What makes potatoes fluffy inside and crispy outside?

Name: Air fryer crispy fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: north-american
Ingredients: 700 g potatoes; 15 ml olive oil; 2.5 ml salt; 2.5 ml garlic powder; 1.25 ml black pepper

Potatoes get fluffy inside because starch granules absorb water and swell when heated, a process called gelatinization. At the surface, high heat drives off moisture and dehydrates the outer layer into a brittle crust. To maximize the contrast, dry the potato well before cooking and use high heat — moisture on the surface delays crust formation.

Air Fryer Beginner 40 min

Air fryer crispy fries

Air fryer fries that are crispy outside and fluffy inside — ready in 25 minutes with 90% less oil than deep-frying.

Steps

01
Peel the potatoes and slice them into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick sticks. Rinse in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain well and pat completely dry.
02
In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F), then place the seasoned sticks in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
04
Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the fries. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Air fryer crispy fries

What makes potatoes fluffy inside and crispy outside?

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