How to Make Mentaiko Fries with Air-fryer in 15 minutes

Mentaiko fries are one of the easiest party snacks to make at home. With crispy shoestring fries, creamy mentaiko mayo and simple toppings like furikake or roasted wakame, you can make a cafe-style snack using an air fryer in about 15 minutes.This recipe uses Sunnydale Farm Shoestring Fries, Mentaiko Tube and Kewpie Mayonnaise for a quick and fuss-free version. 

Shoestring fries work well for mentaiko fries because they turn crispy faster in the air fryer and have more edges for the sauce to cling to. Since mentaiko mayo is rich and creamy, the thinner fries give a better balance of crunch and flavour in every bite. They are also easier to share, which makes them great for parties, movie nights and home gatherings.

Ingredients

1. Sunnydale Farm Shoestring Fries

2. Mentaiko Tube

3. Kewpie Mayonnaise

4. Salt (Optional)

5. Furikake (Optional)

6. Roasted Wakame (Optional)

Instructions

1. Place the Sunnydale Farm Shoestring Fries into the air fryer basket. Spread them out evenly so they can crisp up better.
2. Air fry at 200°C for about 15 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy. Shake or toss the fries halfway through cooking for a more even texture.
3. If you prefer a slightly saltier taste, add a small pinch of salt halfway through cooking and toss the fries lightly.
4. While the fries are cooking, prepare the mentaiko sauce. Mix 2 parts Mentaiko Tube with 1 part Kewpie Mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
5. Transfer the cooked fries to a serving plate while they are still hot.
6. Drizzle the mentaiko mayo generously over the fries. For a warmer, cafe-style finish, you can lightly brown the sauce under an oven grill. This step is optional.
7. Finish with roasted wakame and a sprinkle of furikake for extra flavour and crunch.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Mentaiko Fries

For crispier fries, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, especially if you are preparing a larger serving.

Shake the fries halfway through cooking so the edges crisp up more evenly. Shoestring fries usually cook faster than thick-cut fries, so keep an eye on them near the end.

If you want the sauce to be richer, add slightly more Kewpie mayonnaise. If you prefer a stronger mentaiko flavour, increase the amount of Mentaiko Tube.

What to Serve with Mentaiko Fries

Mentaiko fries are great for parties, movie nights, BBQ sides, weekend snacks or home gatherings. You can serve them together with finger foods, seafood snacks, grilled meat or other air fryer favourites.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Yes. You can use fresh potatoes and cut but we recommend frozen fries because they are convenient for a fast delicious meal.

2. Why use shoestring fries for mentaiko fries?

Shoestring fries crisp up faster in the air fryer and give more crunch in every bite. They also hold the mentaiko mayo better because of their thinner shape.

3. Why use shoestring fries for mentaiko fries?

Frozen shoestring fries are easier and faster because they are already cut and ready to air fry. They are also more consistent for this recipe.

4. How do I make the fries crispier in the air fryer?

Spread the fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shake them halfway through cooking so they crisp up more evenly.

5. What toppings go well with mentaiko fries?

Furikake, roasted wakame, nori strips and spring onions work well. They add more flavour, texture and a Japanese-style finish.

6. How do I make the fries crispier in the air fryer?

Spread the fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shake them halfway through cooking so they crisp up more evenly.