Air Fryer Potatoes: Crispy, Golden Fries Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, homemade French fries. The process is simple: cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces, rinse, dry, season, and air fry. The result is a crispy, crunchy, and addictive snack or side dish.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use will determine the texture and taste of your fries. The best potatoes for French fries are those with thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, as they will maintain their shape at high temperatures. Here are some of the most recommended potatoes for air fryer fries:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the most popular choice for air fryer French fries. They have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, resulting in fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are also known as Idaho potatoes.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and will give you fries with a creamy texture on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside. They have a naturally buttery taste, resulting in French fries with a richer flavour.

Red Potatoes

While not as commonly recommended, some people have had success using red potatoes for air fryer fries. These potatoes will result in crispy fries with a firmer, creamier inside.

Other Potato Types

Other types of potatoes that you can experiment with include sweet potatoes and white potatoes. Each type of potato has unique properties, so feel free to experiment to find the one that suits your taste and texture preferences.

How to cut potatoes for fries

Cutting potatoes into fries is a crucial step in the process of making air fryer French fries. Here's a detailed guide on how to cut potatoes for fries:

Start with Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for French fries due to their thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. They hold their shape well at high temperatures and produce crispy exteriors with soft, tender insides.

Cut into Evenly Sized Pieces: It is important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, preferably about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate and achieve a consistent texture.

Use a Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For easy cutting and uniform fries, consider using a mandoline. Alternatively, you can use a sharp knife to carefully cut the potatoes into the desired size.

Create Matchsticks: Cut the potatoes into matchsticks or sticks with a width of 1/4-inch and a length of 3 to 4 inches. This specific size will allow for even cooking and the ideal ratio of crispness to tenderness.

Halve the Potato Lengthwise: Begin by halving the potato lengthwise, then lay each half cut-side down. This provides a stable base for cutting uniform slices.

Slice into 1/4-inch Slices: With the potato halves cut-side down, slice them into slices that are approximately 1/4-inch thick. This will be the thickness of your fries.

Stack and Slice Lengthwise: Take half of your cut potatoes and stack them together. Slice them lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick fries. Repeat this process with the remaining half.

Single Layer in Air Fryer Basket: When placing the cut potatoes in the air fryer basket, arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each fry. This allows hot air to circulate around all sides, resulting in golden brown and crispy fries.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly cut potatoes for your air fryer French fries. Remember to work in batches if needed to ensure that each fry has enough space to cook evenly and achieve the desired crispness.

Soaking the potatoes

Regardless of the water temperature, be sure to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with kitchen towels or paper towels after soaking. This step is essential, as removing as much moisture as possible will help the potatoes crisp up nicely during the air frying process. Once the potatoes are dry, you can proceed with the next steps of the recipe, such as tossing them with oil and seasonings and cooking them in the air fryer.

By following these simple steps and taking the time to properly soak and dry your potatoes, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy air fryer fries that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Drying the potatoes

Once the potatoes are dried, it is time to season them. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. For seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, chilli powder, or Italian seasoning. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure that the oil and spices are evenly distributed on the potatoes.

After seasoning, it's time to arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap and that there is space for the hot air to circulate. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches. Now, you're ready to start air frying!

Seasoning the potatoes

• Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo of salt and pepper is a classic for a reason. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over your potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add salt after cooking for an extra salty kick.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savoury punch to your fries. Sprinkle it over your potatoes along with salt and pepper for a flavour boost.
• Parmesan: For a cheesy twist, toss your potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will melt slightly in the air fryer, creating a delicious coating on your fries.
• Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that can elevate the taste of your fries. Toss your potatoes with Italian seasoning, or simply sprinkle it on top before serving.
• Paprika: Add a pinch of paprika to your potatoes for a subtle smoky flavour. It also gives a beautiful red hue to your fries.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you like your fries spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. It will give a subtle heat that builds up as you eat.
• Dried Herbs: Feel free to experiment with dried herbs such as dill, oregano, rosemary, or any other herb of your choice. These herbs can add a unique flavour profile to your fries.
• Spicy Coating: For an extra crispy and spicy kick, toss your potatoes in a mixture of flour, spices, and a tiny bit of flour before placing them in the air fryer. This coating will crisp up beautifully.
• Oil Options: While olive oil is a popular choice, you can also use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil for a healthy alternative.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to toss the potatoes and ensure an even coating of spices and oil. You can also adjust the seasoning quantities based on your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions