Unpopular opinion: I think we're all using the wrong oil for air fryer potatoes

Three years ago, I started with canola oil for my fries, like most recipes said. Last month, I switched to avocado oil after reading about its high smoke point. Last week, I did a side-by-side test with a batch of russets from the farmer's market. The avocado oil batch was noticeably crispier and didn't have that faint greasy taste. Has anyone else found a specific oil that makes a real difference?

3 comments

3 Comments

corawilliams1mo ago

Honestly, the potato variety matters more than the oil. Try a waxy type next to a russet.

holly_garcia1mo ago

You're right about the variety, but the potato's age is huge too. Old potatoes have more sugar and less starch, so they brown way faster. A fresh russet and one that's been in your pantry for months fry up totally different.

campbell.andrew27d ago

Yeah, and I'm over here still using the spray can stuff from 2019 (don't judge me). Holly_garcia has a point about the potato itself being a factor, but I finally tried avocado oil and it was a total game changer for crispiness.