Crispy Chips in a Tower Air Fryer: A Complete Guide

Chips are one of the most popular foods across the world and for many of us, one of the tastiest. Chips can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet though with an increasing amount of us looking to find new, less fattening and more nutritious ways to cook our favourite foods, the concept of the air fryer has emerged as a hugely popular appliance.

How Do Air Fryers Cook Chips?

If you have not yet discovered the phenomenon of the air fryer, they are a kitchen appliance around the size of a coffee machine and healthier alternative to deep fat frying. They give a crispy outer shell that resembles that which covers food that has been traditionally deep fried.

Air fryers have the capacity to cook food by optimising a flow of air that is then distributed across the fryer, cooking all food surfaces and crisping them over. A chemical reaction known as the Malliard effect occurs and this ensure the food retains moisture in the inside and has a crispy exterior.

How To Get The Best Out Of Your Tower Frozen Chip Air Fryer

• Bear in mind that the thinner cut your frozen chips are, the faster they will cook. So if you’re short on time, choose frozen fries rather than thick hand-cut chips.
• Roll your frozen chips in some seasoning for maximum flavour whilst they cook. You can do this in a separate bowl and use your hands or place them in the air fryer bowl and stir with a large plastic spoon.
• As some Tower models include a glass container, it’s important to stay safe by using a dishcloth or oven gloves when handling the bowl as it heats up very easily. Keep out of the reach of young children.

Cooking Chips In A Tower Air Fryer – A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Peel your potatoes.

Step 2: Rinse your potatoes in cold water to wash them.

Step 3: Using a dry, clean dishcloth or some paper towels or kitchen roll, dry the potatoes.

Step 4: Cut your potatoes into chip-like shapes.

Step 5: Scatter seasoning such as salt and pepper and flour. Another great seasoning option is Cajun.

Step 6: Cook the chips in your Tower air fryer for around 12 minutes at about 160^oC. Rack up the temperature to 200^oC for another 10 minutes and check after 5 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on how thin or thick you have cut your chips.

Step 7: Remove from Tower air fryer and enjoy!

Air fryer chips are a perfect accompaniment to Tower’s crispy air fryer chicken recipe!

What Types Of Oil Should I Use To Cook Chips In The Air Fryer?

Lard, drippings and tallow are great options for the fryer as they taste good, give a good crispy texture and do not break down when fried. Most fatty acids that are found in animal fats are monounsaturated, which means they resist high heat, so they do not easily reach their smoke point. This said, animal fats can contain variable levels of fat content depending on the diet of the animal.

Which Tower Air Fryer Should I Choose?

There are a number of Tower air fryers available to purchase. One of the budget options is the Tower T17005 which includes removable dishwasher-safe components, making cleaning after use hassle-free. Weighing only 3.82 kilograms, it’s a lightweight cooking appliance. To ensure an even bake or roast on all sides of the food, shake the food a couple of times whilst it’s inside.

The Tower T14001HT Halogen Airwave Air Fryer can take slightly longer than some other brands but has the bonus of a glass cooking bowl, so you can keep a close eye on your food whilst is cooks away and you’re getting on with other food prep in the kitchen. The triple cooking power amalgamation of convection, halogen and infrared means this is a fryer that gives one of the most even cooks when compared some of its counterparts.

Can I Be Healthy And Cook Chips In My Tower Air Fryer?

Air frying food can reduce the fat content of what you’re cooking by up to 80%, compared to traditional deep fat frying. You can render your chips even healthier by using healthier types of oil. 3 of the healthiest oil to cook your chips in include:

Olive oil: one of the healthiest fats around, olive oil have a very high smoke point and can be in a deep fat fryer for more than 24 hours before it begins to properly oxidize. It also promotes hair, nail and skin health.

What Type Of Potatoes Are Good For Making Chips In A Tower Air Fryer?

The type of potato used is important as the flourier the better. This is because they have a drier, softer texture, which is exactly how chips you buy down at the chip shop taste. King Edwards, Maris Piper, Romano, Desirée or Russet potatoes are all good choices.

Can Frozen Chips Be Cooked In An Air Fryer?

The short answer is, of course! Set your Tower air fryer to the temperature that’s cited on the packaging and place them in the air fryer for the recommended time. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chips but can take as little as 10 minutes.

Cleaning Your Tower Air Fryer After Use

The parts you will need to clean include the basket, pan and tray. Clean these as you would any other coking appliance, using warm water and washing up soap. If you have a dishwasher, you’ll be pleased to hear you can place these components inside to wash them. Clean the inside of the air fryer by removing the basket tray.

Cooking chips in an air fryer can save you hundreds of pounds a year on takeaways and buying in the chip shop. The Tower air fryer is the perfect kitchen appliance in a time when staying in to eat is the new going out. Enjoy that distinctive fried taste and crispy texture in the comfort of your own home over and over, for free!