Air Fryer French Fries - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Why don t my fries get crispy in air fryer? ›

It's essential that you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that you leave a little space between each one. If they're too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won't get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you'll likely need to work in batches.

Using an air fryer is an excellent and easy way to give your fries that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch. Simply set your air fryer to 350 degrees, then place your leftover fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. Heat them for three to five minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness.

While it may seem like a pain, soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes prior to cooking them in the air fryer is essential. The water removes excess starch, allowing the fries to be their crispiest. Instead of soaking them in large bowl of cold water, I like to use hot water to cook the potatoes slightly.

To ensure that your frozen French fries cook evenly and become crispy, it's important to spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the fries to cook unevenly and become soggy.

Soggy fries have usually either been cooked in oil that isn't hot enough, or were cooked in too large a batch, overcrowding the pan and reducing the heat. The secret to getting tasty French fries that are crisp on the outside and nice and fluffy on the inside is to fry them twice.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying helps remove excess starch from the surface. This can result in crispier and more evenly cooked potatoes, as excess starch can cause them to stick together or become gummy during the cooking process.

Put the potatoes into a dry bowl and add oil, salt, and any other seasonings you like. Stir well until they are coated. Air fry in batches. Preheat the air fryer and “fry” those fries until they are golden brown.

Should frozen fries be thawed before air frying? ›

No need to thaw — that's one of the reasons I love to air fry frozen French fries! Just like in the oven, you can cook them straight from the freezer. The difference is that they are ready in about half the time!

Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

Place frozen fries in a bowl and season with olive oil and salt. Mix well to coat the fries as evenly as possible with the oil and salt . Place fries in air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking once halfway.

Wash your potatoes after cutting them or better yet soak them in water for about 10-20 minutes if you have time. This step gets rid of the excessive starch on the outside of potatoes, which in turn prevents them from sticking together in the air fryer and helps with crisping up.

Tips For The Best Air Fryer Potatoes

Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Air should be able to circulate around the potatoes to make them crisp. Overcrowding the potatoes in the basket will cause uneven cooking. Make them in batches if you need to.

Firstly, if your potatoes are still wet before being placed into an air fryer, this can cause your potatoes not to crispen up.