WORLD'S BEST AIR FRIES (Weird Trick, But It Works!)

Summary

This video reveals a revolutionary method for making air-fried French fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, rivaling those from a deep fryer. Inspired by Heston Blumenthal's Triple-Cooked Chips, the recipe involves soaking frozen fries, microwaving them for gentle steaming, and air frying at 400°F. The chef emphasizes the importance of roughening the surface and the role of oil in enhancing flavor and maintaining crispiness. With detailed cooking instructions for various fry cuts, this method showcases the perfect blend of science and culinary technique for a delicious treat.

Takeaways

• 😀 Air-fried French fries can achieve a deep-fried texture with a few simple steps, including soaking, microwaving, and air frying.
• 🍟 Using frozen fries with consistent water content and natural sugar levels results in better fries than fresh-cut potatoes.
• 🧑‍🍳 Heston Blumenthal's Triple-Cooked Chips technique is adapted for this recipe, focusing on a light and fluffy interior.
• 🌬️ Air fryers work by sucking air rather than blowing it, allowing for more efficient cooking that mimics deep frying.
• 🥩 The Wireless Predictive Thermometer helps achieve perfectly cooked steak, enhancing the overall steak frites experience.
• 🧊 Soaking frozen fries in warm water creates a roughened surface that contributes to crispiness when cooked.
• ⚡ Microwaving fries steams them in their own moisture, promoting a fluffy texture while being careful not to overcook.
• ⏱️ Cooking times vary based on fry thickness; about 15 minutes is recommended for thick-cut fries in an air fryer.
• 🧂 Seasoning fries with salt and adding oil enhances flavor and helps maintain crispiness after cooking.
• 👌 The resulting fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and provide a satisfying crunch when bitten.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the recipe presented in the video?

The primary goal is to create air-fried French fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, mimicking the texture of deep-fried fries.

What technique is borrowed from Heston Blumenthal's Triple-Cooked Chips?

The technique involves soaking frozen fries in warm water to roughen their surface, which helps achieve a crispy texture when air-fried.

Why is it important to keep the core of the fries frozen during the soaking process?

Keeping the core frozen prevents the fries from becoming mushy and ensures they maintain a fluffy interior while developing a crispy exterior.

How does microwaving the fries contribute to their texture?

Microwaving steams the potatoes, allowing individual potato cells to break down, which contributes to a fluffy interior without overcooking the fries.

What is the ideal air-frying temperature for the fries?

The ideal air-frying temperature for the fries is around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

What role does the air fryer play compared to a convection oven?

An air fryer circulates hot air differently, creating a low-pressure zone that efficiently cooks fries and reduces moisture, leading to a better texture than a convection oven.

What is the significance of seasoning the fries with oil after cooking?

Seasoning with oil enhances the flavor of the fries and helps keep the crust crispy for longer, as fries can absorb a significant amount of oil after cooking.

What happens if the fries are overloaded in the air fryer?

Overloading the air fryer can result in uneven cooking, leading to fries that are hard and crunchy on the outside but hollow on the inside.

How does the frequency spectrum of sound affect our perception of crispiness?

Our brains determine crispiness based on the frequency of sound waves created when biting into food; a shattering sound indicates a crispy texture.

What additional cooking tips are provided for different cuts of fries?

The video mentions that different cuts of fries have varying cooking times, which are recommended at the end of the video for optimal results.