Air Fryer Fries: Homemade, Crispy, And Delicious

Making French fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the same crispy and crunchy texture. The process is simple and can be done with just a few basic ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect air-fried French fries is to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes, soak them in water to remove excess starch, and ensure they are dried thoroughly before cooking. By following these steps and adjusting the seasoning to your preference, you can enjoy delicious, crispy French fries from the comfort of your home.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The type of potato you choose will impact the final texture and flavour of your fries. Russet potatoes are the most recommended variety for air fryer fries. They have a high starch content, which helps them achieve that desirable crispy texture. Russets also offer a classic, rich potato flavour that many people love. Additionally, their larger size makes them ideal for cutting into uniform fry shapes.

If you don't have access to Russet potatoes, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes. Yukon Golds are a good middle ground between starchy and waxy potatoes. They will give you a creamier centre while still providing some crispness.

It is best to avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they have lower starch content and higher moisture content. These varieties are better suited for boiling and roasting.

Potato Preparation

Once you've selected the right type of potato, it's important to prepare them properly for the air fryer. Here are some key steps:

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. Removing excess dirt ensures a cleaner final product.
• Peel the potatoes if desired. Leaving the skin on adds texture and flavour, but it's a matter of personal preference.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform fry shapes. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4" to 1/2". This ensures even cooking and crispness.
• Soaking the potato fries is optional but can help improve crispness. Soak them in cold water for about an hour to remove excess starch, then pat them dry before cooking.

Seasoning

While the type of potato forms the foundation of your fries, seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing their flavour. Here are some tips:

• Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil or another neutral cooking oil of your choice. Avocado oil is also a good option due to its high smoke point.
• Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavour.
• If you want a classic diner-style fry, keep the seasoning simple to let the potato flavour shine through. Just salt, pepper, and garlic powder can be enough.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer fries is choosing the right type of potato, preparing them properly, and seasoning them to your taste. With the right potatoes and some simple techniques, you'll be well on your way to crispy, golden, and delicious homemade fries.

Preparing the potato

The first step to making fries at home using an air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. The best type of potatoes to use are Russets as they are high in starch, low in moisture, and hold their structure during the cooking process. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which give a creamier texture, or sweet potatoes.

Peeling the potatoes is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and flavor, but you should wash the potatoes thoroughly and scrub off any excess dirt, removing any eyes or bruises.

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4-inch, but don't worry too much if some are thicker or thinner. The key is to try and keep them all a similar size so they cook at the same rate.

Once you have cut your potatoes, place them in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for around an hour. This helps to remove excess starch, which will improve the crispiness of your fries. Change the water after 20-30 minutes for even better results.

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel. It is important to ensure they are very dry, as any residual moisture can lead to soggy fries.

Now it's time to season your fries. Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral cooking oil of your choice. You can also add your desired spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or rosemary.

Tips for preparing the potatoes:

• Soaking the potatoes is not essential, but it will help them crisp up and stay crispy for longer, especially if you are making the fries ahead of time.
• If you want to add a little extra crispness to your fries, toss them with a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch before adding the oil and seasonings.
• For extra flavor, use a flavored oil like garlic oil or chile oil.

Seasoning

The best homemade fries let the flavour of the potato shine through, so you don't need a lot of seasoning.

A simple option is to season the fries with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavour.

If you want to mix things up, seasoning salt is a great way to add variety to your fries. You can also make them the base of a hash by tossing in diced onions and peppers for the last 5 minutes of cooking. An egg on top of that would be pretty delicious!

For a rustic French twist, try Herbs de Provence salt. For a spicy kick, sprinkle over some Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

If you're feeling indulgent, brush the fries with butter, finely diced garlic, and parsley in the final 15 minutes of baking time for sinfully rich garlic butter fries.

For a healthier option, season the fries with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then serve with a variety of dips such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer fries vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the fries. However, the general cooking temperature ranges from 375-400°F (190-200°C), and the cooking time is around 15-20 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking the fries at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Another source suggests cooking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary based on your specific air fryer, so it's recommended to check on your fries periodically and adjust the timing accordingly.

Additionally, for crispier fries, it's suggested to soak the potatoes in cold water for about an hour before cooking. This helps remove excess starch, which can hinder the crispiness of the final product.

When cooking, it's crucial to ensure that the fries are in a single layer with adequate space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, resulting in an even cook and a golden brown, crispy exterior.

If you're cooking a large batch of fries, you may need to work in batches to ensure each fry has enough space. Once all the batches are cooked, you can toss them all together in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to warm them up and make them crispy.

Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces you can use for dipping your homemade fries. Here are some ideas, separated by type:

Mayonnaise-based Sauces:

• Cilantro-lime mayonnaise
• Bacon mayonnaise
• Chipotle mayonnaise: Mix adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers with mayonnaise
• Pesto mayonnaise: Mix prepared pesto with mayonnaise
• Horseradish mayonnaise: Add a small amount of prepared horseradish to mayo
• Comeback sauce: Get the recipe online
• Wasabi mayonnaise: Add a small amount of wasabi paste to mayo
• Salsa golf: This popular Argentinian sauce is a simple mix of mayonnaise and ketchup, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• Fry sauce: A Utah speciality, this is a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a little pickle juice
• Aioli: A creamy garlic sauce, basically homemade garlic mayo
• Curry mayonnaise: Mix curry powder with mayonnaise and add a pinch of sugar to sweeten it up

Spicy Sauces:

• Gochujang sauce: This fermented Korean condiment is sweet and spicy, and can be used as a fry sauce or mixed with mayonnaise
• Hot sauce
• Sriracha-mayonnaise: Mix sriracha sauce with mayonnaise, and add a pinch of sugar if desired
• Spicy ketchup: Add sriracha sauce to ketchup
• Sri-rancha sauce: Sriracha sauce mixed with ranch dressing
• Thai-style sweet chilli sauce
• Ranch dressing mixed with buffalo sauce
• Chilli con queso

Sweet Sauces:

• Honey-mustard: Make your own or use bottled honey-mustard salad dressing
• Raspberry ketchup: Try making homemade ketchup with a raspberry kick
• Curry-honey glaze: Mix a teaspoon of curry powder with 1/4 cup of honey
• Cranberry salsa: A unique sweet and tangy sauce
• Sweet chilli sauce
• Cream cheese frosting

Other Sauces:

• Sour cream and onion dip
• Béarnaise sauce
• Herbed sour cream: Add fresh herbs (like chives, scallions, and dill) to sour cream, along with a pinch of salt and garlic powder
• Homemade nacho cheese sauce
• Chimichurri
• Malt vinegar
• Vegan cheese sauce
• Onion ring dipping sauce
• Homemade ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Thousand Island dressing
• Poached egg yolk
• Tomato-based steak sauce
• Carolina-style vinegar-based steak sauce
• Pesto

Frequently asked questions