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

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, offering a healthier, less messy option for making French fries. The process is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. Russet potatoes are recommended, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a creamier centre. The potatoes should be washed and cut into thin strands, and then tossed in oil and seasoning. The fries are then placed in the air fryer basket and cooked until crispy and golden.

How to cut potatoes for French fries

Step 1: Cut the Potato in Half Lengthwise

First, place the potato on its side. Using a large chef's knife, cut a thin slice off the edge, so that the potato has a flat base.

Step 2: Cut into Slices

Flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down. Cut thin slices, making them the width you would like your French fries.

Step 3: Stack and Cut into Fries

Stack around half of the slices and cut lengthwise into fries. They should be around 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining slices.

Step 4: Soak the Potatoes (Optional)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes can help to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before frying.

Step 5: Season

Add the cut potatoes to a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you like.

Step 6: Air Fry

Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They are ready when they are crisp and golden brown around the edges.

How to season French fries

There are many ways to season French fries, and the options are endless. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Start with the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for French fries due to their rich, buttery taste and starch content, which helps them crisp up nicely. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a creamier centre.

Preparing the Potatoes

When cutting the potatoes, aim for fries of a similar size, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking. Leaving the potato skins on is beneficial as it adds flavour, texture, fibre, and nutrients, and it saves time! Just be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly and scrub off any excess dirt.

Soaking the Potatoes

Consider soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about an hour. This step helps remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel to prevent sogginess.

Seasoning Options

Now comes the fun part—seasoning! You can keep it classic with just salt and pepper, or get creative with various seasonings and spices. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sea salt and pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Herbs de Provence salt
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Parsley

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile.

Cooking the Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil (or another oil of your choice) and toss them with your chosen seasonings. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until crispy and golden brown.

Dipping Sauces

French fries are often enjoyed with various dipping sauces. Here are some popular options:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Chipotle sauce
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Cheese sauce

Remember, this is just a starting point—feel free to experiment and adjust the seasonings and cooking times to your liking. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned French fries!

How to cook French fries in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier centre)
• Oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
• Starch (optional, but helps the outsides stay crispy)
• Herbs to garnish (optional; rosemary is nice)

Method

• Prepare the potatoes. Wash your potatoes, and peel them if desired. Then slice them into your desired size, ideally between 1/4 and 1/2 inches thick. Try to keep the size uniform so they cook and crisp evenly.
• Soak the potatoes. Fill a medium-sized bowl with cool water and let the sliced potatoes soak for 15 minutes to remove excess starch and moisture. This will also help the potatoes cook evenly. After soaking, drain the water and dry the potatoes.
• Season the potatoes. Add the potatoes to a bowl and drizzle with your desired oil. Sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings, then toss to coat.
• Air fry the potatoes. Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and air fry for another 7-15 minutes, depending on how thick they are and how crispy you want them.
• Serve while warm. Transfer the fries to a bowl and season with salt and herbs, if desired. Toss to coat, then serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Work in batches to ensure every fry is crisp. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries.
• Test each batch to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
• Recrisp all the fries together for 1-2 minutes at the end so everything is hot and ready to serve.
• If you want extra crispy fries, try boiling or parboiling the potatoes before air frying.

How to make French fries crispy

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2 large or 3 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes)
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, or any other spices you like

Method

• Cut the potatoes into fries that are roughly 1/4-inch thick. Try to make them all a similar size so they cook evenly.
• Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This removes excess starch and will help the potatoes crisp up.
• Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel. Make sure they are very dry—wet potatoes will not crisp up.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each fry. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the potatoes to steam instead of crisp. You may need to cook in batches.
• Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
• Air fry at around 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries. For thicker cuts, you may need more time, and for thinner cuts, a bit less.
• Flip the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Check the fries regularly during the last few minutes of cooking to make sure they don't burn.
• Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with additional salt to taste.
• If you are cooking in batches, keep the cooked fries warm in a low oven (no hotter than 250°F) while you cook the remaining potatoes.
• Enjoy your crispy, golden French fries!

How to reheat French fries

There are several ways to reheat French fries, but one thing is clear: do not use a microwave! You'll be left with soggy fries that no one wants to eat. Here are some better options to help you achieve hot and crispy reheated French fries.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is the fastest way to get your French fries crispy again without drying them out. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, arrange the French fries in a single layer in the basket or tray, allowing for air circulation. Cook for around 2-3 minutes, and then serve with your favourite sauces.

Oven

Reheating French fries in the oven takes a little longer. Preheat your oven to 400 or 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread your French fries out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren't touching, and heat for about 8-10 minutes. Give them a quick toss, and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes if you like them crispier.

Stovetop

If you want to reheat your French fries in oil, grab a cast-iron skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of oil, then add your French fries in a single layer. Cook, flipping occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.

Deep Fryer

Using a deep fryer will make your French fries crispy again, but it will add a lot of extra oil, making them greasy.

Frequently asked questions