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Air Fryer Cottage Fries

Name: Air Fryer Cottage Fries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 large Russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

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Air Fryer Cottage Fries are a great and easy side dish; they are comfort food. These are perfectly seasoned and one of the easiest potato recipes.

I love a great air fryer potato recipe, they are budget-friendly and a family favorite, and usually, in my house, if I am serving anything with a dip, it is kid-friendly. The best thing about these cottage fries is that they crisp up nicely in the air fryer and need hardly any seasoning.

Cottage Fries roast up perfectly in the air fryer, simple and absolutely delicious. These go perfectly with a simple Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich or Air Fryer BBQ Ribs.

What Are Cottage Fries?

They are a different way to cut potatoes if you have never heard of them. They are called cottage fries because they resemble tiles on a cottage’s roof.

This makes for a great Air Fryer Loaded Cottage Fry Snack, so if you are looking for something as a fun appetizer and looks great serving, this is one of my go-to’s.

Can You Cook Cottage Fries In Air Fryer

Yes, you can definitely cook cottage fries in an air fryer! Cottage fries are thick-cut potato slices that are often seasoned and fried until crispy and tender. Using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, requiring less oil while achieving a crispy texture.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cottage Fries

Are you looking for a delicious snack that’s easy to make and uses healthier ingredients? Look no further than air fryer cottage fries! Air frying lets you get crispy, flavorful potatoes without much oil. With just the right combination of ingredients, this classic comfort food becomes an irresistible dish that the whole family can enjoy.

Below we will discuss the various elements you’ll need to create scrumptious air-fried cottage fries in your kitchen.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are chosen for their ideal texture when air-fried. Their high starch content makes them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, resulting in perfectly cooked cottage fries.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a subtle richness and ensures that the potato slices get an even oil coating for a crispy finish.
Kosher Salt: A fundamental seasoning that brings out the potatoes’ natural flavors and enhances the cottage fries’ taste.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a hint of spiciness and complexity to the fries, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
Paprika (Optional): Paprika provides a mild smokiness and a pop of color, making the cottage fries visually appealing.
Garlic Powder (Optional): Garlic powder imparts a gentle garlic taste without chopping or mincing fresh garlic.
Onion Powder (Optional): Onion powder adds a touch of onion flavor without altering the texture of the fries.
Cooking Spray (Optional): For a lighter option, cooking spray can coat the potatoes instead of olive oil.

How to Make Cottage Fries In Air Fryer

Do you love the taste of cottage fries but don’t want to go through all the steps and use all the oil necessary for traditional deep-frying? Then this post is for you! Learn how to easily make savory, crunchy cottage fries in your air fryer. Crafted with simple pantry staples and seasonings, these handmade treats will surely hit any weeknight meal or gathering. Plus, it comes together quickly, so you can always have some deliciousness ready quickly. Prepare to fry up these golden beauties – they’re worth every bite!

Note: The easiest way to make these cottages fries is with a mandoline slicer, then cutting them about a quarter-inch thick using a slicer.

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Leaving the skin on, cut the potatoes into thick slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the slices relatively uniform for even cooking.

Soak the Potato Slices (Optional): If you have extra time, soak the potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps in achieving crispier fries. After soaking, drain and pat the potato slices dry with paper towels.

Season the Potato Slices: Add the potato slices to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss them gently to coat the slices evenly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder over the potatoes. Toss again until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.

Air Fry the Cottage Fries: Place the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching or overcrowded. Cook the cottage fries in batches if necessary. Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the potato slices and the desired crispiness.

Check for Doneness: Look for a golden brown and crispy exterior to check if the cottage fries are done. You can also test for doneness by poking a fork or toothpick into a potato slice; it should be tender inside.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cottage fries are perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish or a satisfying snack. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful air-fried cottage fries!

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fried Cottage Fries

Here are some pro tips to ensure you achieve the best air-fried cottage fries:

Soak the Potato Slices: After cutting the potato slices, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps the fries become crispier when air-fried.
Thoroughly Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, pat the potato slices dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Dry potatoes will crisp up better in the air fryer.
Evenly Cut Potato Slices: Cut the potato slices as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate. This helps avoid some fries becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Use the Right Potato Thickness: Aim for uniform slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices may take longer, while thinner slices might become too crispy or even burn.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the potato slices. This helps create a hot cooking environment for better crisping.
Add a Little Cornstarch: Tossing the potato slices in a small amount of cornstarch before air-frying can give the fries an extra crunchy texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fry. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
Shake the Basket: Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Use High Heat: Air fry the cottage fries at a higher temperature (around 400°F/200°C) for the best results. This promotes a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the fries during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from overcooking or burning.
Season Immediately After Cooking: For maximum flavor, season the hot cottage fries as soon as they come out of the air fryer. This allows the seasoning to adhere better to the fries.
Serve Immediately: Air-fried cottage fries are best enjoyed immediately to preserve their crispy texture. Serve them hot as a delightful side dish or snack.

Following these pro tips you’ll elevate your air-fried cottage fries to a new level of crispiness and flavor. Enjoy your perfectly cooked and seasoned fries with your favorite dipping sauce! 🍟😋

What To Serve Cottage Fries With

Some of the best things to serve cottage fries with are:

Sour Cream
Homemade Ketchup
Fry Sauce

FAQs:

Can I use other types of potatoes for air-fried cottage fries?

Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, russet potatoes are preferred for their high starch content, which yields a crispier texture.

How do I prevent the air-fried cottage fries from sticking to the basket?

To prevent sticking, lightly coat the potato slices with olive oil or cooking spray before air-frying. Ensure they are spread in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket.

Can I make air-fried cottage fries ahead of time?

While cottage fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the potato slices ahead of time and store them in cold water in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air-fry them.

How do I reheat leftover air-fried cottage fries?

Reheat leftover cottage fries in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400°F (200°C) to regain their crispy texture.

Are air-fried cottage fries healthier than traditional deep-fried fries?

Yes, air-fried cottage fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries as they require less oil for cooking, resulting in fewer calories and less fat.

Can I freeze uncooked potato slices for later use?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked potato slices in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them before air-frying, and note that frozen fries may require slightly longer cooking time.

Can I use frozen pre-cut fries in the air fryer?

While you can use frozen pre-cut fries, the results may not be as crispy as freshly cut potato slices. It’s best to cut your potatoes for the crispiest air-fried cottage fries.

What dipping sauces pair well with air-fried cottage fries?

Air-fried cottage fries go well with dipping sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Can I add other seasonings to the cottage fries?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Experiment with different herbs, spices, or even cheese to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I cook other vegetables in the air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is versatile and can cook various vegetables. Try zucchini, sweet potato, or butternut squash fries for a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.

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FARBERWARE CLASSIC COLOR 6-PIECE NON-STICK RESIN KNIFE SET, 0, RED/GREEN/PURPLE