Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy, Golden, And Perfect!

Air fryers are a fast, healthy, and convenient way to make French fries. They are a great alternative to deep-frying as they use less oil, are quicker, and easier to clean. The air fryer French fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To make French fries in an air fryer, start by cutting the potatoes into even-sized slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse the potatoes in cold water and pat them dry. Then, toss the potatoes with olive oil and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. For crispier fries, cook for a few minutes longer.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use is crucial to achieving the perfect French fries. The best potatoes for French fries are high-starch potatoes, such as Idaho potatoes or Russet potatoes. These potatoes are denser and have the least amount of moisture, resulting in fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

When selecting your potatoes, avoid waxy potatoes, including those with red skin, new potatoes, and fingerling potatoes. These varieties contain high levels of water, which can cause them to hollow out during the frying process as the water evaporates.

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are widely available and are an excellent choice for making French fries in an air fryer. Their rich, buttery taste and starch content make them ideal for achieving the perfect crispness.

If you prefer a creamier centre to your fries, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative. They have a slightly lower starch content, resulting in a softer and creamier texture.

When purchasing potatoes, look for those that are firm and smooth-skinned, without any bruises or sprouting eyes. These signs indicate that the potatoes are fresh and have not started to spoil.

In addition to the type of potato, the preparation and cutting technique are also essential. For even cooking, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces, typically 1/4-inch thick strips. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water can help remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.

Remember, choosing the right type of potato is the first step to ensuring your air-fried French fries turn out perfectly. With the right variety and proper preparation, you'll be on your way to delicious, crispy fries!

Preparing the potato

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• 2-3 large russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes)
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

You will need the following equipment:

• A mandoline or sharp knife
• A large bowl
• Paper towels or a clean dish towel
• An air fryer

Method

• Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries. Aim for them to be around 1/4-inch thick, but don't worry too much about making them all exactly the same size.
• Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Leave them to soak for about an hour. This helps to remove excess starch, which will make the fries crisp up better when cooked.
• After an hour, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. It's important to make sure they are very dry, as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries.
• Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are all on the same level and not stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the potatoes at 375-400°F for 13-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. If cooking in batches, keep the first batches warm in the oven while the rest are cooking.

Seasoning

Choosing Your Seasonings

The beauty of making French fries at home is that you can customise the seasonings to your liking. A basic combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other options. Some popular seasoning ideas include:

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Curry powder
• Ranch seasoning
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Rosemary

You can also try more exotic blends like Herbs de Provence salt for a French twist or truffle salt with grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant, restaurant-worthy touch. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect blend.

Preparing the Potatoes for Seasoning

Before you apply the seasonings, it's important to prepare the potatoes properly. First, cut the potatoes into fries of uniform size, typically about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking. You can use a mandoline for precise and easy cutting. Next, rinse the potato sticks in cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them crisp up during cooking. After rinsing, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries.

Applying the Seasonings

Now comes the fun part – adding the seasonings! Place the dry potato sticks in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil (or another oil of your choice). You don't need to use a lot of oil; a light coating will do. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the fries and toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly. Make sure the spices and oil are well-distributed among the fries.

Cooking the Seasoned Fries

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to cook them in your air fryer. Place the fries into the 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 at a temperature between 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 8 to 16 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serving Your Seasoned Fries

When your fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with a bit of additional salt if desired. Serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauces. Some classic options include ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. However, feel free to get creative and experiment with out-of-the-box choices like chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or even vegan cheese. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned French fries!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer French fries vary depending on the type of potato, the thickness of the cut, and the number of layers cooked at once. Here are some general guidelines:

Cooking Temperature:

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C).

Cooking Time:

• For a single layer of fries, cook for 8 to 16 minutes, tossing or flipping them once or twice during cooking.
• For a double layer of fries, the cooking time will be longer, around 15-20 minutes.
• For thicker-cut fries, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker fries will take longer to cook and achieve the desired crispiness.
• Always keep an eye on your fries during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, keep the first batches warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while the rest of the batches cook.

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

• Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks or slices to ensure uniform cooking.
• Soaking the potatoes in hot or cold water for at least 10 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking to ensure crispy results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow space between the fries for the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
• Toss or flip the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of crispiness. Longer cooking times will result in crispier fries.

Different Types of Potatoes:

• Russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) are starchier and result in drier, crispier fries similar to those from restaurants.
• Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and yield fries with a firmer, creamier inside and a richer flavor.

Dipping sauces

Now that you've made your French fries in an air fryer, it's time to talk about the different sauces you can use to elevate your snacking experience. Here are some popular options:

Fry Sauce

This sauce is a classic combination of mayonnaise and ketchup, often with additional flavourings such as vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or other spices. It is tangy, creamy, and perfect for dipping. You can customise it to your taste by adjusting the ratio of mayonnaise and ketchup or adding extra ingredients.

Ketchup

The classic choice for French fries, ketchup is a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce that needs no introduction. It's a staple for a reason—its bright, vibrant flavour pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy fries.

Ranch Dressing

A favourite among kids and adults alike, ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy sauce that goes well with French fries. It has a buttermilk or mayonnaise base and is often flavoured with herbs and spices.

Cheese Sauce

For an indulgent and rich experience, try dipping your French fries in a thick and cheesy sauce. The golden fries will be elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness with this decadent pairing.

Yum Yum Sauce

This popular sauce is light, sweet, and tangy—an excellent choice for French fries. It has a creamy base, often made with mayonnaise, and gets its unique flavour from relish, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce.

Spicy Whipped Feta

For something a little different, try this spicy and creamy dip. It's made with whipped feta cheese, olive oil, and spicy peppers, creating a unique and addictive sauce.

Aioli

Aioli is a garlicky and creamy sauce that makes a wonderful dip for French fries. It's typically made with olive oil, egg yolks, and garlic, resulting in a rich and flavourful sauce.

BBQ Sauce

For a sweet and smoky kick, try dipping your French fries in BBQ sauce. It's a thick and sticky sauce that is perfect for coating your fries. The sweet and tangy flavours will complement the salty fries beautifully.

Mayonnaise

While it may seem simple, good old mayonnaise can be the perfect dip for French fries. Its creaminess and mild flavour allow the taste of the fries to shine through while adding a nice, rich mouthfeel.

Onion Ring Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a classic pairing for onion rings, but it also works wonders with French fries. It's typically a creamy, tangy sauce with a hint of spice, making it a delicious choice for dipping.

Homemade Sauces

Feel free to get creative and make your own unique sauce. Mix your favourite spices with a bit of mayonnaise and ketchup to create a signature sauce. Experiment with different ingredients like chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, or onion powder to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions