 200°F (93°C), and place the cooked fries on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This will help keep them warm and crispy until you're ready to serve.

Finally, season the fries with salt and your choice of spices or herbs. Enjoy your delicious, crispy skinny fries!

Frequently asked questions