29
Dec
2010
Low Syn Life

Tefal Actifry Chips

Santa brought me a Tefal Actifry for Christmas, a kitchen gadget which claims to cook 1kg of chips in just 1 spoon of oil.

I gave it its first test run yesterday and cooked a full kilo of peeled and chipped potatoes with the regulation 14ml of oil. It took quite a long time (40 mins, less time if you cook smaller amounts) but required no attention until the moment it beeped that they were ready to serve. Between four of us it worked out at 1.5 syns per portion, and as you can see from the picture they were crisp and tasty. I think the syn cost is worth it, considering the low effort required in making them and the finished result.

I made a second batch for lunch today, this time leaving the skins on and I have to say that I prefer them that way - even less effort needed!

The Actifry comes with a recipe book with a variety of things you can make - it's not just for chips. I think that it will do a good job of roasting veg with some garlic and herbs so that's next on my list of things to try.

All in all, a useful gadget that's easy to use and creates tasty chips, although it's not cheap - I'm not sure I'd rush out to buy one myself if it wasn't a gift!

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12 comments

Low Syn Life, Wed, 05/01/2011 - 10:57pm

I've used the Actifry a few more times now and I have to say I'm a fan. I don't peel the potatoes - just chop them either into chips or cubes, dry them with a bit of kitchen towel (they turn out more crispy that way) and add about 2 teaspoons of oil (4 syns) rather than the full tablespoon in the machine instructions. This saves on syns but doesn't seem to affect the result much.

I've also tried them with herbs and whole, peeled garlic cloves thrown in to cook with the potatoes - this gives them a nice flavour. Cleaning the machine is a fairly straightforward job too.

I've heard that some people have had problems with their machines, it might be an idea to take out an extended warranty if you decide to buy one, although this seems to have been more with the earlier versions of the Actifry. Take care not to overload it and it should be ok.

Anonymous, Tue, 21/06/2011 - 7:04pm

I adore mine with a shaking of whatever comes to hand. Curry powder or paprika are my 2 favs. Also done in slices are very nice.

Emily Jones, Sun, 31/07/2011 - 3:31pm

I dont bother with the oil i just use a few sprays of fry light at the begining and open it half way to spray a few more times. Syn free that way and they turn out just as nice.

Jane, Wed, 31/08/2011 - 9:49pm

I do it this way now too.. make sure the chips are dry as they crisp better esp with fry light, i also spray half way through and add salt, sticks to the chips better than adding it afterwards. Potato wedges are a favourite of mine though and handy to have as syn free snacks.

Tracie, Thu, 29/12/2011 - 10:45pm

Hi
I do the red days, if I use potatoes with skin on to make chips in the actifry does this make than a healthy option?

Low Syn Life, Sun, 01/01/2012 - 5:43pm

Hi Tracie

Yes I would think so, it's the same as making skin-on wedges or a jacket potato. Just count any syns if you use oil rather than Fry Light.

averil, Thu, 26/01/2012 - 7:00pm

If you par boil the prepared chips for 5 or 10 mins, they are cooked in the actifry in less than half the time.

Clair, Sat, 30/06/2012 - 11:18am

I cook my chips under 30 mins and have just added 1 tea spoon of oil, I lost a big amound of weight also using my Tefal actifry.

Averil, Mon, 21/01/2013 - 12:20pm

I have had two actifry ovens in about three years. Both of them went out with a bang while cooking chips. Can't fault the chips though but getting philips air fryer on Friday see how long that lasts.

Carolyn, Sun, 03/03/2013 - 11:47am

I bought a Breville Halo fryer (similar to Actifry) with Christmas money and love it. Don't use any oil to keep it syn free. Leave skin on and use either ordinary white or sweet potatoes cut into either wedges or chips. I spray the fry light onto the wedges/chips in a bowl first, toss them around to coat and then into the machine for 25-30 minutes. Found the machine got 'sticky' if I sprayed the fry light on the potatoes when they were in it.
Love them piping hot with salt & vinegar and a serving of mushy peas - lush!

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