Recipe This | Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries (2024)

FAQs

Why are air fryer fries not crispy? ›

While it may seem like a pain, soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes prior to cooking them in the air fryer is essential. The water removes excess starch, allowing the fries to be their crispiest. Instead of soaking them in large bowl of cold water, I like to use hot water to cook the potatoes slightly.

Soaking the potatoes does something magical with the starches—it helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together. This is what I did for the air fryer, too. I soaked these potatoes for about an hour or so, but I've also soaked them for up to 24 hours with no ill effect.

However, a small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture. A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat.

Butternut squash gets tender with slightly crispy edges when it's cooked in the air fryer. The simple seasonings here complement the subtle sweetness from the squash.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place a single layer of fries in the basket of the air fryer (you can also get away with a double layer) and cook for 10-13 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, or until fries are crispy and golden brown.

First let's talk about why cut potatoes need to be immersed in water to begin with. The reason is to prevent the potatoes exposure to air, which causes dehydration, oxidation, and discoloration.

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Cook food in a single layer, in batches

The air fryer is all about — well — air. Meaning, you need to allow for good airflow to create all the browning and crisping the appliance was designed for. As such, you don't want to crowd the food in the basket too much, leaving space for the air to circulate.

Is butternut squash good for you? ›

Butternut squash offers nutritional values like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Health benefits of this winter squash include managing high blood pressure, preventing asthma, and promoting healthy skin and hair. Contrary to the name, winter squash is grown in the summer and harvested in the fall.

Air Fryer Vegetables Tips

If these pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the zucchini and peppers are tender. Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The #1 rule of air frying! In order for the vegetables to become caramelized and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

Don't forget to give the potatoes a thorough wash/scrub. Avoid Cooking Spray – Aersol cooking sprays will damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Tossing the potatoes in olive oil keeps them from sticking. Don't overcrowd the basket – the potatoes need room for the air to circulate and crisp up properly.

If they are still not crispy you might have skipped a step or you might not have let them cool down sufficiently. Make sure to cool them in a single even layer and also make sure that the oil has the right temperature. Or maybe you've used the wrong potatoes to make them.

#7 Why Are My Air Fryer French Fries Dry? This is because your air fryer fries have either been cooked on a temperature that is too high or that you have not soaked them or added enough oil. It's like when you fry onions on a heat that is not hot enough. The onions just won't be as good as if you adjusted the heat.

Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can cause uneven cooking and less crispiness. You may need to cook in batches for best results. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the fries are evenly cooked and crisp on all sides.