Air-Fried French Fries: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to make French fries with a perfectly crispy outside and a tender inside. The process is simple: cut potatoes into fries, rinse and dry them, season, and then air fry. The result is a delicious snack or side dish that can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

Potato types and preparation

The type of potato you use for your air fryer French fries can make a difference in the final result. Russet potatoes are recommended by several sources, as they have the ideal fluffy and soft interior, and crispy exterior. They are also the right size for fries, and you can select the longest ones for the best results.

You could also use Yukon gold potatoes, which will give a creamier centre, or red potatoes, although these are a little waxier and may not give the classic fry shape.

You can leave the skins on for added texture, flavour, and nutrients, and it saves time! Just be sure to wash the potatoes well.

Cut the potatoes into fries of around 1/4-inch thickness. You can use a mandoline to get the perfect, easy sticks, or cut by hand. Try to keep the size consistent so they cook at the same rate.

Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water and pat them dry. You can then add a drizzle of olive oil, or another vegetable oil, and toss to coat. You can also add salt and pepper, or other seasonings, at this stage.

Some recipes recommend pre-soaking the potatoes in cold water for an hour, or even up to 24 hours, to help remove the starch and achieve crispier fries. However, others skip this step and go straight to cooking.

Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with a little space between each one, and cook at around 380-390°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Oil types and quantities

Air-fried French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones, as they require far less oil. A light drizzle of oil is all you need to make crispy French fries in the air fryer. Here are some tips and recommendations for oil types and quantities:

Oil Types

• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil or regular olive oil can be used. You can also experiment with flavoured oils like garlic oil or chilli oil.
• Vegetable oil: This is a good alternative if you don't have olive oil.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is another suitable option for air-frying French fries.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil is recommended if you want added flavour without sacrificing health benefits.
• Cooking sprays: Cooking sprays can be used instead of oils to coat the potatoes lightly.

Oil Quantities

• A light coating of oil is sufficient. About 2-3 tablespoons of oil per batch of fries should be enough.
• For a pound of potatoes, a tablespoon of oil is generally sufficient.
• If using frozen fries, you may not need to add any extra oil, as they can get greasy enough during the cooking process.
• If your air fryer has a larger capacity, you may need to use more oil, but always use just enough to lightly coat the potatoes.
• Experiment with different amounts of oil to find your preferred balance of crispiness and flavour.

Seasoning options

There are a variety of seasonings you can use to spice up your air-fried French fries. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that adds a salty and savoury kick to your fries.
• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme over your fries for a more elevated taste.
• Chili powder or chipotle powder: For an extra kick, add some chili or chipotle powder to your fries.
• Garlic powder: A great option for garlic lovers, this powder adds a punch of flavour to your fries.
• Onion powder: Another flavourful option, onion powder can give your fries a subtle onion taste without overwhelming the other seasonings.
• Cajun seasoning: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some Cajun seasoning to your fries for a spicy kick.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika will add a nice, subtle smokiness to your fries.
• Cumin: A little cumin goes a long way, adding an earthy and warm flavour to your fries.
• Ranch seasoning: Ranch lovers can enjoy their favourite flavour on their fries by adding some ranch seasoning.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices, Italian seasoning can add a nice, savoury note to your fries.
• Parmesan cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over your fries.
• Spicy Western sauce: Mix some chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder with mayonnaise and ketchup to create a spicy and tangy sauce for your fries.
• Fry sauce: A grown-up version of ketchup, fry sauce is a perfect dip for your air-fried French fries.
• Yum Yum Sauce: This light, sweet, and tangy sauce is an excellent choice for those who want something different from the usual ketchup.
• Cheese sauce: Smother your golden fries in a rich and thick cheese sauce for an indulgent treat.
• Ranch dressing: As the saying goes, everything's better with ranch! Dip your fries in some creamy and tangy ranch dressing.
• Ketchup: Of course, you can always stick to the classic and dip your fries in ketchup.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are small countertop appliances that use convection to cook food. They work by circulating hot air at high temperatures in a small, concentrated space. This makes food cook faster than in a traditional oven and helps to create a crispy exterior without the need for extra oil or deep-frying.

When making French fries in an air fryer, there are a few key settings to consider:

• Temperature: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (around 190°C to 200°C). However, the ideal temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired crispiness of your fries.
• Cooking Time: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fries and the desired level of doneness. On average, French fries in an air fryer take around 15-20 minutes to cook. However, it is important to keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.
• Batch Size: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it is recommended to cook French fries in small batches. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding in the air fryer basket.
• Preparation: Before air frying, it is important to prepare the potatoes properly. This includes scrubbing and cleaning the potatoes, cutting them into even-sized pieces (around 1/4-inch thick), and rinsing and drying them thoroughly.
• Oil and Seasoning: A light coating of oil (such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil) is typically used to help crisp up the potatoes. Various seasonings can be added according to taste, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika.
• Tossing and Flipping: During the cooking process, it is important to toss or flip the fries at least once to ensure even cooking and browning. This can be done halfway through the cooking time.
• Reheating: If you have leftover French fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 380°F to 425°F for about 5 minutes or until they reach the desired temperature and texture.

Cooking times

The cooking time for French fries in an air fryer varies depending on the type of potato and the desired crispiness. On average, it takes between 12 to 20 minutes to cook French fries in an air fryer.

For crispy French fries, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into even slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse the potato slices in cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the potato slices. It is recommended to check the fries periodically to ensure they are cooked to the desired level of doneness. Additionally, some recipes suggest boiling or soaking the potatoes before air frying to achieve a crispier texture.

Overall, air-fried French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries, and with the right techniques and cooking times, they can be just as crispy and delicious.

Frequently asked questions