Air frying has become a popular cooking method in recent years because it is a healthier way to prepare food.
While air frying does not use oil, it can still produce foods that are crispy and delicious.
However, there are some things you need to do before air frying potatoes, such as soaking them in water.
Here we will discuss the benefits of soaking potatoes before air frying and provide some tips for how to do it properly.
Why do you have to soak potatoes before air frying?
There are several benefits.
The main one is that it makes them crispier because, during this process, all excess starch will be washed off from the potato surface.
The second benefit would be that it reduces cooking time.
Third, you will get more evenly cooked fries, due to even heat distribution.
And last, but not least benefit would be that it drastically reduces the amount of fat needed for cooking.
And if you really want to show your friends and family members the best French fries, you should check out one of these frozen French fries.
How to soak potatoes in water properly?
First, you need to fill a bowl with cold water and add some salt to it (about 1 tsp per every 3-4 tbsp of water).
Put potatoes in it and leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes before air frying. If you prefer your fries really crispy.
Then change the water every 5 minutes or so.
This way you’ll get rid of even more starch from the potato surface.
What does soaking potatoes before frying do?
Soaking the potatoes in water will make them less likely to stick together and will also make them crispier. (source)
How long do you soak potatoes in cold water before frying?
You should soak the potatoes for at least 30 minutes in cold (with ice) water before frying them.
If you soak them for more than 30 minutes, just keep them in the fridge.
Is it really better to soak potatoes?
Yes, soaking the potatoes removes a small amount of one of the starch molecules.
This makes the mashed potatoes less gluey and pasty.
However, washing or soaking raw potato pieces removes much more amylose, so it’s worth doing this if you’re going to cook them that way. (source)
Should you soak potatoes in saltwater?
Yes, you should.
Because it will make the unwanted moisture go away easily before you cook them.
With that, you will find your potatoes crisp up very nicely without having to worry about overcooking.
How long do you soak potatoes to remove starch?
You soak potatoes in water to get the starch out.
Put them in a container, and keep them there for four hours.
Rinse with cold water after 4 hours.
Cut, slice, or chop the potatoes and they will release more starch. (source)
Is it bad to soak potatoes for more than a day?
Yes, you should not soak potatoes longer than a day.
If you do, they wil lose their flavor and structure. (source)
Why do you soak potatoes in vinegar?
You can soak potatoes in vinegar to make them taste like salt and vinegar chips.
The potatoes will be soft in the middle, but crispy on the outside. (source)
Do soaked potatoes cook faster?
No, they will cook slower in reality.
So, if you’re short in time, don’t cook soaked potatoes.
Why do you soak potatoes in milk?
It is a way to make potatoes taste better.
The milk gives them a richer texture and more body.
But it’s not recommended. (source)
Can I soak potatoes in milk?
No, it is not a good idea to soak potatoes in milk because it can make them too soft.
You should instead boil the potatoes in water, then drain and mash them.
Afterward, add softened butter or warm milk until the potatoes are to your desired consistency.
How long to soak potatoes before boiling?
You can keep peeled and cut potatoes in water for no more than 24 hours.
Conclusion
In summary, air frying potatoes without soaking them first can be a bit of a gamble.
You might end up with fries that are soggy in the middle and burnt on the outside, or ones that are so dry they fall apart when you try to eat them.
Soaking the potatoes beforehand helps to avoid all of these potential problems and results in perfectly crispy, evenly cooked fries every time.
If you’ve never tried air frying your spuds this way before, we encourage you to give it a go – you won’t be disappointed.