Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak potatoes in water before air frying? ›

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.

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.

In order for the seasoning to stick well to the fries, you need to toss the dried fries in some oil first (very small amount) and then toss in seasoning. This way the oil and spices create a nice coat on the fries. There is no need to preheat the air fryer.

However, a small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture. A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat.

Soaking potatoes in cold water can help release some of their starch and yield a crispy fry. That being said, I find it is not necessary when using the air fryer as the air gets hot enough to get them crispy. I have never soaked my potatoes and we get crispy fries all the time. If you want to try it, feel free to.

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

2. Make Sure Your Food Is Dry. Especially if you're frying a recipe with a marinade, make sure you pat your food dry before putting it in the fryer. The drier your food is when it goes in, the crispier it'll be when it comes out.

Preheating is also a good idea to achieve a crispy and crunchy texture with fried or breaded foods. This could be good for freezer foods, such as chicken cutlet patties, chicken tenders, fries, or Tator Tots.

Yes, butter can replace oil in an air fryer. Use melted butter, brushing it lightly on the food you're cooking. Butter enhances flavor, making dishes richer and juicier, and helps with heat transfer as the air fryer's fan circulates air. However, butter's lower smoke point means it burns quickly and may produce smoke.

Working in batches if necessary, put the fries in an even layer in the air fryer basket with no overlapping and cook, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, 14 to 16 minutes.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer? ›

And they tolerate high heat well. For example, deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil and grapeseed oil are good choices. Other oils are fragrant and have a stronger taste.

Issue: One of the most common problems with air fryers is the unit not heating up as it should, which results in undercooked or unevenly cooked food. Solution: Ensure that the air fryer is placed on a flat, stable surface. Also, make sure the basket is securely inserted and that the food is not overcrowded.

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 the sliced potatoes in water helps to draw out some of the starch from the middle of the potato, resulting in a sturdier, crispier French fry.

Dry your potatoes completely before adding oil.

This allows the oil to stick to the potato whereas if it's still wet, it will repel it and they could turn soggy.

The reason is to prevent the potatoes exposure to air, which causes dehydration, oxidation, and discoloration. Immersing cut potatoes will also help rinse off excess starch.