Air-Fryer Homemade Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, offering a healthier way to cook food with less oil. You can make homemade French fries in an air fryer, and they will still be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The process is simple: cut the potatoes into fries, rinse and dry them, season, and then cook in the air fryer. You can also soak the potatoes in water before cooking to help them crisp up.

Potato preparation: wash, peel, and cut into fries

The first step to making homemade fries in the air fryer is to prepare your potatoes. Start by washing the potatoes to remove any dirt or residue. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If you decide to peel them, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin.

Once your potatoes are clean and peeled, it's time to cut them into fries. Aim for a uniform size, about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that all the fries cook at the same rate. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline to cut the potatoes into sticks. If you want to get creative, you can cut the potatoes into different shapes, such as wedges or crinkle-cut fries.

After cutting the potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for a while, usually around an hour. This step helps remove excess starch and will make your fries crisp up nicely during cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl or container filled with cold water and let them soak. Change the water after 20-30 minutes for better results.

Once the soaking is done, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Now you have perfectly prepared potatoes that are ready for seasoning and cooking in your air fryer!

Soak potatoes in water

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness for your homemade fries. Here's a detailed guide on why and how you should soak your potatoes:

Soaking potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch. This step is essential in achieving the coveted French fry crispiness and preventing the fries from sticking together. It's a well-known technique used when making traditional deep-fried French fries, and it works just as well for air-fried fries. By removing the excess starch, you'll get fries that are light and airy on the inside with a delightfully crispy exterior.

You can soak the potatoes for as little as an hour or up to 24 hours. The longer soak won't cause any harm and will ensure that the potatoes release enough starch. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them sit. You can even do this step in the morning if you plan on making fries for dinner. Just make sure to refrigerate the potatoes while they're soaking if it's for an extended period.

After Soaking:

Once you've achieved your desired soak time, it's crucial to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. You want to ensure that there is no residual moisture left on the potatoes before moving on to the next step. Wet fries will not crisp up properly, so this step is vital.

Seasoning:

After drying, transfer the potatoes to a medium bowl and toss them with your desired seasoning. You can use a combination of olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper for a classic flavour profile. However, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Air Frying:

Now, you're ready to air fry! Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are distributed evenly and not stacked on top of each other. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and don't be afraid to adjust the timing based on your desired level of crispiness.

Resting:

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This step helps any excess oil drip off and prevents the fries from becoming soggy. You can also pop the baking sheet into a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) to keep the fries warm and crispy until you're ready to serve.

Soaking your potatoes in water is a simple yet essential step in achieving the perfect air-fried homemade fries. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying crispy, golden, and delicious fries made right in your air fryer!

Seasoning: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and more

Homemade fries in an air fryer can be seasoned with a variety of spices to elevate their flavour. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve the best seasoning for your homemade fries:

Salt and Pepper

The dynamic duo of salt and pepper is a classic for a reason. These two seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavour of your fries. You can use regular table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt flakes. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Paprika

For a smoky kick, add some smoked paprika to your fries. It will give them a beautiful red hue and a subtle, smoky flavour that pairs well with the other seasonings.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder adds a punch of savoury garlic flavour without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic cloves. It blends seamlessly with the other seasonings and enhances the overall taste of your fries.

Onion Powder

Onion powder is another great way to add savoury flavour to your fries. It provides a subtle onion taste that complements the other seasonings in the blend.

Cayenne Pepper or Chilli Powder

If you like your fries with a kick, cayenne pepper or chilli powder will do the trick. These spices add a nice touch of heat, so use them sparingly and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Other Seasoning Ideas

You can also experiment with other spices like cumin, ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme. Get creative and raid your spice cupboard! Additionally, you can try adding grated Parmesan cheese to your fries for an extra savoury touch.

Tips for Application

When applying your seasoning blend, ensure that your potatoes are dry before tossing them in oil and seasonings. This will help the seasonings stick to the potatoes effectively. You can also try spritzing your potatoes with olive oil from a spray bottle to ensure an even coating without using too much oil.

Soaking and Drying Potatoes

Before applying the seasoning, it is important to soak your cut potatoes in cold water for at least 20 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve crispier fries. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding oil and seasonings.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Now you have all the tips and tricks to create delicious, seasoned homemade fries in your air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for air-frying homemade fries depend on several factors, including the type of potato, the thickness of the cut, and the number of layers cooked at once. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you achieve the perfect air-fried fries:

Potato Type:

• Russet potatoes are recommended for a classic French fry taste and a crisp outside with a drier inside.
• Yukon Gold potatoes result in a creamier inside texture while still achieving a crispy exterior.

Potato Cut:

• Aim for a uniform size of about 1/4-inch thick fries. This ensures even cooking and allows them to cook at the same rate.
• Longer fries can be cut in half for a standard length of about 3 to 4 inches.

Soaking:

• Soaking the potatoes in water before cooking is essential to remove excess starch and promote crispiness.
• Soak the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes, or use cold water and let them sit for up to 1 hour.
• Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel after soaking to ensure they crisp up nicely.

Air Fryer Temperature:

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).

Air Fryer Timing:

• For a single layer of potatoes, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For a double layer of potatoes, cook for a total of 8 to 16 minutes, tossing or flipping once or twice during cooking.
• For three or more layers, the fries may not crisp up as desired, so it is recommended to stick to one or two layers at a time.
• The exact timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, the thickness of your fries, and the number of layers, so keep an eye on them during the cooking process and adjust as needed.
• If cooking in batches, keep the cooked fries warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200-250°F) while the rest are cooking.

Dipping sauces: ketchup, mustard, chipotle sauce, etc

Homemade fries in the air fryer are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. With less oil and fewer ingredients, they're easy to make and can be just as crispy and crunchy as regular fries.

While these air-fried treats are tasty on their own, they're even better with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some mouth-watering options to try:

Ketchup

A classic choice for fries, ketchup is a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce that pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy potatoes. It's a traditional favourite for a reason!

Mustard

Mustard is another traditional condiment that adds a tangy kick to your fries. For something a little different, try a honey mustard dipping sauce. Simply combine yellow mustard, honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce is amazing on fries and goes well with chicken tenders, veggies, sandwiches, and salads.

Chipotle Sauce

If you're feeling adventurous, chipotle sauce is a smoky, spicy, and creamy option that takes your fries to the next level. You can make your own by blending canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil. This sauce is also delicious on tortilla chips, veggie burgers, and grain bowls.

Avocado Dressing

For a fresh and healthy option, try a creamy avocado dressing. Blend avocado with lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. This dip will add a burst of flavour to your fries and is also great on sweet potato fries.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

For a comforting and creamy dip, try blending canned artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, white beans, unsweetened almond milk, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and garlic salt. This dip is perfect for those who want a hearty and indulgent treat to pair with their fries.

With so many dipping sauce options, you can easily elevate your homemade air fryer fries into a flavourful and exciting treat. Experiment with different combinations and find your new favourite!

Frequently asked questions