Air-Fryer French Fries: Perfectly Crispy And Golden

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they taste just as good! All you need are three simple ingredients: potatoes, oil, and seasoning.

First, cut your potatoes into fries. You can peel them if you like, but leaving the skin on adds texture, flavour, and nutrients. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour to remove excess starch, then pat them dry. Next, toss the potatoes in oil and your choice of seasoning. Place the fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then toss the fries and cook for another 6-10 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use for your air fryer French fries can make a big difference to the final result. The best potatoes for air fryer French fries are russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) and Yukon gold potatoes.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside. This type of fry tastes the most similar to the fries you would eat in a restaurant.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and result in fries that are equally crispy on the outside but have a firmer, creamier inside. Thanks to their naturally buttery taste, French fries made with Yukon gold potatoes also have a richer flavor.

Other Potato Options

While russet and Yukon gold are the most popular options, you can also experiment with other potato varieties, such as red potatoes, to see which one you like best.

Peeling

You can peel your potatoes or leave the peel on, depending on your preference. Leaving the peel on adds texture and flavor, while peeling the potatoes results in a smoother texture. Just be sure to wash the potatoes well if you're leaving the peel on, and scrub off any excess dirt, eyes, or bruises.

Preparing the potato

Selecting and Cutting the Potatoes:

Start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for French fries due to their fluffy texture and ability to crisp up nicely. Alternatively, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier center. Select potatoes that are long and try to cut them into uniform-sized wedges or fries, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. The thickness will impact the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Soaking the Potatoes:

Fill a bowl with cold water and submerge the cut potatoes in it. This step helps remove excess starch, which will improve the crispiness of the fries. You can soak them for up to 24 hours, but even an hour will make a difference. If you're short on time, you can also try rinsing the potatoes in cold water instead of soaking them.

Drying and Seasoning the Potatoes:

After soaking, thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is essential, as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries. Once dry, place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are well-coated, then add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a blend like Cajun seasoning.

Air Frying the Potatoes:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360°F and 400°F. Evenly spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, the cooking time will vary, but it usually takes around 10-20 minutes. For best results, toss or shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Your fries are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use for your air fryer French fries can make or break your dish. Here's a detailed guide to help you get it right:

Oil

While you can use a variety of oils for air fryer French fries, some oils are better than others. Here are some recommendations and tips:

• Olive oil is a popular choice and adds a tasty, earthy flavour. However, it may cause the potatoes to brown more quickly than other oils.
• Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point will keep your fries crispy.
• Avoid using too much oil. A light drizzle or a couple of tablespoons should be enough, as air fryer French fries use far less oil than traditional frying methods.
• If you want to experiment with flavoured oils, try garlic oil or chilli oil.

Seasoning

The right seasoning can take your air fryer French fries to the next level. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

• Salt and pepper are classic seasonings for French fries. You can use regular table salt, sea salt, or powdered salt for an even distribution of salty flavour.
• Italian seasoning, including herbs like rosemary or thyme, can add a rustic twist to your fries.
• For a spicy kick, try Cajun seasoning, chilli powder, smoked paprika, or black pepper.
• If you're feeling indulgent, brush your fries with butter, diced garlic, and finely chopped parsley for a rich, sinful treat.
• Parmesan cheese adds a savoury, cheesy goodness to your fries.
• For a classic fast-food flavour, use onion powder, garlic powder, or a combination of the two.
• Get creative and experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favourite combination.

Tips for Oil and Seasoning

• Toss the potato slices with oil and seasonings until they are well coated.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow space between each slice of potato to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Pre-soaking your potatoes in cold water can help remove excess starch and promote crispiness. However, make sure to pat them dry thoroughly before adding oil and seasoning.
• Don't add salt too early, as it can draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispiness.
• If you're making a large batch, work in small batches and keep the cooked fries in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) to stay warm and crispy until serving.

Air frying

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended)
• Olive oil or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Additional seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)

Preparation

• Cut the potatoes into fries of uniform size, about 1/4-inch thick. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on adds texture, flavour, and nutrients.
• Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour or up to 24 hours. This helps remove excess starch and will make the fries crispier.
• After soaking, rinse the potatoes under cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel.
• In a medium-sized bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each fry. This allows hot air to circulate around the fries, making them crispy.
• Cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips

• Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Check your fries regularly during the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• For extra crispiness, return all the fries to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes after cooking the last batch.
• Experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to find your favourite combinations.

Serving suggestions

These air fryer French fries are delicious on their own, but they can be served with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your French fries:

Dips and Sauces

French fries are commonly served with ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. For something different, try chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese. For a spicy option, serve with a chipotle or Skhug sauce. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own homemade sauces and seasonings.

Herbs and Spices

Enhance the flavour of your French fries with fresh herbs like rosemary, or spices like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning.

Sides

Air fryer French fries make a great side dish for sandwiches, burgers, or a classic BLT. They also go well with a juicy burger or a Portobello mushroom burger. For a vegetarian option, pair them with a crispy cauliflower Po' Boy sandwich or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.

Reheating and Storage

If you have any leftover French fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Simply place them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions