Air Fryer Home Fries: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Home fries in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make crispy and crunchy homemade air fryer French fries without the mess and grease. The key to achieving the perfect air fryer home fries is to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, pat them dry, season with your choice of spices, and air fry in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to cut potatoes for fries

Making fries at home is a fun and tasty treat, and the first step is to cut your potatoes into evenly sized fries. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect cut.

Step 1: Cut the Potato in Half

Place the potato on its side and use a large chef's knife to cut a thin slice off the edge, creating a flat base. For fries, it is best to use long potatoes, and russet potatoes are the classic choice due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. You can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly buttery flavour.

Step 2: Cut into Slices

Flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down, then cut thin slices lengthwise. These slices should be around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, depending on your preference. The thinner the slice, the crispier the fry will be.

Step 3: Cut into Fries

Stack a few slices and cut them lengthwise again to create fries. Repeat this process until you have cut all your slices into fries. You can also use a French fry press or potato press, which will cut your potatoes into evenly sized fries.

Optional Step: Soaking

You do not have to soak your potatoes before frying, but it can help draw out the starch, making your fries extra crispy. Simply place the cut potatoes in a bowl of water and leave them in the fridge overnight. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before frying.

How to season fries

There are many ways to season homemade air fryer fries. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them, with a focus on the seasoning:

Ingredients:

• 2 russet potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes)
• Oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, coconut oil, or ghee)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Other spices of your choice

Method:

• Cut the potatoes into fries of roughly equal size, about 1/4-inch thick. Leaving the skin on is preferable, as it adds flavour, texture, and nutrients, and saves time.
• Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water and pat them dry.
• Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Add the desired seasonings to the bowl and toss again. You can also add the seasonings to a separate small bowl and combine them before adding to the potatoes.
• Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded and have a little space between each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve.

Tips:

• It is best to season the potatoes just before air frying them. Adding salt too early will draw out moisture and affect the crispness of the fries.
• You can also add other seasonings like chili powder, fresh herbs, or spice blends like Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning.
• For extra crispiness, you can parboil the potatoes before air frying, or soak them in water for about 10 minutes before drying and seasoning.

How to cook fries in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2-3 large russet potatoes
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder)

Method

• Prep: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries. Don't worry too much about making them all the same size—a mix of bigger and smaller fries is fine!
• Soak: Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. This will help remove excess starch and ensure crispier fries.
• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Season: Drain the water from the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, toss the fries with the oil and your chosen seasonings.
• Air Fry: Place the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are all on the same level and not stacked on top of each other. Cook for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries, until they are crispy and golden brown. Flip or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Enjoy: Remove the fries from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips:

• For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• If your air fryer basket is too crowded, your fries will be soggy. Work in batches if needed, ensuring the fries are in a single layer with space around each one.
• Don't add salt to the potatoes too early, as this will draw out moisture and affect crispiness.
• You can also make frozen French fries in the air fryer. Simply toss frozen fries with salt and pepper (if they're unseasoned) and a light mist of cooking spray, then air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to reheat fries in an air fryer

Reheating fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: While it is not necessary to preheat the air fryer for making fresh fries, it is recommended to preheat it to 350° F when reheating. This ensures that your fries will be warmed through and crispy.
• Prepare the fries: Place the leftover fries in the air fryer basket. You can fill the basket, as it is not necessary to leave space between the fries when reheating.
• Reheat the fries: Put the air fryer basket into the air fryer and reheat the fries for 5 minutes at 350° F. Check the fries after this time, and if they need longer, continue reheating in 1-minute intervals until they are warmed through and crispy.
• Toss and serve: Once the fries are heated to your liking, give them a gentle toss in the air fryer basket to ensure they are evenly coated with any remaining seasonings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

It is important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the amount of fries you are reheating. Always keep an eye on your fries to avoid overcooking or burning.

What to serve with air-fried fries

There are many options for what to serve with air-fried fries. Here are some ideas:

Dipping Sauces

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Buttermilk ranch
• Onion ring dipping sauce
• Fry sauce (doubles as burger sauce)
• Spicy whipped feta
• BBQ sauce
• Cheese sauce
• Aioli
• Homemade blue cheese dip

Main Dishes

• Veggie burgers
• Portobello mushroom burger
• Crispy cauliflower Po' Boy sandwich
• BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
• Tofu scramble and gluten-free toast
• Tempeh bacon
• Vegan "eggs" Benedict

Other Sides

• Salads
• Corn on the cob
• Crispy roasted chickpeas
• Baked sweet potato fries

Frequently asked questions