Air Fryer Potato Fries: Crispy, Golden, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, crispy French fries with less oil and mess. To make French fries in an air fryer, start by cutting russet potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry. Next, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded, and air fry at 380-400°F for 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispy fries, you can also soak the potatoes in cold water for an hour or up to 24 hours before cooking. Enjoy your homemade French fries!

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) and Yukon gold potatoes.

Russet potatoes are starchier and will result in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside, similar to the fries you would eat in a restaurant. Yukon gold potatoes are waxier and will give you fries that are equally crispy on the outside but have a firmer, creamier inside. Yukon gold potatoes also have a naturally buttery taste, resulting in French fries with a richer flavor.

If you want your fries to taste like the ones you get at a restaurant, russet potatoes are the best option. However, if you prefer a firmer, creamier texture and a richer flavor, go for Yukon gold potatoes. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so feel free to experiment with both types of potatoes and see which one you like better!

When choosing potatoes, look for those that are firm and have smooth, undamaged skin. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted, as this indicates that they are past their prime. Also, make sure the potatoes are similar in size so that they cook evenly.

Once you've selected the perfect potatoes, follow these simple steps to make delicious, crispy air fryer fries:

• Cut the potatoes into fries of your desired thickness. Aim for them to be similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
• Soak the potatoes in cold water for about an hour to remove excess starch and help them crisp up.
• Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel.
• Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss to coat. You can also add your favorite seasonings at this point, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
• Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy!

Preparing the potatoes

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare the potatoes:

• Russet potatoes (unpeeled)
• Olive oil or any other vegetable oil (such as canola or coconut oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, rosemary)

Equipment

You will also need the following equipment:

• Air fryer
• Mandoline or sharp knife
• Bowl
• Paper towels or clean kitchen towel

Steps

• Scrub and clean the potatoes: Give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the potatoes, but it is not necessary. Leaving the skin on adds texture and flavour, and it is also healthier as you retain more vitamins.
• Cut the potatoes into fries: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into fries of roughly equal size. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces will help them cook more uniformly.
• Soak the potatoes (optional): Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least an hour, or even up to 24 hours in the fridge. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which will make the fries crispier. However, this step is not mandatory, and you may choose to skip it if you are short on time.
• Dry the potatoes: After soaking, thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible before the next step.
• Toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings: Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or your chosen vegetable oil. Toss to ensure all surfaces are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to use. Be sure to season just before air frying, as adding salt too early can draw moisture out of the potatoes and affect their crispness.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you will need depends on how many potatoes you are frying. A good rule of thumb is to use just enough oil to lightly coat the potatoes. You can always add more if you need to. For a single potato, a drizzle or about a tablespoon of oil is usually enough. For three large potatoes, you may need 2-3 tablespoons of oil.

You can use a variety of oils for frying potatoes, including olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or garlic oil. Olive oil is a good choice if you want a more robust flavour, while vegetable oil is a neutral option that won't overpower the taste of the potatoes.

When it comes to seasoning, the most important step is to make sure that the potatoes are well-coated with oil before adding any seasonings. This will ensure that the seasonings stick to the potatoes and don't end up at the bottom of the air fryer. You can season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning. You can also try adding herbs like rosemary or parsley to give your fries a fresh flavour.

• Use a good quality oil that you enjoy the flavour of.
• Toss the potatoes with oil before adding any seasonings to ensure even coverage.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations.
• If you want a crispy skin, consider leaving the potato skins on. The skin adds texture and flavour, and it's also a good source of fibre and nutrients.
• If you're using an air fryer that requires preheating, make sure to preheat it to the desired temperature before adding the potatoes.

Air frying

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for French fries due to their starchy, fluffy texture. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. You can leave the skin on for added texture and flavour, or peel them if you prefer. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least an hour, or even overnight, helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the cut and dried potatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another vegetable oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add seasonings at this point, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your fries are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a serving bowl. Let them cool down for a few minutes before digging in. Air-fried French fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to regain their crispness.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Potatoes:

• Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries.
• Make sure to pat the potatoes dry thoroughly after soaking to remove any residual moisture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different air fryers may vary in temperature and cooking time.
• For extra crispy fries, brush them with butter, diced garlic, and parsley during the final minutes of cooking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer French fries are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side. Here are some ideas to elevate your homemade fries:

Dips and Sauces

Fries go well with a variety of dips and sauces. For a classic pairing, serve your fries with ketchup or mustard. If you want something different, try chipotle sauce, chimichurri, vegan cheese, or ranch dressing. For a spicy option, go for chilli oil or chipotle powder. You could also try something tangy like Zhoug (Skhug) Sauce.

Herbs and Spices

For extra flavour, sprinkle your fries with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also add some spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, or individual spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli powder.

Burgers and Sandwiches

Air fryer French fries are a great side to veggie burgers or sandwiches. Try them with a Portobello mushroom burger, a crispy cauliflower Po' Boy sandwich, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.

Other Sides

If you're making a spread of sides, air fryer French fries go well with dishes like crispy roasted chickpeas or baked sweet potato fries.

Reheating

If you've made too many fries, don't worry! You can easily reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Just pop them back into the air fryer for a minute or two, and they'll be good as new.

Frequently asked questions