Air-Fried French Fries: Crispy Potato Perfection

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries. It is also less messy and faster. To make French fries in an air fryer, you will need potatoes, oil, and seasoning. Russet potatoes are the best option for French fries as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, so they maintain their shape at high temperatures. First, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. For extra-crunchy fries, soak the potatoes in cold water overnight. Dry the potatoes thoroughly before putting them in the air fryer. Add oil and your choice of seasoning to the potatoes and toss to coat. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded, and air fry at 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. For the best results, cook the potatoes in batches.

Choosing the right potato

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are starchier and result in fries that are crispy outside and drier inside. They have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh, so they maintain their shape at high temperatures. This makes them the ideal choice if you want your French fries to taste similar to those served in restaurants.

On the other hand, Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and will give you fries with a firmer, creamier texture. They have a naturally buttery taste, making the French fries richer in flavour.

When choosing between these two types of potatoes, consider your preference for the texture and taste of your French fries. If you want the classic restaurant-style fry, go for russet potatoes. But if you prefer a creamier texture and a richer flavour, Yukon gold potatoes are the way to go.

Additionally, the size and thickness of the potato cuts are crucial for even cooking. Aim for uniform sizes, about 1/4-inch thick, so they cook at the same rate.

In summary, the right potato for air fryer French fries depends on your desired texture and flavour. Russet potatoes provide the classic restaurant-style fry, while Yukon gold potatoes offer a creamier texture and buttery taste. Remember to cut them into uniform sizes for the best results.

Preparing the potatoes

Step 1: Selecting the Potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose will impact the taste and texture of your French fries. Russet potatoes are the most recommended variety, as they have thick skins and starchy, fluffy flesh. This helps them maintain their shape at high temperatures and gives them a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior. Alternatively, you can use Yukon gold potatoes, which have a waxier texture and result in fries with a firmer, creamier inside and a richer flavor.

Step 2: Cutting the Potatoes

To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Halve the potatoes lengthwise, then cut each half into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. Stack the slices and cut them into 1/4-inch sticks. If you want thicker-cut fries, you can adjust the thickness to your preference. It is important to use a sharp knife or a mandoline for easy cutting and uniform fries.

Step 3: Soaking the Potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in water helps remove excess starch, which will make your fries crispier. You can soak them in cold water overnight in the fridge, or for a quicker method, use hot water to slightly cook the potatoes and create a "double-fried" effect. Soak the potatoes for about an hour or up to overnight.

Step 4: Drying the Potatoes

After soaking, it is crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. This step ensures that you remove as much moisture as possible, which is essential for achieving crispy exteriors.

Step 5: Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the cut and dried potatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another preferred oil. You can also use flavored oils like garlic oil or chile oil for added flavor. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings over the potatoes and toss again. You can use salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or any other spices you like.

Step 6: Air Frying the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Toss or flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning

The seasoning is a key part of making French fries in an air fryer. It is important to season the potatoes just before air frying them, as adding salt too early will draw moisture out of the potatoes, making them less crispy.

There are many different seasoning options to choose from, depending on your personal preference. Here are some ideas:

• Salt and pepper
• Salt and pepper with fresh herbs, chilli powder, garlic powder, or onion powder
• Parmesan truffle: truffle salt and freshly grated Parmesan
• Ranch: salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried dill
• Cajun: Cajun seasoning
• Taco: chilli powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano
• Italian: Italian seasoning
• Curry: curry powder
• Greek: grated lemon zest, Parmesan, and dried oregano
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder and paprika
• Sea salt and pepper
• Herbs de Provence salt
• Garam masala
• Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning
• Corn starch
• Olive oil and Maldon salt
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and chilli powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary or thyme
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and curry powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried dill weed
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs of your choice
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and chilli powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and chipotle powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic salt
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and truffle salt
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Olive oil and salt

You can also try tossing the fries in butter, diced garlic, and finely diced parsley in the final 15 minutes of baking time for garlic butter fries.

Cooking

Ingredients:

• 2 large or 3 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes)
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, dried dill, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs of your choice

Method:

• Prep: Using a mandoline, slice the potatoes into fries. You can also use a sharp knife, cutting the potatoes into matchsticks that are about 1/4-inch wide on each side and 3 to 4 inches in length. Try to keep the size of the fries consistent to ensure even cooking.
• Soak: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least an hour. This helps to remove excess starch and will improve the crispiness of the fries.
• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Season: Drain the water from the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, as well as any other desired seasonings.
• Air Fry: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each fry. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 380°F, or 13-20 minutes at 375-400°F, flipping the fries halfway through. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve: Remove the fries from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with additional salt, if desired, and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water overnight in the fridge.
• If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch of fries warm by placing them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while the rest of the fries cook.
• For a healthier option, you can make air fryer fries with no oil. Simply coat the air fryer rack with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• If you want to make thicker-cut fries, try making air fryer potato wedges instead.

Serving suggestions

These air fryer French fries are a great snack or appetiser on their own. You can serve them simply with salt and pepper, or dress them up with fresh herbs, chilli powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. They also go well with various dipping sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Buttermilk ranch
• Homemade ranch
• Spicy whipped feta
• Easy homemade blue cheese dip
• French fry sauce
• Aioli
• BBQ sauce
• Cheese sauce

You can also pair these air fryer French fries with a sandwich or burger as a side dish. Here are some suggestions:

• Portobello mushroom burger
• Crispy cauliflower Po' Boy sandwich
• BBQ jackfruit sandwich
• Juicy burger
• BLT sandwich

Frequently asked questions