Air Fryer Fresh-Cut Fries: The Perfect, Crispy Treat

Making fresh-cut fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries. It is also a faster and less messy way to make a crispy snack. The process is simple: cut potatoes into fries, rinse and dry them, season, and air fry. The key to crispy fries is to cut them into similar-sized pieces and not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use will determine the texture and taste of your fries. The best potatoes for air fryer fries are russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) or Yukon gold potatoes.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispy outside and drier inside. They taste most similar to fries you would eat in a restaurant.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and result in fries that are equally crispy outside, but with a firmer, creamier inside. Thanks to their naturally buttery taste, the French fries made with Yukon gold also have a richer flavor.

Other Potato Options

While russet and Yukon gold potatoes are the most common choices for air fryer fries, you can also use other types of potatoes such as sweet potatoes or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking time and crispiness may vary depending on the type of potato you use.

Potato Preparation

Regardless of the type of potato you choose, there are a few key steps to follow when preparing your potatoes for air fryer fries:

• Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that the fries cook evenly.
• Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water and pat them dry before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and will make the fries crispier.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fries in batches if needed to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

Preparing the potatoes

Select the Right Potatoes: Choose potatoes that are suitable for making fries, such as russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Russet potatoes give a classic french fry taste and texture, while Yukon gold potatoes have a creamier centre.

Peeling the Potatoes: You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on adds texture, flavour, fibre, and nutrients to your fries, and it also saves time. If you decide to peel them, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin.

Cutting the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate. You can use a sharp knife, a mandoline, or a fry cutter to get uniform fries.

Soaking the Potatoes: Soaking the potatoes in cold water for a few minutes to an hour helps remove excess starch, which will make the fries crispier. However, some recipes suggest using hot water to slightly cook the potatoes, creating a "double-fried" effect.

Drying the Potatoes: After soaking, it is crucial to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. This step ensures that the potatoes are very dry before cooking, as wet fries will turn out soggy.

Seasoning the Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or any spice blend of your choice. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with the oil and seasonings.

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

Seasoning

The seasoning is the secret ingredient to making your air-fried French fries extra special. While salt and pepper are the most basic and classic seasonings, you can get creative and experiment with various spices and herbs to find your perfect combination. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and Pepper

The dynamic duo of salt and pepper is a classic for a reason. The salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. You can use regular table salt or get fancy with sea salt or flakey salt for a different texture.

Fresh Herbs

Chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can add a burst of flavour to your fries. Feel free to use your favourite herb or a combination of a few. Just be sure to add the herbs after cooking, as drying can affect their flavour and texture.

Garlic Powder

A sprinkle of garlic powder can take your fries to the next level. It adds a savoury punch without being too overpowering. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some minced garlic cloves to the oil before tossing your potatoes.

Onion Powder

Onion powder is another great way to boost the savoury flavour of your fries. It adds a subtle onion taste without the texture or the tears! You can also try using onion salt instead of regular salt for an extra onion kick.

Italian Seasoning

If you're in the mood for something more exotic, Italian seasoning can give your fries a delicious Mediterranean twist. It's a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and marjoram that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Italy.

Cajun Seasoning

For a spicier option, Cajun seasoning is a perfect choice. It typically includes a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, giving your fries a nice kick. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Ranch Seasoning

If you're a fan of creamy, herby flavours, ranch seasoning is the way to go. It typically includes a blend of dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and sometimes buttermilk powder. It's like having your favourite dip built right into your fries!

Smoked Paprika

For a smoky twist, smoked paprika is an excellent choice. It adds a deep, earthy flavour that complements the potatoes perfectly. Just a light sprinkle is enough to make your fries stand out.

Chili Powder

If you like your food with a kick, chili powder is a great option. It adds heat and a vibrant red colour to your fries. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level, and maybe even add a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavour.

Cumin

Cumin has a unique earthy, nutty flavour that can add depth to your fries. Just a small amount is needed to make a big impact. You can also try toasting the cumin seeds and grinding them yourself for the freshest flavour.

Experiment and Customize

The beauty of seasoning is that you can mix and match to create your own signature blend. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and amounts until you find your perfect match. You can also offer a variety of seasonings to your guests, so everyone can customize their fries to their taste.

Cooking method

Ingredients

To make fresh-cut fries in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
• Oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.)

Preparation

First, wash the potatoes and cut them into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. Leaving the skin on is preferable, as it adds flavour, texture, and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water and pat them dry.

Next, place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated, and then season them with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. You can also add some corn starch to make them crispier.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 12-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, flipping or tossing them halfway through.

For crispier fries, cook in batches, ensuring that the potatoes are in a single layer and have enough space for the hot air to circulate. If you are cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked fries warm in the oven at a low temperature (no more than 250°F) while the rest are cooking.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce!

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, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. They also go well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Ranch
• Buttermilk Ranch
• Onion ring dipping sauce
• Fry sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Spicy Whipped Feta
• Easy Homemade Blue Cheese Dip
• French Fry Sauce
• Aioli
• Honey Mustard Dip
• Curry sauce
• Homemade Ranch

You can also serve these air fryer fries as a side dish. Here are some main course suggestions:

• Portobello Mushroom Burger
• Crispy Cauliflower Po' Boy Sandwich
• BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
• Juicy Burger
• Classic BLT Sandwich
• Air Fryer Hamburgers
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Frequently asked questions