Air Fryer Steak Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Steak fries are a great side dish or snack, and can be made from scratch or using frozen fries. They are healthier than classic fried fries as they are not drenched in oil, and can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes.

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

Russet potatoes are the most recommended variety for making steak fries. They are ideal because they have a high starch content, which makes them crisp up nicely on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Russet potatoes are also easy to work with and have a rich, buttery flavour that everyone knows and loves.

You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which are a good alternative, or even sweet potatoes if you want to switch things up. Sweet potatoes will cook a little quicker, so keep an eye on them during cooking.

Potato Preparation

When it comes to preparing your potatoes, it is essential to cut them into equal-sized wedges or fries. This promotes even cooking and ensures that all the potatoes are cooked through at the same time. Aim for a thickness of about ½ inch for your wedges or fries.

After cutting, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes. This process helps remove excess starch, preventing the potatoes from sticking together and improving crispiness. Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen towel after soaking.

Seasoning

While seasoning is optional, it can enhance the flavour of your steak fries. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even something unique like pickle seasoning. If you want to get creative, you can also marinate your potatoes in malt vinegar or another flavour before cooking.

Cutting and seasoning the potatoes

Preparing your potatoes is the first step in making steak fries in an air fryer. You'll want to use Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, and you'll need to scrub them clean and peel them. If you prefer to keep the skin on, make sure you give them a good wash under running water to remove any dirt.

Once your potatoes are clean, use a cutting board to slice them into fries that are about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, and then cut your steak fries. Don't worry about being too precise, but try to make them fairly close in size so they cook evenly.

Now it's time to soak your potatoes. Soaking removes some of the starch and helps the potatoes crisp up and not stick together during cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes.

After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. It's important to make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even parmesan cheese. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Your potatoes are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the temperature to between 385 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steak fries in an air fryer will depend on whether you are using frozen or fresh potatoes, as well as the specific air fryer model you are using.

For frozen steak fries, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.

For homemade steak fries, the cooking time will be longer. First, cut your potatoes into wedges or strips that are about 1/2 inch thick. Then, soak the potatoes in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry. Next, coat the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.

For fresh potatoes, most sources recommend cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your potato wedges, you may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so be sure to check your specific model's instructions. Additionally, it is recommended to cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to soggy fries.

Dipping sauces

Steak fries are a great side dish for any occasion, and even better when paired with a delicious dipping sauce. Here are some sauce options to try with your air fryer steak fries:

• Fry Sauce: A classic combination of ketchup and mayonnaise, with a variety of possible additions and substitutions. For example, you could add some yellow mustard, dill or sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or paprika for a spicier kick. Alternatively, try barbecue sauce in place of ketchup for a smoky flavour, or horseradish and brown mustard for a more mature taste.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and savoury option that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of air fryer steak fries.
• Dijon Aioli: A tangy and flavourful sauce made with Dijon mustard that complements the tender inside and crispy edges of steak fries.
• Ketchup: A traditional favourite for a reason! Ketchup's sweet and tangy flavour goes well with the heartiness of steak fries.
• BBQ Sauce: For a sweet and savoury option, try dipping your steak fries in barbecue sauce. It's a perfect match for thick-cut fries.
• Garlic Aioli: A garlicky sauce that will add a punch of flavour to your steak fries.

Experiment with different sauces and find your favourite combinations!

How to get the fries extra crispy

There are a few tricks to achieving extra crispy steak fries in your air fryer. Firstly, the type of potato you use is important. Russet potatoes are ideal as they are high in starch and low in moisture, which helps them to crisp up nicely. Alternatively, you can use Yukon gold potatoes.

Before cutting your potatoes into thin wedges or fries, give them a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. If you want to peel them, go ahead, but it's not necessary. In fact, leaving the skin on can help your fries crisp up.

Once your potatoes are clean, slice them into fries that are about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch thick. Try to make them a similar size so they cook at the same rate. Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which helps to prevent the fries from sticking together and aids in achieving that coveted crispiness.

After soaking, fully pat your potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the potatoes and toss to coat. You can also add your favourite seasonings at this point; a simple combination of salt and pepper works well, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs.

Now it's time to air fry! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Set the temperature to between 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For thinner fries, aim for the lower end of the time range, and for thicker fries, they may need a few extra minutes.

If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven while you cook the rest. Finally, toss all the fries back into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure they are all hot and crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions