Make sure to soak the potatoes before baking them in the air fryer. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes helps remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, resulting in crispier fries. The starch can make the fries stick together and prevent them from achieving a crispy texture. After soaking, it is important to dry the potatoes thoroughly before cooking, since excess moisture on the surface of the potatoes can hinder the crisping process.
For perfectly cooked and crispy fries, make sure to place the potato sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. This allows the hot air to circulate and helps you shake or toss the fries midway through cooking. Doing this ensures that your fries brown evenly and turn out deliciously crispy.
You will be amazed at how easy it is to make delicious and crispy fries with an air fryer. Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions so you can achieve that perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft interior every time.
Baking potatoes
|
750 g |
---|---|
Neutral-tasting oil
|
1 tbsp |
Coarse salt
|
2 tsp |
Garlic powder
|
1 tsp |
Dried oregano
|
1 tsp |
Dried thyme
|
1 tsp |
Dried basil
|
1 tsp |
Paprika
|
½ tsp |
Ground cayenne pepper
|
¼ tsp |
If you are a fan of delicious, golden-brown fries with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, then you must give homemade fries made in an air fryer a try. With an air fryer, you can achieve that satisfying crunch without the need for excessive oil or the hassle of deep frying.
Enjoy them as a snack or side dish, paired with your favourite dipping sauce. You can also go the classic Britain way with delicious fish and chips, making everything in the air fryer, serving up crispy fish and perfect fries with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
If you want to try out other tasty side dishes made in an air fryer, we have a bunch of delicious options for you. Give our crispy air fryer cauliflower, or tasty air fryer broccoli fries a shot. And if you are in the mood for a classic combination, serve your fries with an air-fried whole chicken or go for the ever-popular air fryer chicken nuggets.
The combination of the fries’ crispy texture and tantalising seasonings takes classic fries to a whole new level. When you add spices like garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, paprika, and cayenne pepper before cooking, they infuse the potatoes with a delightful combination of aromas and flavours. Each spice brings its unique taste, whether it is the warmth of garlic powder, the smokiness of paprika, or the slight heat of cayenne pepper. They work together to enhance the natural flavours of the potatoes, making every bite more interesting and satisfying.
To achieve the perfect balance of texture in your fries from the inside out, selecting the right potatoes is essential. Opting for starchy varieties that are perfect for baking like Russet or Yukon Gold is key to achieving the desired result. These types of potatoes have a higher starch content, making them ideal for creating fries with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. The starch in these potatoes helps hold in moisture, so they don't get too dry or grainy.
If you are feeling like experimenting, there are countless ways to elevate these irresistibly crispy potatoes. Instead of sticking to the traditional side dish approach, you can draw inspiration from loaded fries and jazz them up with a variety of toppings. Whether it is melted cheese and crispy bacon bits, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, or slices of creamy avocado, the possibilities are truly endless.
For those who prefer the classic experience, exploring different dipping sauces can take your fries to new heights of flavour. Whether you opt for homemade condiments or store-bought favourites, such as chipotle mayo, sriracha aioli, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup, the world of dipping sauces is wide open.