What’s a good air fryer specs for fries?

What are some good specifications for an air fryer focused on making fries?

I’ve tried a few models from TFAL, and while the fries turn out fine, they’re basically the same as what I’d get from cooking in my oven at 450 degrees.

I get that I won’t achieve traditional deep-fryer results without a deep fryer, but I’m looking for something that doesn’t underperform.

Unfortunately, my regular oven is limited to 500 degrees, and my pizza oven is just too narrow to cook a decent batch of fries. Ideally, I want enough capacity to cook an entire 1-pound bag at once.

To note, my oven handles things like mexifries and tater tots really well, and it does a decent job with crinkle-cut fries. However, smaller cut fries seem to come out less cooked and just floppy. I’m not sure why that happens, but it’s frustrating!


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One response to “What’s a good air fryer specs for fries?”

  1. When looking for an air fryer that can deliver better results for fries, there are a few key specs and features to consider:

    1. Temperature Range: While you mentioned your oven maxes out at 500°F, an air fryer that can reach at least 400-450°F should help. Many air fryers go up to 400°F, which is usually sufficient for achieving a nice crisp on fries.

    2. Capacity: Since you want to cook a full pound of fries at once, look for an air fryer with a larger basket, ideally at least 5-6 quarts. This will give you more room to spread the fries out, which is essential for even cooking and browning.

    3. Airflow Design: Air fryers with a powerful fan and good airflow design can help ensure that hot air circulates evenly around the food. Look for models that have a high wattage (around 1500 watts or more) to promote better cooking.

    4. Cooking Functions: Consider models that offer different cooking presets or modes specifically for fries or vegetables. This can take some guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.

    5. Basket Design: A removable, non-stick basket with good airflow holes can make a difference. Consider looking for models where the basket is designed to allow oil and moisture to drip away from the food for crispier results.

    6. Brand and Reviews: Some popular brands for air fryers include Philips, Ninja, and Cosori. Check reviews specifically focusing on how well they cook frozen fries or other small-cut potatoes, as this seems to be a pain point for you.

    7. Pre-Heating Function: Some air fryers come with a pre-heating feature which can help the cooking process, getting you closer to that deep-fried quality.

    You might want to experiment with cooking times and shaking the basket halfway through to ensure more even cooking. It could be beneficial to check out specific cooking guides for the air fryer model you choose, as techniques can vary based on the appliance. Happy frying!

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