Marianne Martinez
French fries made in an air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are also much quicker to cook and easier to clean up. To make French fries in an air fryer, start by cutting your potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Rinse the potatoes to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly. Next, toss the potatoes in a mixing bowl with oil and seasoning. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each fry. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. For fries cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Cooking French Fries in an Air Fryer at 350°F
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Timing | 15 minutes |
| Shaking | Halfway through cooking |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Potato Type | Russet, Idaho, Yukon Gold |
| Potato Size | Medium, 5" long, 2-3" wide |
| Potato Thickness | 1/4" or 1/2" thick |
| Potato Quantity | 1 large for 2 people, 2 for 4 people |
| Potato Preparation | Wash, scrub, cut, soak, dry |
| Potato Spacing | Single layer, not overcrowded |
| Basket Style | Basket-style or toaster oven-style |
| Basket Preparation | No need to preheat |
| Reheating | 1-2 minutes at 400°F |
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What You'll Learn
Cut fries to 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch thickness
For 1/4-inch fries, it is recommended to cut the potatoes lengthwise first, then into 1/4-inch slices, and finally into 1/4-inch sticks. This will ensure even cooking. Rinsing the cut potatoes in cold water and patting them dry before placing them in the air fryer will help remove excess starch and make the fries crunchier.
When cooking, it is important to leave some space between each fry to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Depending on the number of fries, you may need to cook in batches. For a single layer of fries, cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 to 8 minutes until the desired crispness is achieved. For two layers of fries, cook for 5 minutes, toss, and then cook for another 3 to 7 minutes.
For 1/2-inch fries, the same cutting technique applies, but the potatoes are cut into 1/2-inch slices and sticks instead. These thicker fries may require a longer cooking time. One source recommends cooking for 10 minutes, tossing, and then cooking for an additional 6 minutes.
It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to keep an eye on the fries to prevent burning.
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Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
When making French fries in an air fryer, you can use either Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispier on the outside, drier on the inside, and less flavorful. They are also said to taste most similar to fries you would eat in a restaurant. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, are waxier and will give you fries with a firmer, creamier inside and a crispy outside. They have a naturally buttery taste, giving them a richer flavor.
To prepare your potatoes, first, cut off both ends of each potato so that the ends are flat. Then, cut the potato in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into slices, aiming for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Finally, cut each slice into sticks of a similar thickness. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, but unpeeled potatoes may help your fries crisp up better during cooking.
Once you have cut your potatoes, toss them with olive oil and salt, or any other seasonings of your choice. Then, spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate and cook the potatoes evenly. Depending on your air fryer model, cook the fries for around 12 to 20 minutes at 350°F, tossing them occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown. For extra crispy fries, you can increase the cooking time.
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Oil and seasoning
The amount of oil you use will depend on the number of potatoes you are frying. For two large russet potatoes, you can use a full tablespoon of oil. However, you can use less oil per person if you prefer. For example, you can use a drizzle of oil or a light spray of cooking oil. You can also use any type of oil, but olive oil is recommended. Other options include vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point.
After cutting your potatoes into fries, toss them with oil and seasoning. You can season your fries with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also try onion powder, steak seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, taco seasoning, or Old Bay. If you want to add salt, it is best to do so just before air frying, as adding it too early will draw moisture out of the potatoes and make them less crispy.
For extra crispiness and flavor, you can toss your fries in oil and seasoning again after the first cook. You can also add more oil and seasoning after the final cook.
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Single layer in the air fryer basket
To cook fries in an air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect air-fried fries:
Preparation:
First, select your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their rich, buttery taste and fluffy texture. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes are an option for a creamier centre. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, and cut them into evenly sized pieces, ideally about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. A thicker cut, such as 1/2-inch, tends to retain a creamier texture in the middle while still achieving a crispy exterior.
Soaking and Seasoning:
For extra crispy fries, consider soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator. This helps remove excess starch, which can hinder even browning and crisping. After soaking, rinse the potatoes until the water runs clear, then dry them thoroughly.
Once the potatoes are prepared, it's time to season them. Place the fries in a mixing bowl and add about 1 tablespoon of oil per large russet potato. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Toss the fries until they are well coated in oil. You can also add seasonings at this stage, such as salt, onion powder, garlic powder, or your favourite blend.
Cooking:
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the seasoned fries into the hot air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Cook the fries for approximately 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping. After this initial cooking period, the fries will be soft and lightly browned.
Final Crisping:
For the final crisping stage, remove the fries from the air fryer and place them back into the mixing bowl. Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of oil and toss to coat. You can also add more seasonings at this point if desired.
Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Return the fries to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes at this higher temperature, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serving:
When the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle with additional salt or desired seasonings, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and delicious air-fried fries!
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Reheat in the air fryer
The air fryer is a great way to restore leftover fries to their former glory. It's a quick and easy method to get your fries tasting as good as when they were first served.
First, preheat your air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F (182°C to 204°C). Preheating is important as it ensures that the fries will cook evenly and become crispy. While the air fryer is heating up, you can arrange your fries in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, so that the hot air can circulate properly and you get that crispy texture. If you have a lot of fries, you may need to reheat them in batches.
Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the fries. Depending on the thickness of your fries, they will need to cook for 2-5 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning. You can shake the basket or flip the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
After the recommended cooking time, check the fries. If they're not crispy enough, you can continue cooking for another minute or two. But be careful not to overdo it! Once your fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately while they're still hot.
You can also get creative with your leftover fries. Try chopping them up for a breakfast hash, loading them with toppings, or incorporating them into a frittata or quiche.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook fries in an air fryer at 350°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Then, add seasoning and turn the air fryer up to 400°F. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
The fries should be cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. However, some people prefer them thicker at 1/2-inch as the thinner option can lose the inside creamy part.
Russet potatoes are recommended due to their rich, buttery taste and how the starch works to puff and crisp in the air fryer. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier centre.
You should use 1 tablespoon of oil per large russet potato. However, this can be adjusted to personal preference.
