Air Fryer Steak Fries: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Steak fries are a delicious snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. This quick and easy recipe involves cutting potatoes into thin wedges, tossing them with olive oil and seasonings, and then air-frying them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-25 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. With an air fryer, you can enjoy the taste of crispy, golden steak fries without the need for deep frying in oil, making it a healthier alternative.

How to cut potatoes for steak fries

Steak fries are thick-cut fries with a "meaty" bite, crispy edges, and a fluffy interior. To cut potatoes into steak fries, follow these steps:

First, select the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are recommended due to their fluffy texture, which gives you crisp edges and a fluffy interior. However, you can also use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that these varieties will result in a different texture.

Next, decide whether to peel the potatoes. Leaving the skin on adds texture and extra nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer. If you do keep the skin on, be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Now, it's time to start cutting. Here are two methods you can use:

Method 1:

• Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
• Place each half cut-side down and cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Stack about half of the slices and cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick fries. Repeat with the remaining slices.

Method 2:

• Cut the potato in half lengthwise.
• Cut each half in half lengthwise again to create quarters.
• Flip each quarter so it's resting on its rounded side.
• Cut each quarter in half through the center pointy side to create eight wedges.
• If you want smaller wedges, cut them in half again using the same method.

Once you've cut your potatoes, you can choose to soak them in cold water before frying. This step is optional but can result in extra crispy fries by drawing out the potato starch. If you do soak the potatoes, be sure to dry them completely before frying.

Now you're ready to cook your steak fries! For air fryer steak fries, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also bake them in the oven for a similar amount of time. Enjoy your delicious, crispy steak fries!

How to make homemade steak fries from scratch

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Your favourite dipping sauce (optional)

Method

• Wash your potatoes thoroughly.
• Cut the potatoes into thin wedges.
• Place the potato wedges into a large bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes.
• Add your desired seasonings and toss the bowl until the potato wedges are evenly coated.
• Place the wedges into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, flipping and tossing halfway through.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

Tips

• If you want your steak fries to be extra crispy, you can soak the potato wedges in cold water after chopping. This helps to release their starches so that the outside gets crunchy while the inside remains soft. Make sure to dry the wedges completely before air frying.
• For best results, cook the wedges in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• It is hard to tell if the fries are done just by looking at them, so it is recommended to taste them to check for doneness.

How long to cook steak fries in the air fryer

Ingredients

To make air fryer steak fries, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cajun seasoning (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

Start by washing your potatoes and cutting them into wedges. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add your seasonings and toss to coat the potatoes evenly.

Next, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. It's a good idea to flip and toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Depending on your preferred level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check on your fries periodically and remove them from the air fryer when they are golden and crispy.

Tips for Extra Crispy Fries

For an extra crispy texture, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water after chopping. This helps to release their starches, resulting in a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. If you choose to do this, make sure to dry the potatoes completely before placing them in the air fryer.

Reheating Steak Fries

If you have leftover steak fries, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and add the leftover fries to the basket. Cook for about 3 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.

Customization

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can also use flavored oils, such as garlic oil, truffle oil, or chili oil, to add an extra kick to your fries.

Final Thoughts

Cooking steak fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, crispy fries as a side dish or snack. With minimal oil required, this cooking method also offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Enjoy your homemade steak fries!

The best frozen steak fries to air fry

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen steak fries, as they get them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Here is a guide on how to cook frozen steak fries in an air fryer, as well as some tips on how to get the best results.

Ingredients and equipment:

Firstly, you will need the following ingredients:

• Frozen steak fries (one 16 oz bag should be enough for one batch)
• Salt (to taste)
• Olive oil spray

You will also need an air fryer. If you are cooking for one or two people, a small air fryer (such as a 2-quart digital air fryer) should be sufficient. For larger batches, a bigger air fryer (such as a 6-quart air fryer) may be needed.

Instructions:

• Place the frozen steak fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out evenly.
• Spray the fries with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
• Shake the basket or toss the fries, and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until they are crispy.

Tips for the best results:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. For best results, cook the fries in batches if needed.
• Toss or shake the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on the thickness of the fries, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For crispier fries, increase the cooking time.
• If you are using an air fryer that doesn't have a built-in preheat function, preheat it for 5 minutes before adding the fries.
• You don't need to thaw the frozen steak fries before air frying them.
• If you are using an air fryer for the first time, monitor the fries and check on them a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• You shouldn't need to use oil in this recipe, as the olive oil spray should be enough to prevent sticking.

Serving suggestions:

These air fryer frozen steak fries can be served with a variety of sauces, such as ketchup, fry sauce, yum yum sauce, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing. You can also make your own sauce by mixing your favorite spices with mayo and ketchup.

How to reheat steak fries in the air fryer

Reheating steak fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy and golden again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to ensure your steak fries get heated through and crispy without burning.

Next, prepare your steak fries. If you have leftover steak fries that you want to reheat, simply place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly. Depending on the amount of steak fries, you may need to cook them in batches.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer for about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the exact time may vary depending on the amount and thickness of your steak fries. You want to make sure they are heated through and crispy, so adjust the time as needed.

Finally, remove the basket from the air fryer and serve your steak fries while they are still hot and crispy. You can enjoy them as a side dish or snack with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

Reheating steak fries in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy leftover fries without sacrificing taste and texture. By following these simple steps, you can have delicious, crispy steak fries ready in just a few minutes!

Frequently asked questions