Air Fryer Garlic Fries: Crispy, Quick, And Delicious!

Garlic fries are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that can be prepared in an air fryer. The key to achieving crispy garlic fries lies in several steps: prepping the potatoes, coating them in olive oil, air-frying at the right temperature, and seasoning with garlic, parmesan, and parsley. Soaking the potatoes in cold water before air-frying helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. This recipe is a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries, as air-frying uses less oil.

Choosing the right potatoes

When making garlic fries in an air fryer, the type of potato you choose is important. The best potatoes for making french fries are those that are 'floury' and sturdy, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes. These potatoes will hold their shape once cut and deep-fried, resulting in crispy, golden fries. Russet potatoes are widely used for frying and are recommended by many. They are low in moisture and high in starch, making them ideal for achieving the desired crispiness in an air fryer.

However, some people also use other varieties of potatoes for making fries. One option is Yukon Gold potatoes, which are known for their creamy texture and nutty flavour. While they are not as sturdy as Russets, they can be used for a different style of fry, such as diced home fries. If you want to experiment with different flavours and textures, Yukon Gold potatoes are worth considering.

Another variety to look out for is Kennebec potatoes, which are specifically known for their suitability for frying. They have a thinner skin than Russets and a higher sugar content, resulting in a crisp and golden fry. If you can find them in your region, they are an excellent choice for making garlic fries in an air fryer.

When choosing potatoes for your garlic fries, look for those that are large enough to cut into even-sized strips. Avoid potatoes that are sprouted or have a greenish tinge, as these may have a bitter taste. Make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting and frying them.

Finally, consider the preparation of the potatoes. Soaking potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes and then drying them thoroughly before frying can help reduce the moisture content and result in crispier fries. Additionally, coating the potato strips in oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer ensures even cooking and flavour distribution.

Preparing the potatoes

Next, slice the potatoes into thin strips. First, cut the potatoes lengthwise into layers, and then cut each layer into thin fries. Try to keep the fries uniformly sized to ensure even cooking. Once sliced, soak the potatoes in cold water for around 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps remove excess starch, preventing the fries from sticking together during cooking and promoting a crispier texture.

After soaking, drain the water and thoroughly pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture can hinder the crispiness of the final product. Once the fries are dry, you can proceed to coat them in oil and seasoning.

To coat the fries, place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add seasonings like salt, garlic powder, pepper, or paprika at this stage and toss again to coat. Alternatively, you can add the seasonings later, after the initial round of air frying.

Cooking the fries

The first step in making garlic fries is to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, removing any eyes or blemishes. Then, cut the potatoes into thin strips, slices, or cubes, depending on your preferred fry shape. For fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes. You can use a French fry cutter to get evenly sized fries.

Next, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for around 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together during cooking. After soaking, drain the water and thoroughly pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.

Now it's time to season the fries! Place the cut and dried potatoes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated in oil. Then, add your desired seasonings and toss again to coat. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic, Parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, or cayenne pepper.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 380°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned fries into the basket in a single, even layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Avoid stacking or overlapping the fries so that they cook evenly and get crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

Cook the fries for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. For best results, shake or toss the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Check the fries at the 15-minute mark to adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of crispiness.

Once the fries are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a bowl. If using fresh garlic, you can add minced or crushed garlic to the bowl and toss to coat the fries. You can also sprinkle on additional salt, pepper, or garlic salt to taste.

Finally, serve the garlic fries immediately while they're still warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your homemade garlic fries as a side dish or snack, pairing them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Adding flavour

The key to flavourful garlic fries is in the seasoning. The blend of garlic, parmesan, and parsley not only infuses flavour but also aids in achieving that desired crunch.

Seasoning

For the seasoning, you can use a combination of garlic powder, dried parsley, rosemary, vegan hard cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl. You can also add some extra grated parmesan or fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavour.

Coating

Before adding the seasoning, coat the fries with olive oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the fries and also aid in achieving a crispy texture. You can also use cooking spray instead of olive oil to coat the fries.

Air Frying

After coating the fries with oil and seasoning, it's time to air fry them. Cook them at the right temperature (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and toss them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Dipping Sauces

While garlic fries are delicious on their own, you can also serve them with a dipping sauce. Some options include ketchup, mayonnaise, truffle mayo, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.

Experimentation

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dips to find your perfect combination. You can also try pairing these gourmet fries with a delicious homemade burger or another main dish.

Serving suggestions

These garlic fries are best served warm, so if you're making a large batch, keep them in a warm oven while waiting for the rest to cook.

They are a great side dish for burgers, chicken tenders, wings, or brats. They also go well with steak, grilled chicken breast, or fish and chips. For a vegetarian option, serve them with veggie burgers, sundried tomato chickpea cakes, pies, or vegetable stews.

If you're a fan of dips, a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise often complements the garlicky notes of the fries. You could also experiment with different dips like aioli, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo to find your perfect match.

For an extra touch of flavor, garnish your fries with some extra grated parmesan or fresh parsley. Fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor and color to your dish.

If you're making these garlic fries for a gathering, pair them with some Chicken Popcorn. This super easy and delightful snack pairs wonderfully with these gourmet fries, making for a satisfying, crunchy duo that's perfect for game night or a cozy movie marathon at home.

Frequently asked questions