Air-Frying French Fries: A Quick, Crispy Guide

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, used for making healthier, oil-free fried foods. They work by circulating hot air around food placed in a fryer-style basket, crisping it up without the need for oil. You can make a variety of foods in an air fryer, from frozen foods like chicken wings, to healthier roasted vegetables, and even cookies and cakes. Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, as they use less oil and are less messy. They are also more energy-efficient than conventional ovens, as they are smaller and heat up much faster.

Choosing the right type of potato

The type of potato you use for your air fryer French fries can make a difference in how they turn out. Here are some options to consider:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice for air fryer French fries. They have a starchier texture, which results in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside. This variety of potatoes is also the right size for fries, as they are longer and can be cut into the classic fry shape. Russet potatoes are easily available and are the closest you can get to the taste of fries you would eat in a restaurant.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are another option for air fryer French fries. They are waxier and will give you fries that are crispy on the outside and have a firmer, creamier inside. Yukon gold potatoes also have a naturally buttery taste, giving your French fries a richer flavor. However, they might not be long enough to cut into the classic fry shape.

Red Potatoes

While not as common, you could also use red potatoes for your air fryer French fries. They tend to be a little waxier and might not be long enough for the classic fry shape, but they can still make delicious and crispy fries.

Potato Skins

Leaving the potato skins on for your French fries has several benefits. It adds more flavor, texture, fiber, and nutrients to your fries. Keeping the skins on also saves time during preparation. However, some people prefer to peel their potatoes for a more uniform look and texture. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference.

Potato Preparation

Regardless of the type of potato you choose, there are a few key steps to follow when preparing your potatoes for air fryer French fries:

• Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, ideally about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly.
• Rinse the potato sticks in cold water to remove excess starch and then pat them dry.
• If you have time, consider soaking the potatoes in cold water for about an hour or up to 24 hours. This helps achieve crispier fries and prevents them from sticking together. Just be sure to pat them completely dry before cooking.
• Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil or another type of vegetable oil and toss to coat. You only need a small amount of oil, about a tablespoon or two, to help crisp up the potatoes.
• Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices of your choice. You can also try more exotic seasonings like Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or Italian seasoning.

Preparing the potatoes

Selecting the Potatoes

Choose potatoes that are suitable for air frying, such as russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or baby potatoes. These varieties tend to have the right balance of starch and sugar content, which will affect the crispness and colour of your fries.

Cleaning and Cutting the Potatoes

Give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on, as it adds flavour, texture, and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4-inch. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate.

Rinsing and Drying

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and rinse them with cold water. This helps to remove some of the starch, allowing the potatoes to get crispier. After rinsing, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.

Seasoning

In a separate bowl, add the potatoes and drizzle them with olive oil or another type of cooking oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or experiment with other spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese. Toss the potatoes again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Air Frying

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each fry. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring even cooking and crispness. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Final Touches

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them fresh. You can garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of colour and freshness. Don't forget to prepare your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or garlic aioli!

Oil and seasoning

Oil

The type of oil you use for your fries is important. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even flavored oils like garlic oil or chile oil. The type of oil you choose will depend on your preference and the desired flavor profile of your fries.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of options to experiment with. Here are some popular choices:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Onion powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Ranch seasoning
• Smoked paprika

You can also try more unique combinations, such as brushing the fries with butter, diced garlic, and parsley during the final minutes of cooking for a rich, sinful flavor.

Remember to season your fries just before air frying them. Adding salt too early will draw out moisture, resulting in less crispy fries.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with less oil and in less time than traditional frying methods. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your air fryer:

Preheating:

It is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding food. This can help ensure even cooking and browning. However, some recipes, such as those for broccoli or Brussels sprouts, may benefit from starting in a cold air fryer to prevent burning before the centres are cooked. Most air fryers will have a preheat light to indicate when it is ready. If yours does not, simply set the temperature and allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.

Temperature and Timing:

Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, so you will likely need to lower the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit from what you would use in a conventional oven. Cooking times will vary depending on the food and the quantity, but generally range from 5 to 25 minutes at temperatures between 350° to 400°F. Your air fryer may have preset programs with recommended cook times and temperatures for common foods, or you can follow recipes from trusted sources.

Food Preparation:

When preparing food for the air fryer, always dry the food thoroughly before adding oil, seasonings, or placing it in the basket. Moisture will prevent your food from crisping up. It is also important not to overcrowd the basket. Food should be placed in a single layer with space around each piece to allow for even cooking and browning. You may need to cook in batches.

Maintenance:

Always clean your air fryer after each use to prevent a buildup of oil, which can cause smoking. The basket and tray can usually be washed in warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher, though hand washing is recommended to prolong their lifespan. Wipe down the surface of the base unit with a soft, damp cloth if it becomes dirty.

Safety:

Air fryers can get very hot, so always use caution when handling. Be sure to leave plenty of space around the air fryer for ventilation and never place it close to a wall. Use a trivet or potholder to protect your countertops and hands when removing the hot basket. Unplug the air fryer when it is not in use and never set it on the stove.

Serving

Air fryer French fries are a fun snack or appetizer and can be served simply with salt and pepper. You can also dress them up with fresh herbs, spices, or your favourite dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for serving your homemade French fries:

Dipping Sauces

French fries are delicious when dipped into something! Here are some sauce ideas:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Fry sauce
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Cheese sauce
• Aioli
• Garlic aioli
• Spicy whipped feta
• Easy homemade blue cheese dip
• French fry sauce

Seasonings

You can also season your French fries with:

• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Onion ring dipping sauce
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Ranch seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Garam masala
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Side Dishes

Air fryer French fries also work well as a side dish. Here are some meal ideas:

• Portobello mushroom burger
• Crispy cauliflower Po' Boy sandwich
• BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
• Veggie burgers
• Salads
• Corn on the cob

Other Tips

• If you want to make your French fries extra crispy, brush them with butter, diced garlic, and finely diced parsley for the last 15 minutes of baking time.
• If you want to make your French fries ahead of time, place the cooked fries on a wire rack in a single layer in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) to keep them warm and maintain their crispiness until serving.

Frequently asked questions