Air fryers have quickly become an indispensable kitchen appliance in many households and are frequently used to create French fries – one of the most beloved food products ever! When used properly, air frying produces fries with crisp exteriors that remain soft and fluffy interiors; their lower fat content also means lower caloric intake overall than when using traditional deep fryers or ovens; though crispyness may differ depending on various factors.
At its core, potato variety can influence the crispiness of fries – Russet, Idaho or Yukon gold are ideal choices – while cooking times will differ between batches; thicker-cut fries will take longer. Furthermore, how many fries are cooked at one time also has an impactful on its crispiness: too many fries could overcrowd a basket and lead to uneven results in terms of crispiness.
Few tips can help you craft air fryer fries that are extra crispy. Soak the fries in cold water beforehand, as this helps remove some of the excess starch and produce crispier fries – this step is especially crucial if using crinkle cut fries!
After soaking, dry the fries thoroughly before placing them into an air fryer. Shaking the basket several times throughout the cooking process can also ensure all fries receive equal crispiness levels. Finally, do not overload the air fryer basket, as too much fries will prevent hot air from circulating properly and thus lead to uneven or less than ideal results.
Prior to adding fries, it’s also wise to pre-heat your air fryer. This will enable the potatoes to heat quickly and more evenly brown the fries. Also don’t be shy to experiment when it comes to seasoning your air fryer fries: just adding some garlic powder or paprika can bring added depth of flavor!
Air fryer French fries make the perfect side dish to any meal! From salmon and chicken breast, to oven-roasted legs and sandwiches and salads. Reheating leftovers in an air fryer gives them that special crunchiness you simply won’t find elsewhere!