Cooking Query: Do Potatoes Need Oil in Air Fryer
When we are preparing to cook potatoes in an air fryer, we will always be torn about whether to add some oil to them. After all, this seemingly simple choice has an important impact on the cooking result of potatoes and is worthy of careful consideration.
Do you use oil when air frying potatoes?
When frying potatoes with an air fryer, oil is needed, but only a very small amount. For one portion of potato strips, 1-2 teaspoons are enough.
The main purpose of using oil is to make the surface of the potatoes easier to become crispy and at the same time avoid sticking to the frying basket. It is recommended to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil or corn oil, so that it is not easy to produce a burnt smell.
When operating specifically, first dry the cut potatoes, then mix the oil and seasonings evenly and apply them to the surface of the potatoes. When putting them into the air fryer, pay attention to arranging them neatly and try not to overlap. Turning them over in the middle can ensure that each side is crispy.
It is also possible to not use oil at all, but the texture of the final product will be a bit worse. According to experience, using an appropriate amount of oil can not only ensure the texture but also not consume too much oil, which is a relatively ideal approach.
How do I keep potatoes from sticking in my air fryer?
Before putting potatoes into the air fryer, use an oil spray bottle or a silicone brush to apply a thin layer of oil, focusing on the bottom of the frying basket and the surface of the potatoes.
When handling potatoes, first use kitchen paper to absorb the moisture on the surface of the potatoes. Cut potatoes can be coated with starch or flour first. Doing so can not only prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan but also make the skin crispier.
If the potatoes have already stuck to the pan, after the air fryer cools down, soak it in warm water for a while before cleaning. Do not scrape hard, otherwise, it is easy to damage the pan surface.
After using the air fryer usually, clean it in time to keep the frying basket clean, which can also reduce the occurrence of potatoes sticking to the pan.
What are the benefits of using an air fryer to cook potatoes?
Health advantages:
Compared with traditional deep frying, frying potatoes with an air fryer can reduce oil intake by 70-80%. It is healthier and less likely to cause weight gain.
Operational convenience:
It is extremely convenient to operate. You don't need to watch the pan. Just set the timer. There is no splashing of oil. It is also very easy to clean. You only need to wash the frying basket.
Taste performance:
The hot air circulation technology of the air fryer can make the surface of potatoes form a uniform golden color. The crispy outside and soft inside taste is no worse than deep frying at all, and there is no greasiness.
Environmental friendliness:
It is also friendly to the kitchen environment. It will not produce fumes and unpleasant odors. When used in summer, it will not make the room too hot.
Cost advantage:
The usage cost is also low. You don't need to prepare a large amount of cooking oil. Only a little bit is enough at a time.
Can I cut potatoes into different shapes before putting them in an air fryer?
Potatoes can be cut into various shapes and put into the air fryer. The most commonly used shapes are cut into French fries, potato chips, potato chunks and wedges. When cutting, it is recommended to control the thickness at about 1-1.5 centimeters. This way, the heating is more uniform and it is easier to be cooked thoroughly.
It is best to have the cut potato chunks of the same size, which is very important for the final texture. If the sizes are different, small pieces are easy to burn while large pieces are not easy to be cooked thoroughly, affecting the overall texture. French fries and potato chips are suitable for 160-170 degrees Celsius, and potato chunks are suitable for 180-190 degrees Celsius.
Different shapes require different baking times. Potato chips need a shorter baking time, while potato chunks need to be baked for a longer time. Before putting them into the air fryer, you can use kitchen paper to dry the moisture on the surface. This way, the finished product will be crispier.
How does the size of the air fryer affect cooking potatoes?
First of all, it affects the number of potatoes that can be baked. For example, a 3.5-liter air fryer is generally suitable for 1 to 2 people, and an air fryer with a capacity of more than 5 liters is suitable for 3 to 4 people. So choosing the right size is quite crucial. If too many potatoes are put in, they will stack up and the hot air circulation will be affected.
When putting in potatoes, pay attention to the placement. It is best to arrange them in a single layer and leave gaps in the middle to facilitate the passage of hot air. If there is a relatively large amount of potatoes to be baked at one time, it is better to bake them in batches. This can ensure that each potato is fully exposed to hot air.
Larger-sized air fryers often have greater power and heat up faster and more evenly. However, regardless of the size of the air fryer, it is best to turn the potatoes during the baking process to ensure that each side is heated evenly. Only in this way can the potatoes be more delicious.
How to store potatoes fried in an air fryer?
The taste of fried potatoes is best when eaten while they are still hot. But if storage is really necessary, wait until the potatoes are completely cooled down and then put them in a sealed container. If refrigerated, they can be stored for 2 to 3 days.
When storing, be careful not to pile the potatoes together. It is best to spread them out to avoid being softened by mutual compression.
When taking them out to eat, reheat them in an air fryer. Heating for 3 to 5 minutes can restore the crispiness. Set the temperature at around 160 degrees Celsius.
