Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy, Golden, Homemade Treats

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries. It uses far less oil and is quicker and easier to clean up. The air fryer circulates hot air around the potatoes to make them crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Choosing the right potato

When selecting russet potatoes, look for those that are firm and free from any bruises or sprouting eyes. The potatoes should also be of a similar size so that they cook evenly. Avoid potatoes that are shrivelled, sprouted, or have soft spots, as these may not yield the best results.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, you'll want to cut them into evenly sized pieces, typically 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. This will ensure that your fries cook uniformly and gives them a classic fry shape. After cutting, it's a good idea to rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and you can even soak them in water for an hour or overnight in the refrigerator for extra crispy results. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them in the air fryer!

In summary, choosing the right potato for air fryer French fries involves selecting firm, unblemished russet potatoes of similar size, cutting them into uniform pieces, rinsing or soaking them to remove starch, and ensuring they are thoroughly dried before cooking. Following these steps will help you achieve the perfect crispy and tender air fryer French fries.

Preparing the potato

Select the Right Potatoes: Choose potatoes that are suitable for making French fries, such as russet potatoes. Russets have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, which makes them ideal for maintaining their shape and texture during the frying process.

Cut the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate and helps achieve even cooking. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into fries.

Rinse and Soak the Potatoes: After cutting the potatoes, give them a quick rinse in cold water to remove excess starch. For even crispier fries, consider soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about an hour or even overnight in the fridge. This step helps remove starch and will result in crispier fries.

Dry the Potatoes: After rinsing or soaking, it is crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. Removing as much moisture as possible is essential for achieving crispy exteriors.

Season the Potatoes: Place the cut and dried potatoes in a bowl, and toss them with olive oil or another preferred cooking oil. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. Make sure all surfaces of the potatoes are evenly coated before putting them into the air fryer.

Now that you have prepared the potatoes, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking them in the air fryer!

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning are essential components of air fryer French fries. They not only add flavour but also help to achieve the desired crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide to help you master the art of oiling and seasoning your fries for the perfect air fryer results:

Choosing the Right Oil

The type of oil you use can make a difference in the taste and texture of your fries. Here are some recommended options:

• Olive Oil: This heart-healthy oil adds a tasty, earthy flavour to your fries. It also helps them crisp up perfectly.
• Vegetable Oil: You can use vegetable oil as a neutral-flavoured alternative. It will let the seasonings shine through without overpowering the potatoes.
• Canola Oil: Canola oil has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying.

Amount of Oil to Use

When it comes to air frying, you only need a light drizzle of oil. A small amount goes a long way, and it's important not to overdress the potatoes. Too much oil can make your fries greasy instead of crispy.

Seasoning Options

Seasoning your fries is a great way to elevate their flavour. Here are some seasoning options to consider:

• Salt and Pepper: This dynamic duo is a classic for a reason. Salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes, while pepper adds a subtle kick.
• Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that can make your fries taste like they're straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder can add a savoury punch to your fries without the need to mince fresh garlic.
• Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and a pop of colour, paprika is an excellent choice.
• Chilli Powder: If you like your fries with a kick, chilli powder will bring the heat.
• Cumin: A pinch of cumin can add an earthy, warm flavour to your fries.
• Ranch Seasoning: Ranch lovers can bring that creamy, tangy flavour to their fries with a sprinkle of ranch seasoning.
• Cajun Seasoning: For a taste of New Orleans, Cajun seasoning will give your fries a spicy and flavourful kick.

When to Season

The timing of seasoning your fries is crucial. It is recommended to season them just before placing them in the air fryer. If you season too early, especially with salt, it can draw moisture out of the potatoes, making them less crispy.

Customising Your Seasoning

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings. You can also try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and find your perfect blend!

Air frying

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds flavor, texture, fiber, and nutrients. It also saves time! Cut the potatoes into fries of roughly equal size, about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline for precise, easy cutting, or cut them by hand.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes (Optional)

Some recipes recommend soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour, or even overnight in the fridge. This helps remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy. If you do soak them, be sure to dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use vegetable, canola, or flavored oils like garlic or chile oil. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with oil. Then, add your desired seasonings. Salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can also experiment with other spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning. You can even try tossing in some grated Parmesan cheese. Just be sure to season the potatoes right before air frying, as adding salt too early can draw out moisture and affect crispness.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the basket will result in soggy fries. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, tossing or flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Reheat and Serve

If you've cooked the fries in batches, you can reheat them all together in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve your crispy, golden fries with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or fry sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

These air fryer French fries can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side dish. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs, such as parsley
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Ranch dressing
• French fry sauce
• Burger sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Aioli
• Cheese sauce
• Spicy whipped feta
• Easy homemade blue cheese dip
• Garlic aioli
• Comeback sauce
• Skillet queso
• Copycat Cane's sauce

You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to add extra flavour to your fries. Here are some suggestions:

• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Ranch seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Rosemary
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Lemon zest
• Parmesan
• Oregano
• Feta cheese

Frequently asked questions