Frying Fries: Air Fryer Temperature Tips And Tricks

Air fryers are a great way to cook fries, but getting the temperature right can be tricky. The temperature you cook your fries at will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the type of fries you're cooking, and how crispy you like them. In this article, we'll explore the best temperatures for cooking fries in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to get the perfect results every time.

Parboiling the fries before placing them in the air fryer

• Cut your potatoes into fries of your desired thickness.
• Place the cut potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and parboil the potatoes for about 5 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a baking tray lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess moisture. Allow the fries to cool completely and dry out for a couple of hours.
• Once dry, place the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius and cook for 10-15 minutes. This step cooks the inside of the fries without making them crispy on the outside.
• After the initial cook, increase the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius and add a small amount of your favourite oil to the air fryer. Cook for another 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• Flip the fries halfway through the final cooking stage to ensure even crispiness.
• Remove the fries from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dipping sauce!

Note: It's important to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before adding oil, as this will ensure the oil sticks to the fries properly and creates that delicious crispy texture.

The temperature to cook the fries at

The temperature you cook your fries at in an air fryer depends on the type of fry you want. For crispy fries, you should cook them at 400 °F (200 °C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket and cooking for another 5-10 minutes until crispy. You can also cook them at 350 °F (176.6 °C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then increasing the temperature to 400 °F (200 °C) for another 15-18 minutes. If you want your fries to be cooked on the inside without being crispy on the outside, you can cook them at 150 °C for 10-15 minutes. It's worth noting that toaster oven-style air fryers run hotter than basket-style, so you should reduce the temperature by 20-25 °F when using a toaster-style air fryer.

How long to cook the fries for

The cooking time for fries in an air fryer depends on the type of fry and the desired crispiness. For example, frozen fries will take around 15-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Freshly cut fries will take around 10 minutes to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're looking for crispy fries, there are a few extra steps you can take. First, make sure your potatoes are dry before adding any oil. This will ensure that the oil sticks to the fries properly. You can also try parboiling your fries for about 5 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to cook the inside without making them crispy on the outside.

After the initial cooking time, you can increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 15-18 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, be sure to shake the fries occasionally to prevent them from sticking.

It's important to keep an eye on your fries during the cooking process to prevent overcooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, so adjust the time as needed.

The type of oil to use

When it comes to the type of oil to use, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air fryer chips. You can also use your favourite oil, as one source suggests. It's important to make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding any oil, as this will ensure the oil sticks to the fries properly.

You don't need to use much oil when cooking chips in an air fryer. One source recommends just a small amount, while another suggests a light spray of olive oil.

If you're using frozen fries, you can sprinkle them with salt and spray them with olive oil before putting them in the air fryer.

It's worth noting that some recipes don't call for any oil at all. One recipe suggests par-boiling the potatoes, drying them, and then placing them in the air fryer with no oil.

Whether to preheat the air fryer

When cooking fries in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Preheating the air fryer helps to create a consistent cooking environment, allowing the fries to cook through evenly.

While some recipes may suggest that preheating is not necessary, taking a few minutes to preheat your air fryer can make a significant difference in the final result. This is especially true if you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, as these tend to run hotter than basket-style models. By preheating, you can better control the cooking temperature and avoid overcooking or burning your fries.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the desired temperature a few minutes before adding the fries. Most air fryers will reach the desired temperature within 2-3 minutes. This short wait ensures that your fries will start cooking immediately upon contact with the hot air, resulting in a crispier exterior and fluffier interior.

However, it is important to note that not all air fryers require preheating. Some models may have a preheat setting, while others may heat up quickly enough that preheating is unnecessary. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

By understanding the benefits of preheating and following the guidelines provided by your air fryer's manufacturer, you can ensure that your fries turn out perfectly every time. Whether you are cooking fresh or frozen fries, preheating the air fryer can help you achieve the ideal texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions