Air frying has become an increasingly popular way to make crispy and delicious French fries and other potato dishes in record time. While air fryers provide a quick cooking method, proper potato prep is still key for the best results. Soaking raw potatoes before air frying is highly recommended by chefs and air fryer manufacturers for a few important reasons.
Hydrates the Potatoes
Soaking potatoes in water ahead of air frying provides essential hydration. Potatoes are made up of starch granules that absorb liquid when soaked. This helps them cook up light and fluffy inside rather than dry and crunchy.
Without soaking, the high heat of an air fryer can dehydrate potatoes before the insides have a chance to fully cook. Soaking allows moisture to penetrate deep into the middle of potato cuts to ensure thorough, even cooking.
Removes Excess Starch
Soaking also helps remove some of the starch on the outer surface of potatoes. Raw potatoes have a higher starch content that can cause French fries and other potato pieces to stick together when air fried.
By soaking potatoes for 30 minutes to an hour beforehand, you can rinse away excess surface starch for less clumping. This allows the potato cuts to fry up crispy and golden brown without clumping into a mushy mass.
Prevents Oxidation
Soaking sliced or cubed potatoes in water prevents them from oxidizing, or turning an unappealing grayish-brown color. Oxidation occurs when the nutrients and moisture leach out of sliced potatoes when they are exposed to air.
Submerging them in water blocks air exposure and oxidation. This retains their fresh, pale white color until you are ready to cook them, resulting in better appearance.
Best Soaking Methods
The simplest soaking method is to place potato cuts or wedges in a bowl of cold water for 30-60 minutes. You can double or triple the soaking time for whole unpeeled potatoes or large chunks. Change out the water halfway through for maximum effectiveness.
Some people also add vinegar or salt to the soaking water, which can further help remove starch and prevent oxidation. A ratio of 2 tablespoons of vinegar or salt per 4 cups of water is ideal. Be sure to drain and rinse potatoes after soaking to prevent over-salting.
Soaking Times for Potatoes Before Air Frying
| Potato Type | Soaking Time |
|---|---|
| French Fries or Wedges | 30-60 minutes |
| Cubed Potatoes | 30-60 minutes |
| Whole Baby Potatoes | 1-2 hours |
| Whole Russets or Large Potatoes | 2-4 hours |
Should You Soak Other Vegetables?
While soaking is most beneficial for potatoes, it can also improve the air frying results for other starchy root vegetables and veggies with higher water content.
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and turnips have a higher natural sugar content that can cause burning or charring in an air fryer. A quick 15-30 minute water bath can help hydrate them beforehand for better cooking.
Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant and squash have high moisture content. Soaking can help prevent excess drying before the interior is fully cooked through.
More dense vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, peppers or asparagus can be misted with water or have a damp paper towel wrapped around them to mimic hydration effects in the air fryer.
Soaking Helps Crisp Potatoes While Air Frying
If you love crispy baked potato goodness, soaking is an air frying must. Potatoes are the ultimate candidate for water baths before cooking in hot oil-free air thanks to their starchiness.
Take the time to soak cut potatoes in water for 30-60 minutes before air frying, and you will be rewarded with fluffy interiors and super crispy exteriors without fail. Your fries, home fries, tater tots and other potato sides will have that satisfying crunch.
While soaking does add an extra step to the process, it pays off in the end result. Now that you know why it makes such a big difference for spuds, be sure to incorporate this handy trick into your air frying potato preparations.
Conclusion
Soaking potatoes before air frying provides crucial hydration, removes excess starch, and prevents oxidation for better texture, appearance and cooking. Take the time to soak cut potatoes in water for 30-60 minutes, and rinse before air frying. This simple step helps French fries and cubed potatoes cook up fluffy inside and extra crispy outside in the hot air environment. Say goodbye to dried out, crunchy potato disasters, and hello to perfect air fried spuds every time.