Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 4 cups water for soaking
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon chat masala (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub and rinse the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Wipe them dry with paper towels. Peeling is optional, but keeping the skin adds texture and nutrients.
- Cut and Soak: Slice the potatoes into long sticks approximately ⅓ inch thick and 4 inches long to ensure even cooking without breakage. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl with 4 cups of water and let them soak for 15 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Dry the Potatoes: Drain the water and spread the potatoes onto a kitchen towel. Pat them dry completely to prevent sogginess in the air fryer.
- Season the Fries: Transfer the dried potatoes to a clean, dry bowl. Add 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, and ¼ teaspoon garam masala. Toss well until all fries are evenly coated with the spices. Add ¼ teaspoon chat masala if using, for extra tangy flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Fries: Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly and crisscrossing to avoid overlap. For small air fryer baskets, cook in 2 batches. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to cook the fries evenly.
- Optional Crispiness: For extra crunchy fries, continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after the initial time.
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch to achieve crispier fries.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Peeling the potatoes is optional; skins add extra texture and nutrients.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference, especially the chili powder for heat.
- Air fryer temperatures and times can vary, so monitor fries closely towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion / Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian