Olivia Carter
Do you love the crispy, golden goodness of fresh cut French fries? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook perfect French fries using an air fryer. Not only are they healthier than traditional deep-fried fries, but they’re also incredibly easy to make!
One of the best things about cooking French fries in an air fryer is that you only need a small amount of oil. This means that your fries will be significantly lower in fat and calories compared to the deep-fried version. Plus, the air fryer evenly circulates hot air around the fries, giving them a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.
To start, you’ll need some fresh potatoes. Russet potatoes are the best choice for French fries, as they have a high starch content and a fluffy texture. Peel the potatoes and cut them into long, thin strips, about 1/4 inch in thickness. The size of your fries will affect the cooking time, so try to make them as uniform as possible.
Once your potatoes are cut, it’s time to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, place your potato strips in a bowl of cold water. This will help remove any excess starch and prevent them from sticking together during cooking.
How to Prepare Fresh French Fries for Air Frying
French fries are a beloved snack that many people enjoy, and making them fresh at home using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. To prepare fresh French fries for air frying, follow these steps:
1. Choosing the right potatoes: Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are the best choice for making French fries because they have a high starch content, which gives the fries a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.
2. Washing and peeling: Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Peel the potatoes using a potato peeler or a knife, removing any blemishes or dark spots.
3. Cutting into fries: Cut the potatoes into even-sized fries. If you prefer thicker fries, cut them into larger pieces. For thinner fries, slice them into smaller pieces.
4. Soaking in water: Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This removes some of the excess starch and helps the fries become crispy when air fried.
5. Drying the fries: After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Ensuring the fries are dry before air frying will help them cook evenly and become crispy.
6. Preheating the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most air fryers require preheating between 375°F (190°C) to 400°F (200°C) for French fries.
7. Tossing with oil and seasoning: In a separate bowl, coat the dried fries with a small amount of oil (such as vegetable or olive oil) and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, or any other preferred seasoning. Toss the fries gently to evenly distribute the oil and seasoning.
8. Air frying: Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can make the fries cook unevenly. Cook the fries in the preheated air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking.
9. Checking for doneness: After the cooking time is up, check the fries for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft interior. If desired, you can cook them for an additional few minutes for extra crispiness.
10. Serving and enjoying: Once the fries are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade fresh French fries!
Gathering and Cutting Your Fresh Potatoes
Before you can cook fresh cut French fries in an air fryer, you need to gather and prepare your potatoes. Here are the steps to follow:
Gather Fresh Potatoes
Choose firm and unbruised potatoes for the best results. Look for potatoes that are free of green spots or sprouts. Ideally, select potatoes that are medium-sized, as larger potatoes can be difficult to cut evenly.
Try to use potatoes that have a high starch content, such as Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, as they will give you the crispiest fries.
Wash and Peel the Potatoes
Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush if needed to remove any dirt or debris from the skins. After washing, pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
If desired, you can peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. However, leaving the skins on can add extra flavor and texture to your fries.
Cut the Potatoes
Using a sharp knife or a French fry cutter, cut the potatoes into uniform strips. It’s important to cut the fries to a similar size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Aim for fries that are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick. You can cut them into shorter or longer lengths, depending on your preference.
Once you’ve cut all the potatoes, place the fries in a bowl of cold water to soak. This will help remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together when you cook them.
Now that you have gathered and cut your fresh potatoes, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.
Preparing Your French Fries for Cooking
Before you start cooking your fresh cut French fries in the air fryer, it’s important to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to ensure delicious and crisp fries:
1. Wash and Soak
Begin by washing your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help remove excess starch from the potatoes, resulting in crispier fries.
2. Slice to Desired Thickness
Next, cut the potatoes into thin slices to your desired thickness. Generally, thinner fries will become crisper in the air fryer. Ensure that each fry is approximately the same size to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Pat Dry
After slicing the potatoes, pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the fries cook more evenly and become crispier in the air fryer.
Once you have completed these preparation steps, you are ready to cook your fresh cut French fries in the air fryer. Follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific air fryer model, and enjoy crispy and delicious fries!
Cooking the French Fries in the Air Fryer
To cook fresh cut French fries in an air fryer, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).
- Next, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
- After cutting the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This will help remove excess starch and make the fries crispy.
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Next, transfer the dried potato strips to a separate bowl and toss them with a tablespoon or two of oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil of your choice.
- Once the potatoes are evenly coated with oil, season them with salt and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder. Toss to coat.
- Now, place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with space in between for even cooking.
- Cook the fries in the preheated air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fries, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now, your fresh cut French fries are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delicious side dish or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
Questions and Answers
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy and fried texture without the need for excessive oil.
How do I make fresh cut French fries in an air fryer?
To make fresh cut French fries in an air fryer, start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into even-sized sticks or wedges. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Toss the fries in a little bit of oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Can I use frozen French fries in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen French fries in an air fryer. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging of the frozen fries for cooking time and temperature. Generally, you will need to preheat the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and cook the frozen fries for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.
Are air-fried French fries healthier than deep-fried ones?
Yes, air-fried French fries are generally healthier than deep-fried ones. Since air fryers use little to no oil, the fries have significantly fewer calories and less fat. They retain their crispy texture and delicious taste without the greasiness of deep-fried fries.
