Air Fryer Fries: Perfecting The Crispy, Golden Treat

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to deep-frying food, as they require less oil and produce a similar crispy texture. If you're looking to make the best air fryer fries, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of potato; russet or Idaho potatoes are classic choices and will give you that traditional French fry flavour and texture. Alternatively, Yukon gold potatoes will result in a creamier centre.

Before cooking, cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks or slices, as this will ensure they cook evenly. It's also recommended to soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up during cooking. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly, as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries.

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a kick. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Finally, when cooking in the air fryer, arrange the fries in a single layer for the crispiest results. Depending on the thickness of your fries and the power of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to making the best air fryer fries that are crispy, golden, and delicious!

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use for your air fryer fries can make a big difference in the final result. Here's what you need to know about choosing the right potato for your air fryer fries:

Types of Potatoes

The two most recommended types of potatoes for air fryer fries are Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) and Yukon Gold potatoes.

• Russet potatoes are starchier and will give you fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside, similar to the texture of restaurant fries. They tend to be larger, yielding longer french fries.
• Yukon Gold potatoes are waxier and will result in fries that are equally crispy on the outside but have a firmer, creamier inside. They have a naturally buttery taste, giving the fries a richer flavor.

Factors to Consider

When choosing between Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, consider the following:

• Texture and Taste: If you prefer the classic french fry texture and taste, go with Russet potatoes. If you're looking for a firmer, creamier texture and a richer flavor, choose Yukon Gold potatoes.
• Cut Size: The size of your potato will also determine the length of your french fries. Russet potatoes tend to be larger, so they are ideal if you want longer fries. If you prefer thicker-cut fries, either type of potato will work.
• Crispiness: Both types of potatoes can give you crispy fries, but Russet potatoes might give you a bit more crispiness due to their higher starch content.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best potato for air fryer fries comes down to your personal preference. Feel free to experiment with both types of potatoes and see which one you like best. You can even try mixing the two types of potatoes for a unique blend of textures and flavors.

Preparation Tips

Once you've chosen your potato type, here are some tips for preparing your potatoes for air fryer fries:

• Peeling: You can choose to peel your potatoes or leave the peel on. Leaving the peel on adds texture, flavor, fiber, and nutrients, and it saves time. Just be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
• Cutting: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to cut your potatoes into even-sized fries. This will ensure that your fries cook evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch for skinny fries or 1/2 inch for thicker-cut fries.
• Soaking: Soaking your potato sticks in cold water for at least 20 minutes (or even overnight) helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.

Soaking the potatoes

While some recipes call for cold water, others suggest using hot or very hot water. The hot water method is said to give the potatoes a "double-fried" effect, resulting in highly addictive fries. If you opt for cold water, it's recommended to soak the potatoes for at least 20 minutes, but you can also leave them in the refrigerator overnight for an even longer soak.

Regardless of the water temperature you choose, be sure to pat the potatoes very dry with kitchen or paper towels after soaking. This is an important step to ensure your potatoes crisp up nicely during frying.

If you're short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but your fries may not turn out as crispy. However, if you're aiming for the ultimate crispiness, soaking the potatoes is a crucial step that shouldn't be missed!

Drying the potatoes

First, spread the cut potatoes on paper towels or a lint-free dish towel. It is crucial to ensure that the potatoes are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. This allows for even drying and prevents the potatoes from becoming soggy. Leave them to air dry for at least 10 minutes, or until the surface moisture has evaporated.

Next, use additional paper towels or a clean lint-free dish towel to pat the potatoes dry. This step ensures that any remaining moisture is absorbed. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid breaking the potato pieces. Make sure to pat all sides of the potatoes and get into any crevices or cracks.

Once the potatoes are dried, it is essential to transfer them to a clean, dry bowl. This step prepares the potatoes for the next step, which is usually seasoning and tossing. By using a dry bowl, you prevent any residual moisture from affecting the seasoning process.

Finally, if you are preparing a large batch of potatoes, you may need to repeat the drying process in batches to ensure all potatoes are thoroughly dried. It is crucial to maintain dry conditions and avoid any moisture buildup during the drying process.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your potatoes are adequately dried before proceeding to the next steps in making air fryer fries.

Seasoning the potatoes

The seasoning is what makes your air fryer fries stand out. It's where you can get creative and tailor the flavors to your taste preferences. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potatoes to make the best air fryer fries:

Choose the right type of potatoes:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer fries because they give that classic restaurant french fry flavor and texture. They tend to be larger, yielding longer french fries, and have a fluffy texture on the inside with a crispy exterior. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option and will result in fries that are equally crispy on the outside but have a firmer and creamier inside. They also have a naturally buttery taste, giving the fries a richer flavor.

Soaking the potatoes:

Before seasoning and cooking your potatoes, it's important to soak them in water to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fries. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes, or even longer if you prefer. You can also use hot water to soak the potatoes, which will give them a "double-fried" effect. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with kitchen or paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely during cooking.

Seasoning options:

Now comes the fun part – seasoning your potatoes! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sea salt and pepper: These are the classic seasoning choices for french fries. Use sea salt flakes or powdered salt for an even distribution of salty flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Add a bit more flavor to your fries with these seasonings.
• Herbs de Provence salt: For a rustic French twist on your fries.
• Cajun seasoning: Give your fries a spicy kick, similar to Five Guys-style french fries.
• Butter, diced garlic, and finely diced parsley: Brush your fries with this mixture in the final 15 minutes of cooking for sinfully rich garlic butter fries.
• Olive oil: While not technically a seasoning, using good quality olive oil as your frying oil can add flavor to your fries. You can also use flavored oils like garlic oil or chile oil.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on your fries for an indulgent touch.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for a hint of heat.
• Smoked paprika: For a smoky flavor that pairs well with the potatoes.
• Ranch: Create a ranch-style fry by adding onion powder and dried dill to your seasoning blend.
• Taco: Try a blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano for a taco-inspired fry.
• Italian: Give your fries an Italian spin with some Italian seasoning.
• Curry: Add a shake or two of curry powder for warm and richly spiced fries.
• Parmesan truffle: Combine truffle salt with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant, restaurant-worthy spin on your fries.

Timing of seasoning:

It's important to season the potatoes just before air frying them. If you add salt too early, it will draw moisture out of the potatoes, and they won't crisp up as well in the air fryer.

Storing seasoned potatoes:

If you want to prepare your seasoned potatoes ahead of time, you can clean, cut, and season them, then keep them completely submerged in cold water in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry before placing them in the air fryer.

Reheating the fries

If you have any leftover fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.

The best way to reheat your fries is to put them back in the air fryer to crisp them up again. Other methods like the oven or microwave won't make your fries crispy again. If your fries are frozen, there is no need to thaw them first, but they may take a minute or two longer to reheat.

You can also keep your fries warm in the oven while you cook the rest of the batch. Set the oven to a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) and place the fries on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This will help to keep them warm and crispy.

Frequently asked questions