Air Fryer Seasoned Fries: Crispy, Golden, Famous!

If you're craving some crispy, golden, and perfectly soft French fries, then making them in an air fryer is the way to go! Not only are they healthier than deep-fried or baked options, but they also taste amazing and are faster to make. You can use frozen fries or make them from scratch with potatoes, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. For frozen fries, simply toss them into the air fryer and cook for around 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket halfway through. If you're making them from scratch, cut the potatoes into strips, season them, and air fry until crispy and golden. So, get your air fryer ready and enjoy some delicious, healthy fries!

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

The most popular choices for air fryer fries are Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) and Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for frying as they have a high starch content, resulting in a fluffy and soft interior with a crispy exterior. They are also the right size for fries, ensuring your final product has the classic fry shape. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, will give you a creamier centre. They are a good option if you prefer your fries with a softer, more buttery texture.

Size and Shape

When choosing potatoes, look for those that are long and evenly shaped. This will allow you to cut uniform fries, ensuring even cooking. Smaller, more round potatoes will result in stubby fries that may not provide the best texture or appearance. Select the largest potatoes you can find to ensure you have enough surface area for cutting fries.

Skin On or Skin Off?

Leaving the skin on your potatoes has several benefits. It adds flavour, texture, and extra nutrients to your fries. The skin also helps the potatoes crisp up nicely during cooking. However, if you prefer a smoother texture or want to ensure uniform colour, you can peel the potatoes before cutting them into fries.

Pre-Soaking

Consider pre-soaking your potatoes in cold water before cooking them in the air fryer. This step helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together. Soak the potatoes for at least an hour or up to 24 hours, then pat them dry before tossing them in oil and seasonings.

Oil Type

When it comes to oil, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even coconut oil. However, keep in mind that olive oil may cause the potatoes to brown more quickly than other oils. Use just enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly, as too much oil can affect the crispiness of your fries.

Preparing the potatoes

Once your potatoes are cut, you will need to rinse them in cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen roll. This step is important to remove any excess starch and ensure crispy fries. You can also choose to soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before drying them.

After your potatoes are dry, it is time to season them. Coat the potatoes with oil and your choice of seasonings, tossing the fries to ensure an even coating. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or any other spices you like.

Now your potatoes are ready to be placed in the air fryer! Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed. Spread the potatoes in a single layer and leave a little space between each fry to allow the hot air to circulate.

Adding seasoning

Choosing Your Seasoning

A variety of seasonings can be used to elevate the taste of your air-fried fries. Some common options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. You can also get creative and experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning. If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of spices to create a unique blend.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before adding the seasoning, it's important to prepare the potatoes properly. Start by peeling and rinsing the potatoes, then pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth. You can also choose to keep the potato skins on, as they add flavour, texture, and extra nutrients to your fries. If you do keep the skins on, be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Coating the Potatoes

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to coat them with oil and seasoning. Place the potatoes in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated, then sprinkle your desired seasonings over them. Toss the potatoes again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. You can also try soaking the potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes before coating them, as this can help improve crispness.

Cooking the Fries

After your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to cook them. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at a temperature between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Final Touches

Once your fries are cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them. Place the fries in a bowl or on a plate, and if desired, sprinkle them with additional seasonings like fresh herbs, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce, or even cheese sauce. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned air-fried fries!

Cooking the fries

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook your delicious seasoned fries in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: If you're using frozen fries, you can skip this step. However, if you're making fresh fries, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking crispy fries.
• Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. You can keep the potato skins on for more flavour and a crispy texture, or peel them if you prefer. Cut the potatoes into even slices, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking, so make sure the fries are all the same size.
• Soak the Potatoes (Optional): Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water and soak them for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, allowing the potatoes to get crispier. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.
• Season the Potatoes: Drizzle olive oil over the potato slices and toss them to coat evenly. You can also add your favourite seasonings at this step. For seasoned fries, you can use salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Toss the potatoes again to ensure they are well-coated with the seasonings.
• Place Potatoes in the Air Fryer: Arrange the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping and have a little space between each slice. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the fries evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the fries in batches.
• Cook the Fries: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the fries for 10 to 20 minutes. For frozen fries, cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. For fresh fries, cook at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your fries and adjust the cooking time as needed. The exact timing will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries. Check the fries regularly to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
• Toss and Continue Cooking: After the initial cooking time, remove the basket and toss the fries to ensure even cooking. Place the basket back into the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve Hot: Air fryer fries are at their crispiest when served hot. Serve them immediately with your favourite dipping sauces. If you have leftover fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

By following these steps, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy seasoned fries in your air fryer! Enjoy the convenience and the healthier alternative to deep-fried fries.

Serving suggestions

These air fryer seasoned fries are a great snack or side dish. They are best served warm, as this is when they are at their crispiest.

You can serve them with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
• Chipotle sauce
• Fry sauce
• Cheese sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Homemade buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Comeback sauce
• Skillet queso
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese

They also go well with a range of meals, including:

• Burgers
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Fried catfish nuggets
• Chicken nuggets
• Steak
• Hamburgers

Frequently asked questions