Air fryers are a great way to make roast potatoes – and one chef has shared his three-step method for the perfect crunch every time
When it comes to rustling up crispy roast potatoes, air fryers are a game-changer. The swift air circulation replicates the effect of deep frying without the need for copious amounts of oil, reports The Express.
Phillips’ Airfryer chef Martin Senders has a technique that promises top-notch results, saying: “There’s no denying that potatoes – whether roasted, crinkle cut or fries – work brilliantly in the air fryer. However, there’s no reason you can’t improve on a classic.
“From indulgent loaded fries to crisp roast potatoes, there are dozens of ways to dial up the flavour of your favourite side. Philips airfryers feature our patented RapidAir technology which optimises heat circulation – producing crispy, tender and evenly cooked results every time.”
Martin swears by a three-step method for achieving the ultimate crunch in homemade roasties:
1. Dry those spuds
His first rule is to always dry potatoes after chopping them. Martin advised: “Be sure to give them a quick pat with some dry kitchen paper or paper towels, to get them as dry as possible. This helps to remove moisture, paving the way for an extra crispy exterior with that heavenly fluffy inside.
2. Oil them up
Martin’s second tip to be liberal with oil – ensuring that perfect crisp.
3. Don’t overcrowd
Something to consider when air frying roasties is the necessity to cook them in smaller batches if needed. Although not ideal for feeding large crowds, it is feasible to keep spuds warm while cooking other batches if necessary.
Martin cautioned, “Overfilling your air fryer drawer can be tempting when you’re famished, but it can stop the air circulating properly and your roasties getting an even crisp”.
For those occasions when you need to feed a crowd, the chef recommended arranging the potatoes in a criss-cross or lattice pattern in the air fryer. He asserted that “this allows the hot air to circulate fully around them for a deliciously crispy exterior”.
Potato cubes recipe
These simple but delicious potato cubes are quick and easy, making them a great option if you have a smaller air fryer.
Ingredients:
800g of potatoes, floury
1 tbsp of olive oil
½ tsp of salt
Method:
1. Peel and wash the potatoes and cut them into 2cm cubes.
2. Soak the cubes in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
3. Brush or spray them with olive oil.
4. Arrange the potato cubes in an even layer in the basket and slide the basket into the air fryer.
5. Cook in the air fryer for 20 mins at 180C.
6. Shake twice during cooking.
7. Once baked, carefully remove the potato cubes from the device, sprinkle them with salt and serve.