Air-Fried French Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the added bonus of less mess and grease. The air fryer method is also the fastest way to satisfy a craving for French fries. The key to getting the crispiest French fries is to remove excess moisture and give the potatoes space to cook by not overcrowding the air fryer.

Soak the potatoes in water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch and moisture, and to prevent them from sticking together

Soaking the potatoes in water is an important step in the process of making French fries in an air fryer. By submerging the cut potatoes in water for around 15 minutes, you can remove any excess starch and moisture. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the potatoes from sticking together during the frying process, ensuring that each fry cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness.

After cutting the potatoes into your desired fry shape, typically around 1/4-inch thick, place them in a bowl and fill it with cool water. Let the potatoes soak for about 15 minutes. This process will help remove the excess starch that could otherwise interfere with the crispiness of your fries. It will also get rid of any unwanted moisture, ensuring that your fries don't end up soggy.

Once the soaking time is complete, drain the water and thoroughly dry the potatoes. You can use paper towels or a clean dish towel to pat them dry. It's important to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before moving on to the next step, as any residual moisture can affect the final texture of your fries.

After drying, you can proceed to season and cook the potatoes according to your preferred recipe. Remember to work in batches when air frying, as overcrowding the fryer can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy French fries in your air fryer!

Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture

After you've cut your potatoes into fries, it's important to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This is a crucial step in achieving the desired crispiness of your French fries. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so you want to make sure that the potatoes are as dry as possible before you put them in the air fryer.

The first step is to wash your potatoes and cut them into your desired fry size. Try to keep the sizes uniform so that they cook and crisp evenly. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, use a paper towel to pat them dry thoroughly. This step ensures that the potatoes are not soggy and helps to remove any residual moisture.

Once the potatoes are dry, you can proceed to season and cook them according to your preferred recipe. Working in batches, arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

By taking the time to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect crispiness for your French fries made in an air fryer!

Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary

Seasoning your potatoes with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary is a great way to add flavour to your French fries. You can use any combination of these spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your potatoes for air fryer French fries:

Before seasoning, it is important to prepare your potatoes by washing and drying them. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture and flavour. Cut the potatoes into your desired fry size, ideally between 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Try to keep the size uniform so that the fries cook and crisp evenly.

Once your potatoes are cut, you have the option to soak them in a bowl of cool water for about 15 minutes. Soaking helps to remove excess starch and moisture, preventing the potatoes from sticking together and promoting even cooking. However, if you prefer crispier fries, you can skip this step as the starch can help with crisping. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Now it's time to season! Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use flavoured oils like garlic oil or chile oil for an extra punch of flavour. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are well coated with oil.

Next, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the potatoes. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Toss the potatoes again to ensure an even coating of spices and herbs.

After seasoning, your potatoes are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 380°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once your French fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl. Give them a final toss to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Then, serve your delicious, crispy air fryer French fries with your favourite dipping sauce!

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making French fries. While some recipes don't require preheating, it is generally recommended to ensure the best results. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer when making French fries is 375-400°F (190-200°C). This temperature range will help you achieve the desired crispiness and golden colour on your fries.

• Set the Temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or settings on your air fryer to the desired temperature within the given range. If you're using a model that doesn't have precise temperature controls, you can estimate the temperature by adjusting the dial accordingly.
• Allow for Preheating Time: After setting the temperature, give your air fryer sufficient time to preheat. Most air fryers will have an indicator light or a beep to let you know when it has reached the set temperature. If your model doesn't have this feature, wait for at least 2-3 minutes for the air fryer to heat up adequately.
• Prepare the Fries: While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare your French fries. Cut your potatoes into uniform sticks or matchsticks, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about 15 minutes can help remove excess starch and ensure even cooking. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel to remove any residual moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Seasoning: Place the cut and dried potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil, and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even truffle and parmesan seasoning. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
• Cooking in Batches: Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you might need to cook the French fries in batches. Evenly spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy fries, so it's important to give them space to allow the hot air to circulate.
• Cooking Time: Once your air fryer has preheated and your fries are prepared, it's time to start cooking! Place the basket into the air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, but it typically ranges from 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on your fries to ensure they don't overcook.
• Flip and Cook Again: About halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and give it a shake or use tongs to flip the fries. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time.
• Final Touches: When the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl. Season with additional salt and chopped herbs, if desired. Give the fries a final toss to coat them evenly, and they're ready to be served!

Remember, the key to successful air frying is maintaining the right temperature and ensuring proper air circulation. Preheating your air fryer within the recommended range of 375-400°F (190-200°C) sets the stage for delicious, crispy French fries.

Air fry the potatoes at 380°F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and air fry for another 7-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the potatoes and the desired level of crispness

Now that you've cut your potatoes into fries, seasoned them, and arranged them in your air fryer, it's time to get cooking!

Set your air fryer to 380°F and let the air fryer work its magic for 10 minutes. Depending on your air fryer, you may want to give the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. After 10 minutes, your fries will be starting to crisp up and turn golden brown.

At this point, you'll want to shake the basket to ensure the fries cook evenly. Then, air fry for another 7-15 minutes, depending on how thick you cut your potatoes and how crispy you like your fries. If you prefer your fries on the softer side, opt for a shorter cooking time. For crispier fries, air fry for a little longer. Keep an eye on your fries to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Once your fries have reached your desired level of crispness, they're ready to be served! Enjoy your delicious, golden brown, air-fried potatoes.

Frequently asked questions