Learn how to make homemade air fryer curly fries from scratch. Made with spiralized raw potatoes and delicious seasoning, these make for a perfect side dish or snack. If you’re in a rush and want to use frozen curly fries in the air fryer, we’ve got you covered as well.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: These air fryer curly fries are perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, giving you a deliciously savory and smoky taste in every bite.
- Healthier option: Using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy, golden fries with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Quick and easy: With the help of a spiralizer, these curly fries come together in no time. Whether you're making them from scratch or using frozen curly fries, the air fryer ensures they cook up quickly and evenly.
- Versatile snack or side: Perfect as a side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats, these curly fries are also fantastic as a snack on their own. Add your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
- Homemade goodness: There's something satisfying about making your own fries from scratch. You'll love the freshness and the ability to control the seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Russet potatoes: These are the ideal choice for fries due to their high starch content, which helps achieve that perfect crispiness. If you don't have Russet potatoes, you can use Yukon Golds or another starchy variety.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. Sea salt or kosher salt can also be used.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These add a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fries. If you prefer fresh garlic or onion, you can finely mince it and use it in moderation.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat can be used as substitutes.
- Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the fries in the air fryer while adding a bit of richness. Any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, can be used if you prefer.
- Spiralizer: This tool is key for creating those fun, curly shapes. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can slice the potatoes into regular fries or use a julienne peeler for thinner, straight fries.
- Frozen Curly Fries: If you're in a hurry, frozen curly fries are a great alternative. Simply adjust the cooking time according to our instructions, or the package instructions and enjoy the convenience without compromising on taste. You can sprinkle them with the above seasoning halfway through cooking.
Step by Step
1. Spiralize the potatoes.
- Peel potatoes and cut the ends off in a straight line. Using the curly fry spiralizer setting (larger shredding holes), spiralize the potatoes. Make sure to attach them right in the center on each side and press in on the handle when moving it forward. Discard the smaller bits of potatoes, you can freeze them to use in a soup later.
2. Soak the potatoes
- Add potato spirals to a large bowl with cold water and soak for 15 minutes. This helps to remove some of the starch from the surface. Pour the water out of the bowl and rinse out any excess starch. Pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel and place them back in the bowl.
3. Add the flavor.
- Drizzle potatoes with oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Air fry curly fries from raw
- Preheat the air fryer to 395 F/ 200 C for 3-4 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil and spread the potato spirals evenly on the bottom. They can overlap slightly but don't overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry the fries for 7-8 minutes, turning the spirals over halfway through. If you like them extra crispy, you can leave them in for an extra minute or two.
4. Air fry frozen curly fries.
Remove the frozen curly fries from the packaging. There's no need to thaw them. Place the frozen curly fries in the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer for the best results. Cook the curly fries at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
Also read: What Are The Pros And Cons Of An Air Fryer?
Video Instructions
Expert Tips
- Russet potatoes are ideal for fries due to their high starch content, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Yukon Golds are a good alternative if you prefer a slightly creamier interior.
- When using a spiralizer, try to create even spirals. This ensures uniform cooking, preventing some fries from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked. The secret is to attach the potato right in the middle.
- If making curly fries from scratch, soak the spiralized potatoes in cold water for at least 15 minutes. This removes excess starch from the surface, resulting in crispier fries. Drain and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning.
- Always preheat the air fryer when cooking fries. This ensures they start cooking immediately upon contact with the hot air, leading to a crisper exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or use tongs to toss the fries. This promotes even cooking and browning on all sides.
- For frozen fries, season immediately after they come out of the air fryer. For homemade fries, you can season them before cooking, but adding a final sprinkle of salt or seasoning after cooking enhances the flavor.
- Air fryers can vary in cooking times. Start checking if they are cooked a few minutes before the end of the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with seasonings: While a classic blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika is delicious, feel free to get creative. Try adding Parmesan cheese, truffle salt, or a dash of cayenne pepper for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush it with a little oil before adding the fries. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking also helps prevent sticking.
Ensure you're not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to soggy fries. Also, make sure the potatoes are thoroughly dried if you're making them from scratch, and lightly coat them with oil before cooking.
Soaking spiralized potatoes in cold water for 15-30 minutes removes excess starch from the surface of the spirals and can help achieve a crispier texture. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.
Typically, frozen curly fries take about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crisping. Adjust the time as needed depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness.
Yes, you can reheat leftover curly fries in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the fries for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're hot and crispy.
Classic seasonings include salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can also experiment with other flavors like Parmesan cheese, truffle salt, Cajun seasoning, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
While you can air fry without oil, using a small amount of oil helps achieve a crispier texture. Lightly toss the fries in olive oil or another neutral oil before cooking.
Yes, sweet potatoes can be spiralized and air-fried. Follow similar steps, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes may require a slightly longer cooking time to become crispy.
Let the air fryer cool completely before cleaning. Remove the basket and tray, and wash them with warm, soapy water. For stubborn residue, let them soak for a few minutes. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth, and avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the non-stick coating.
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Air Fryer Curly Fries (Homemade & From Frozen)
Equipment
- Vegetable Spiralizer
- Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex Plus
- Large bowl
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 lb Russet potatoes, peeled and both ends cut off flat (about 450-500 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Spiralize the potatoes. Peel potatoes and cut the ends off in a straight line. Using the curly fry spiralizer setting (larger shredding holes), spiralize the potatoes. Make sure to attach them right in the center on each side and press in on the handle when moving it forward. Discard the smaller bits of potatoes, you can freeze them to use in a soup later.
- Soak the potatoes. Add potato spiralize to a large bowl with cold water and soak for 15 minutes. This helps to remove some of the starch from the surface. Pour the water out of the bowl and rinse out any excess starch. Pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel and place them back in the bowl.
- Add the flavor. Drizzle potatoes with oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Air fry curly fries from raw. Preheat the air fryer to 395 F/ 200 C for 3-4 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil and spread the potato spirals evenly on the bottom. They can overlap slightly but don't overcrowd the basket. Air fry the fries for 7-8 minutes, turning the spirals over halfway through. If you like them extra crispy, you can leave them in for an extra minute or two.
- Air fry frozen curly fries. Remove the frozen curly fries from the packaging. There's no need to thaw them. Place the frozen curly fries in the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer for the best results. Cook the curly fries at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
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