Have you heard of the air fryer? This innovative kitchen appliance is all the rage right now because it allows you to prepare crispy fries and other delicious treats with significantly less fat. Find out why the air fryer is a healthy alternative to the traditional 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 very healthy. But with an air fryer, you can enjoy delicious dishes like French fries with little fat and still crispy. Thanks to innovative technology, hot air is circulated through the appliance at speeds of up to 75 km/h, ensuring that the food is cooked and browned evenly – all without oil.
The advantages at a glance:
- Up to 90% less fat compared to conventional fryers.
- No unpleasant smell of hot fat.
- Easy cleaning due to minimal residue.
- Healthier cooking without acrylamide formation, as can occur with normal deep fryers.
French fries from the air fryer: Perfectly crispy
Whether homemade or frozen, French fries from an air fryer impress with their taste and texture. Unlike oven-baked fries, they become evenly golden brown and crispy in an air fryer without drying out.
Here's how to make perfect fries:
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel firm-cooking potatoes (e.g. Ditta or Laura) and cut them 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 tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil.
- Cooking: Place the fries in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for approximately 25–30 minutes. Shake the basket once or twice during cooking to ensure even results.
Pro tip: Blanch the potatoes in 60°C warm water before cooking – this helps the starch adhere better and makes the fries extra crispy.
Healthy and delicious: Why the air fryer is so convincing
The air fryer isn't just a master at making fries; it's also a versatile appliance for other foods. Whether vegetable chips, chicken fillets, or even sweet creations – the possibilities are virtually endless.
Did you know? French fries from an air fryer are not only lower in fat, but also retain the natural vitamins and nutrients of the potatoes, as they do not come into direct contact with hot fat.
Origin of French fries: Belgium vs. France
The origin of French fries remains a subject of debate. While the French claim that the crispy potatoes originated on the Pont Neuf in Paris, the Belgians consider fries their national dish. Ultimately, however, it's less about their origin and more about how they are prepared – and this is where the air fryer truly shines.
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 the potatoes and cut them into 10 mm thick sticks.
- Remove starch by rinsing thoroughly and then dry the pencils.
- Mix the potatoes with oil and place them in the air fryer.
- Cook at 180 °C for 30 minutes, shaking the basket several times during this time.
- Season with salt after cooking and serve immediately to prevent mushy conditions.
Conclusion: Healthy fries made easy
Whether freshly prepared or frozen – with an air fryer, French fries turn out quickly, crispy, and above all, healthy. The appliance is a great addition to any kitchen and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy food consciously.
