My mom's comment about soggy fries changed how I cook potatoes

She told me my air fryer fries were limp and sad compared to the ones I made in the deep fryer. She was right. I started soaking cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying them off and tossing them in a tablespoon of oil. Now they come out crispy at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Has anyone else had to adjust their method after getting feedback from a picky eater?

2 comments

2 Comments

quinn_nguyen19d ago

Honestly the soak is the key move here. I do 45 minutes in ice water then pat them bone dry with paper towels. Also try tossing them in a tiny bit of cornstarch along with the oil - game changer for getting that crunch. Your mom called it right, air fryers just can't replicate that deep fryer magic without a little prep work first. I also shake the basket halfway through and spray a little more oil on them cause they soak it up fast.

kim.wren19d ago

Gently patting them bone dry is key, but I'd skip the ice water soak myself since it can make the inside a little gummy instead of fluffy. Just my experience though, your mileage may vary.