Make Crispy Spiral Potatoes In Your Air Fryer

Spiral potatoes are a fun and tasty snack, appetiser, or side dish. They are made by cutting potatoes into spirals, seasoning them, and cooking them in an air fryer until golden and crispy. This unique preparation method transforms ordinary potatoes into irresistible potato spirals. Spiral potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional potato preparations such as curly fries and French fries, offering a fun way to enjoy your favourite spuds. They are also incredibly versatile and can be paired perfectly with a wide range of main courses or dipping sauces.

How to Make Spiral Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The type of potato you choose will impact the final texture and taste of your spiral potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for spiralizing due to their high starch and low moisture content, which results in crispiness. Other varieties such as sweet potatoes or waxy potatoes can also be used, offering different flavours and textures.

Size and Shape

Select potatoes that are long in shape rather than round. Medium to small-sized potatoes work best for spiralizing, as they fit better on the skewer and in the air fryer basket. Larger potatoes may require additional cooking time to achieve the desired crispness.

Starch Content

Potatoes with high starch content, such as Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold, are ideal for spiral potatoes. These varieties absorb flavours well and become delightfully crispy when cooked. They also hold their shape better during the spiralizing process.

Freshness

Always opt for fresh potatoes that are firm and free from sprouting. Older potatoes tend to have a higher moisture content, which can affect the crispness of your final dish. Look for potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin to ensure the best results.

Preparation

Before spiralizing, make sure to clean your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can also soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing the potato spirals from sticking together. Dry them well before placing them in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.

By considering these factors when choosing your potatoes, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy spiral potatoes in your air fryer!

Spiralising the potatoes

Spiralising potatoes is a simple process, but it does require some equipment and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect spiralised potatoes:

Firstly, you will need to gather your equipment. You can choose to use either a sharp knife or a spiralizer to cut the potatoes. If you opt for a knife, you will also need a wooden or metal skewer. A spiralizer is a more specialised tool that can create perfect spirals with ease. If you are using a skewer, it is recommended to soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before use, to prevent it from burning.

Next, select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are commonly used for spiralising, but you can also experiment with other varieties such as sweet potatoes, waxy potatoes, or even purple potatoes. Look for long potatoes rather than round ones, as these will be easier to work with.

Before you start cutting, wash the potatoes and remove any dirt. You can also microwave the potatoes in short bursts of 15 seconds or lightly boil them to soften them slightly, which will make them easier to slice. However, be careful not to overdo it, or they will become mushy.

Now, you are ready to start spiralising! If you are using a knife, insert the skewer through the centre of the potato, lengthwise. Then, carefully cut the potato in a spiral pattern, turning the potato around the knife. Make sure to cut at an angle, and keep an eye on the thickness of the slices. If you are using a spiralizer, simply follow the instructions for your particular model. For some spiralizers, you may need to cut the potato spirals with kitchen shears after a few rotations to prevent them from becoming too long.

Once you have created your potato spirals, gently pull them apart to create space between the wings of the spiral. This will ensure that the spirals cook evenly and become nice and crispy.

Finally, soak the potato spirals in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes to remove any excess starch. This step is crucial, as it will prevent the spirals from sticking together during cooking. After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes with paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible.

And that's it! You have successfully spiralised your potatoes and are now ready to move on to the next step of air-frying them to crispy perfection.

Soaking the potatoes

Before soaking, you need to prepare the potatoes by washing them and removing any dirt. Then, take a wooden skewer and insert it across each potato. Cut the potatoes with a knife in a spiral or corkscrew fashion, making sure to cut at an angle. Pull the potatoes slowly across the skewers.

Now you are ready to soak the potatoes. Place the potato spirals in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps to remove the starch and prevent the spirals from sticking. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the potatoes well. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible, so be sure to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels.

Once the potatoes are dry, you can proceed to the next step, which is to place the potato spirals in a large resealable plastic bag and add oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat. You can also add your choice of seasonings at this point.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your spiral potatoes are properly soaked and prepared for cooking in the air fryer.

Seasoning the potatoes

There are many ways to season your spiral potatoes. The most basic seasoning consists of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil to the potatoes before cooking.

For extra flavour, you can add spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb mix (oregano, rosemary, basil, and thyme), or parsley. You can also try a Tex-Mex flair with taco seasoning, or a Cajun or curry spice mix.

If you're looking for a cheesy flavour, add some dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast. If you want to add some heat, sprinkle on some chili powder or cayenne pepper.

You can also serve your spiral potatoes with dips such as ketchup, vegan mayonnaise, aioli, hummus, guacamole, herb garlic dip, baba ganoush, or tzatziki.

Cooking the potatoes

Now that your potatoes are cut into spirals, skewered, seasoned, and coated in oil, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 360°F (180°C) to 400°F (204°C). Preheat your air fryer to the temperature suggested by your chosen recipe.

Next, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the potatoes from cooking evenly.

Cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the size of your potato spirals. Most recipes suggest cooking the potatoes for around 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on the potatoes to ensure they don't burn.

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, they're ready to serve! Enjoy your delicious air fryer spiral potatoes as a side dish or snack.

If you have any leftover spiral potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated air fryer for a few minutes until they're crispy again.

Frequently asked questions