Introduction
Can the Instant Pot cook fries? Absolutely! In this article, you’ll discover how to make perfectly steamed, crispy, and delicious Instant Pot fries that are vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free. Whether or not you have an air fryer lid, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to achieve the perfect texture for your fries. So, let’s get started!
Calories, Net Carbs, Protein
Did you know that one serving of Instant Pot Fries contains 138 calories, 15.1 grams of net carbs, and 1.9 grams of protein? These nutritional values do not include any condiments such as ketchup that you might add to enhance the flavor.
Benefits
What makes making french fries in the Instant Pot so great? Here are some reasons why you’ll love this Instant Pot fries recipe:
- Easy side dish: Whip up a batch of fries while you’re preparing your main dish for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. They also make for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Healthy option: These fries are not deep-fried, resulting in a lower-calorie alternative to traditionally prepared fries. Potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C, making them a nutritious choice.
- Suitable for special diets: Our Instant Pot fries recipe is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, whole food plant-based, and gluten-free.
- Delightfully tasty: Crispy, golden fries are a universally loved snack, especially when served with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re a hit with kids too!
Ingredients
To make these Instant Pot fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes: We recommend using Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for the best results. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they are not ideal for making fries.
- Olive oil: You can also use other cooking oils like avocado oil or canola oil.
- Seasoning salt: Customize the flavors to your liking by adding different seasonings like grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or black pepper.
- Water: This is required to create steam in the Instant Pot and cook the fries.
Equipment
To successfully make Instant Pot fries, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Potato peeler: Use a Y-peeler or your preferred peeling tool.
- Knife: A good kitchen knife will help you cut the potatoes into fry shapes.
- Instant Pot: Any Instant Pot model will work.
- Trivet: The metal trivet that comes with most Instant Pots will be necessary for this recipe.
- Oven, air fryer, or air fryer lid: You’ll need one of these options to crisp up the fries.
How to Make Instant Pot Fries
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Instant Pot fries:
- Begin by peeling the potatoes. Aim for approximately 9 ounces (255 grams) of potato.
- Cut the potatoes into fry shapes that are about ¼-inch (0.64 cm) thick and 3½-inches (8.9 cm) long. Feel free to adjust the thickness based on your preference, but keep in mind that the cooking times may vary.
- Place the fries in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle your desired seasoning salt over the fries and give them a good stir to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Inside the Instant Pot, position the trivet at the bottom and add enough water to cover the bottom. Make sure the water level remains below the top of the trivet.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on the trivet, ensuring they are perpendicular to the bars to prevent them from falling into the water.
- Close the Instant Pot with the lid and seal the vent. It’s time to cook!
Cooking Time and Temperature
To cook the fries, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes on high pressure using the “beans chili” setting. Once the cooking time is up, quickly release the pressure.
At this point, your fries will be soft and steamed. For that perfect crispiness, transfer the fries to a metal baking sheet and broil them in the oven. Alternatively, if you have an air fryer or air fryer lid, place the fries on an air fryer rack and air fry them at 400F (200C) for 8 minutes. Flip the fries and continue air frying for an additional 5-7 minutes until they reach your preferred level of crispiness.
Once done, let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Oven Directions
If you prefer to skip the Instant Pot and air fryer options, you can make oven-baked fries instead. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
- Lightly oil and season the raw potatoes.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a lined dark baking tray.
- Bake the fries for 40-50 minutes, making sure to flip them after 20-25 minutes.
Leftovers
If you have any leftover fries, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To restore their crispy texture, simply reheat them under the broiler in the oven or air fry them at 350F (175C) for 3-5 minutes.
While it’s possible to freeze cooked fries, we don’t recommend it as it can change their texture. However, if you choose to freeze them, spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once individually frozen, transfer them to freezer bags for long-term storage.
Seasoning and Dipping Sauces
When it comes to seasoning your fries, a sprinkle of salt is a classic choice. However, feel free to experiment with various seasonings such as grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even chicken salt, a popular fry seasoning in Australia.
As for dipping sauces, the options are endless. Ketchup is a perennial favorite, but you can also enjoy your fries with BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, gravy, or cheese sauce.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
Here are some expert tips to keep in mind while enjoying Instant Pot fries:
- Portion control: The Instant Pot naturally limits the batch size, allowing you to enjoy a controlled portion of fries.
- Weight management: If your goal is weight loss, consider incorporating more low-oil non-starchy vegetables into your diet while reducing your consumption of starchy vegetables like potatoes.
- Nutritional value: Potatoes contribute essential nutrients to your diet, including potassium and vitamin C. Balancing your plate with lean protein, starches like these fries, and non-starchy vegetables can help you achieve a healthy weight management goal.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information and steps required, you can easily create crispy Instant Pot fries that are both satisfying and healthy. Remember, this recipe is versatile and fits various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and whole food plant-based. So gather your ingredients, fire up the Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious batch of homemade fries tonight!