Why Are Air Fryer Fries More Expensive Than Regular Fries?
Fries are fries, right? Well, not quite. Some bags of frozen fries have the word Airfryer printed in huge letters. And they are also considerably more expensive. Keuringsdienst van Waarde investigates why. Luckily, there is a Flemish fries professor who helps them figure it out.
The Airfryer is incredibly popular. Potato croquettes with Parmesan, sausage rolls and cheese puffs—we even make cupcakes in it. There is even a snack bar where the bubbling pans of fat have been replaced by a row of Airfryers: plug them in and off you go!
Much more expensive
That is why supermarkets stock special snacks for the Airfryer. Those bags of fries are considerably more expensive than regular fries, and certainly more expensive than ordinary potatoes. Yes, that is news: you can also make fries from regular potatoes in the Airfryer. It is very easy, explains Philips’ Airfryer specialist in the Keuringsdienst van Waarde programme. His ingredients: potatoes, a little oil and a pinch of salt. But the ingredient list on those bags of frozen fries is much longer…
Secret coating
Of course, it is easier to buy a bag of fries that have already been par-fried once. The fries you put in the Airfryer are par-fried longer at the fries factory than those intended for the deep fryer. The packaging therefore has the words “specially for the Airfryer” printed in huge letters. And if you are still hesitating: buy the most expensive ones, because those fries are always considerably pricier.
So what is the difference? Fries for the hot-air fryer are par-fried for longer, about a minute longer. That is why they become deliciously crisp and crunchy in no time. Something is also added to the coating around the fries, but Aviko does not want to reveal exactly what or how on television. They call it “the secret of the trade.”
Professor
At another fries factory, the researchers do find out how it works. And it turns out that oven fries can also be prepared in the Airfryer. Sometimes even regular fries can be cooked in the Airfryer. The fries professor is not very impressed with the hot-air-oven fries: drier, less fatty and certainly less tasty. The Airfryer fries made from potatoes taste perfectly good!
The Keuringsdienst’s conclusion: making fries yourself tastes best. And the expensive Airfryer fries are a bit of hot air. Which ones you like best, of course, remains a matter of taste. Who feels like trying them out?
