Air Fryer Fries: Crispy, Golden, And Delicious

Making French fries in a power air fryer oven is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the added benefits of less mess and quicker cooking times. The air fryer's heating element and fan force hot air around the potatoes, resulting in crunchy-tender fries with a slight coating of oil.

To make French fries in a power air fryer oven, start by cutting russet potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and for extra crunchy fries, soak them in cold water for at least an hour or overnight. Pat the potatoes dry, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary, and air fry at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through. For the crispiest fries, cook in a single layer, but for faster cooking with slightly less crispy results, stack the potatoes in two layers.

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 French fries are Yukon gold potatoes and Idaho potatoes (russet potatoes).

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and result in fries that are equally crispy on the outside, but with a firmer, creamier inside. The French fries made with Yukon gold potatoes also have a richer, more buttery flavour.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are starchier and result in fries that are crispier outside and drier inside, tasting most similar to fries you would eat in a restaurant.

Other Potato Options

While russet and Yukon gold are the best options for air fryer fries, you can also use sweet potatoes. You will need to adjust the cooking time for crispness, but the rest of the recipe can remain the same.

Potato Preparation

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

• Cut the potatoes into fries that are about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
• Soak the potatoes in water for at least one hour before cooking. This helps to remove excess starch and will result in crispier fries.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking. Wet potatoes will not crisp up properly.
• Season the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other desired seasonings.
• Cook the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each fry. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking.
• Cook the potatoes at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Preparing the potatoes

Select the Right Type of Potato: The best potatoes for French fries are russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) or Yukon gold potatoes. Russets are starchier and result in fries that are crispy outside and drier inside, similar to restaurant-style fries. Yukon gold potatoes are waxier, leading to fries with a firmer and creamier inside, and a naturally buttery taste.

Scrub and Peel the Potatoes: Start by scrubbing the potatoes to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on adds more flavour, a great crispy texture, and also saves time!

Cut the Potatoes into Fries: Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that the fries cook evenly. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife for easy and uniform cutting.

Soak the Potato Fries: Soaking the potato fries in cold water helps remove excess starch, which will lead to crispier fries. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water, letting them soak for at least 10 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator.

Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the potatoes. 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: Just before placing the potatoes in the air fryer, add the desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or even truffle salt. Toss the potatoes with the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Seasoning

The seasoning of your fries is a crucial step in making delicious air fryer French fries. While the cooking method is essential for achieving the perfect crispiness, the seasoning adds flavour and can elevate your fries to the next level. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your air fryer French fries:

• Basic seasoning: The most basic and classic seasoning for French fries is salt and pepper. You can use sea salt or kosher salt, according to your preference. Season the fries generously, as this will enhance their flavour.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a popular choice for seasoning French fries. It adds a savoury punch to the fries and complements the potato flavour well.
• Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder can add a subtle onion flavour to your fries. It is a great way to add depth of flavour without overpowering the taste of the potato.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can be a wonderful addition to your French fries. You can use herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Chop the fresh herbs finely and sprinkle them over the fries after cooking.
• Spices: There are various spices you can use to season your fries. For example, paprika, chilli powder, or cayenne pepper can add a kick of heat. You could also try cumin, oregano, or curry powder for a more exotic flavour profile.
• Custom blends: You can create your own custom seasoning blends by combining different spices and herbs. For instance, a ranch blend could include onion powder and dried dill. A Cajun blend might consist of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
• Cheese: Cheese is always a delicious addition to French fries. You can sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over your fries for an elegant touch. Alternatively, crumbled feta cheese can add a salty, tangy flavour.
• Lemon zest: Grated lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy note to your fries. It pairs well with Parmesan cheese and creates a sophisticated flavour profile.

When seasoning your fries, remember that it is essential to toss them with oil first. This will help the seasonings stick to the potatoes and ensure an even distribution of flavour. Additionally, be mindful not to add salt too early in the process, as it can draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispness.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your perfect flavour profile!

Air frying

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use a fraction of the oil and still produce a similar result. They are also faster, healthier, and easier to clean than deep frying.

How to Make Fries in a Power Air Fryer Oven

• Scrub and Cut the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and decide whether to keep the skins on or peel them. Cut the potatoes into fries, aiming for them to be around the same size so they cook evenly.
• Soak the Potatoes (Optional): Some recipes recommend soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour, or even overnight, to remove excess starch and achieve crispier fries. However, this step can be skipped if desired.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. This step is important to remove any residual moisture, as wet fries will not crisp up.
• Season: Place the fries in a bowl and drizzle with oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil are common choices). Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated, then season with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
• Air Fry: Place the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook at a temperature between 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, tossing or flipping the fries halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Reheat and Serve: If you are cooking the fries in batches, return all the cooked fries to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to reheat and crisp up before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Fries:

• Cut the potatoes into matchsticks or fries that are about 1/4-inch wide and 3-4 inches in length.
• Soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes, instead of cold water, can help achieve the "double-fried" effect and make the fries crispier.
• Pat the potatoes very dry after soaking to ensure they crisp up nicely.
• Work in batches to ensure the fries are in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each fry. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisps the fries evenly.
• Toss the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy fries, return all the cooked fries to the air fryer for a final 1-2 minutes, allowing them to warm up and get extra crispy.

Seasoning Ideas:

In addition to salt and pepper, here are some seasoning ideas to elevate your air fryer fries:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Ranch seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Curry powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme, etc.)

Dipping sauces

Making fries in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, but they can be just as crispy and crunchy. The best potatoes to use for air fryer French fries are Yukon gold potatoes and Idaho potatoes (russet potatoes).

Now, onto the dipping sauces!

Classic Condiments

A few classic condiments that can be used as dipping sauces for fries include:

• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Sour cream and onion dip
• Malt vinegar

Creative Combinations

If you're feeling adventurous, try these creative combinations:

• French Fry Sauce (a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a little pickle juice)
• Zhoug (Skhug) Sauce (a spicy, tangy, and addictive sauce from Israel)
• Salsa Golf (a popular Argentinian sauce that is a simple mix of mayonnaise and ketchup, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice)
• Spicy Ketchup (add a few drops of sriracha sauce to ketchup)
• Curry Mayonnaise (mix curry powder with mayonnaise and add a pinch of sugar)
• Curry-Honey Glaze (mix a teaspoon of curry powder with 1/4 cup of honey)
• Raspberry Ketchup (try making homemade ketchup with a raspberry kick)
• Sriracha-Honey Glaze (mix one part sriracha sauce with one part honey)
• Cranberry Salsa (a unique sweet and tangy sauce)
• Cilantro-Lime Mayonnaise
• Bacon Mayonnaise (mix bacon bits with mayonnaise)
• Peanut Sauce (blend chunky peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth or water)
• Comeback Sauce (good on practically everything)
• Béarnaise Sauce (a rich and indulgent French sauce)
• Gochujang Sauce (a sweet and spicy Korean condiment)
• Herbed Sour Cream (add fresh herbs like chives, scallions, and dill to sour cream, along with a pinch of salt and garlic powder)

Cheesy Creations

For all the cheese lovers out there, here are some cheesy dipping sauces to try:

• Cheese Sauce
• Nacho Cheese Sauce
• Queso
• Bechamel
• Cheez Whiz

Frequently asked questions