Have you heard of the air fryer? This innovative kitchen appliance is currently on everyone's lips because it allows you to prepare crispy fries and other delicious dishes with significantly less fat. Learn why the air fryer is a healthy alternative to the conventional deep fryer or oven, and discover tips and recipes to get the most out of this kitchen appliance!
Air fryer: The healthy alternative for crispy fries
Many things that taste really good are often not particularly healthy. But with an air fryer, you can enjoy delicious dishes like French fries that are low in fat yet still crispy. Thanks to the innovative technology, hot air is circulated through the device at up to 75 km/h, cooking and browning the food evenly – without the need for an oil bath.
The advantages at a glance:
- Up to 90% less fat compared to conventional deep fryers.
- No unpleasant smell of hot fat.
- Easy cleaning due to minimal residue.
- Healthier cooking without the formation of acrylamide, as can occur with conventional deep fryers.
French fries from the air fryer: Perfectly crispy
Whether homemade or frozen, French fries from the air fryer impress with their taste and texture. Unlike oven-baked fries, they turn out evenly golden brown and crispy in the air fryer without becoming dry.
How to make the perfect fries:
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel waxy potatoes (e.g. Ditta or Laura) and cut into 10 mm thick sticks.
- Remove starch: Rinse the potato sticks thoroughly with cold water to remove excess starch.
- Drying: Dry potatoes with a kitchen towel to achieve a crispy crust.
- Add oil: Mix the sticks well in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of rapeseed or sunflower oil.
- Cooking: Place the fries in the air fryer's cooking basket and cook at 180°C for about 25–30 minutes. Shake the basket once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Pro tip: Blanch the potatoes in 60°C warm water before cooking – this helps the starch stick better and makes the fries extra crispy.
Healthy and delicious: Why the hot air fryer is so convincing
The air fryer is not only a master at preparing fries, but also a versatile appliance for other foods. Whether vegetable chips, chicken fillets, or even sweet creations—the possibilities are almost endless.
Did you know? Air-fried fries are not only lower in fat, but they also retain the potatoes' natural vitamins and nutrients because they don't come into direct contact with hot oil.
Origin of French fries: Belgium vs. France
The origin of French fries remains a matter of debate to this day. While the French claim that the crispy potatoes originated on the Pont Neuf in Paris, the Belgians consider them their national dish. Ultimately, however, it's not the origin that counts, but how they're prepared—and this is where the air fryer excels.
Recipe: Homemade French fries for 2–3 people
Ingredients:
- 600 g waxy potatoes (e.g. Ditta, Laura, Annabelle)
- 1 tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil
- Salt to taste
Preparation:
- Peel potatoes and cut into 10 mm thick sticks.
- Remove starch by rinsing thoroughly and then dry the pencils.
- Mix potatoes with oil and place in the air fryer.
- Cook at 180°C for 30 minutes, shaking the basket several times during this time.
- After cooking, season with salt and serve immediately to avoid mushy meat.
Conclusion: Healthy fries made easy
Whether freshly prepared or frozen, the air fryer makes French fries quick, crispy, and, above all, healthy. This appliance is a great addition to any kitchen and perfect for anyone who enjoys healthy food.