Making Waffle Fries In An Air Fryer: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Waffle fries are a delicious snack or side dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and can be made from scratch or store-bought. Making them from scratch involves cutting potatoes into a waffle shape, seasoning them, and then air-frying them. Store-bought frozen waffle fries can be cooked in an air fryer by spraying the air fryer basket with oil, adding the fries in a single layer, and cooking at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Choosing the right oil

When making waffle fries in an air fryer, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point refers to the temperature the oil can withstand before it begins to burn and smoke. If you cook with an oil that has a low smoke point, the oil will burn and your food will take on a charred and burnt flavour.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great choice for air frying as it has a very high smoke point of around 520°F (270°C). It also has a mild flavour and is relatively stable at high temperatures, making it ideal for cooking a wide range of foods. Avocado oil is also available as a spray, which is convenient for coating the air fryer basket and the food.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is another good option for air frying due to its high smoke point of around 448°F (230°C). It has a neutral flavour and can withstand high heat, making it suitable for use in air fryers.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a popular choice for cooking in air fryers due to its high smoke point of around 400°F (204°C) and neutral flavour. It is a versatile oil that can be used for a variety of cooking methods.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is a light, mild-tasting oil with a high smoke point of around 450°F (232°C). It is a good option for air frying a wide range of foods.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point of around 420°F (216°C) and a mild flavour, making it suitable for use in air fryers. It is often used in commercial kitchens.

Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil has a high smoke point of 400°F (204°C) making it safe to use in air fryer cooking.

Extra Light Olive Oil

While extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point, light or extra light olive oil has a smoke point of up to 470˚F (243˚C) and can be safely used in an air fryer.

How to cut the potatoes

To cut potatoes into waffle shapes, you'll need a waffle fry setting on your food slicer or a crinkle potato cutter. Place the potato on a cutting board, laying it lengthwise. After each cut, rotate the potato 90 degrees to create the wafflesection> waffle pattern.

Here's a more detailed, step-by-step guide:

• Place the potato on a cutting board, with the potato laying lengthwise.
• Cut the potato with either a crinkle potato cutter or a food slicer with a waffle fry setting.
• After each cut, rotate the potato 90 degrees to create the waffle fry pattern.
• Repeat this process for all your potatoes.
• As you cut the potatoes, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water. This step is optional but helps to make the potatoes crispier.
• Let the potatoes soak for about 5-10 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and place them on a paper towel. Gently pat them dry. They don't need to be completely dry.

Now that you have your waffle-cut potatoes, you can proceed to season and cook them in your air fryer!

The importance of soaking the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes is an important step in the waffle fry-making process, and it has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes. This is crucial because too much starch can cause the potatoes to stick together during the air frying process, resulting in uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal texture. By soaking the potatoes, you reduce the chances of this happening and make it easier to achieve the coveted French fry crispiness.

The soaking process also plays a role in achieving the desired texture of the waffle fries. When potatoes are soaked in water, they absorb some of the liquid, which can help them become fluffier on the inside and crispier on the outside. This is a result of the starch breakdown and the absorption of water into the potato cells. The longer the potatoes are soaked, the more water they absorb, and the crispier they will be when cooked.

Additionally, soaking the potatoes can also help to remove any dirt or impurities that may be present on the surface of the potatoes. This ensures that the final product is not only tasty but also free from any unwanted particles. It is recommended to soak the potatoes for at least 5 to 10 minutes, but they can be soaked for up to 24 hours if desired.

Another benefit of soaking the potatoes is that it gives you time to prepare the rest of the meal. While the potatoes are soaking, you can work on preparing the seasoning, preheating the air fryer, or even chopping up other ingredients. This helps to streamline the cooking process and ensures that all components of the meal are ready at the same time.

In conclusion, soaking the potatoes is a crucial step in making waffle fries in an air fryer. It helps to improve the texture of the fries, ensures even cooking, and allows for better crispiness. By taking the time to properly soak the potatoes, you'll be rewarded with delicious and crispy waffle fries that your family and friends will love.

How to season the waffle fries

There are many ways to season waffle fries. If you're short on time, you can buy pre-seasoned frozen waffle fries. If you're making them from scratch, you can add your choice of seasoning to the fries before or after cooking them in the air fryer.

If you're making your own seasoning, garlic powder is a popular choice. You can also add salt, onion powder, and black pepper. For a Cajun-style spice mixture, combine all your spices while the potatoes are soaking. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect combination.

For a healthier option, you can simply season the waffle fries with salt and pepper, or just enjoy them plain.

The best dips to serve with waffle fries

Waffle fries are a delicious snack or side dish, and there are plenty of dips to serve alongside them. Here are some ideas for the best dips to serve with your waffle fries:

Zippy Fry Sauce

This is a zesty, tangy dip that pairs perfectly with the fluffy interior and crispy exterior of waffle fries. To make it, simply whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle brine, and Sriracha. This sauce is easy to whip up and will add a burst of flavour to your waffle fries.

Honey-Mustard Dressing

A classic combination, honey and mustard are a match made in heaven when it comes to dips. The sweetness of the honey and the tang of the mustard create a delicious contrast that complements the savoury notes of the waffle fries.

Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

For those who enjoy a sweet and spicy kick, Thai sweet chilli sauce is an excellent choice. It adds a vibrant touch of heat and a touch of sweetness to your waffle fries.

Creamy Fry Sauce

Indulge in a creamy, slightly sweet dipping sauce that will elevate your waffle fries. This sauce includes ingredients such as yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and garlic powder. It's a simple yet mouthwatering combination that will have you coming back for more.

Sriracha Mayo

A spicy and creamy combination of Sriracha and mayonnaise creates a dip that is perfect for those who enjoy a kick of heat. The cool creaminess of the mayo balances the spiciness of Sriracha, making it an addictive dip for your waffle fries.

Freshly Grated Parmesan and Black Pepper

For a more savoury and cheesy option, freshly grate some Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over your waffle fries. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to taste, and you'll have a flavourful and aromatic dip that's hard to resist.

Frequently asked questions