Air Fryer Magic: Perfect Fries Every Time

Air fryers are a great way to make French fries. They are healthier than deep-fried fries and much crispier than oven-baked ones. The key to getting the perfect air-fried French fries is to cut the potatoes into thin, evenly sized slices, soak them in water to remove excess starch, dry them thoroughly, and then cook them in batches in a single layer in the air fryer. You can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour to your fries.

How to cut potatoes for air fryer fries

The first step to making air fryer fries is to cut your potatoes. The best type of potatoes to use are russet potatoes, as they are high in starch and low in moisture, which will help them crisp up nicely. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which will give a creamier centre.

When cutting your potatoes, aim for them all to be a similar size, about 1/4-inch thick. This way, they will all cook at the same rate. You don't need to peel your potatoes – the skin helps them crisp up as they cook.

If you want to get really fancy, you can use a mandoline to cut your potatoes into fries. This will ensure that all your fries are the same size and will help them cook evenly. However, if you don't have a mandoline, you can simply use a sharp knife to cut your potatoes into fries.

Once you've cut your potatoes, give them a quick rinse under cold water and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This will help remove any excess starch and will help the fries crisp up more in the air fryer.

Now you're ready to season and cook your fries!

How to season air fryer fries

Air fryer fries are a great healthier alternative to deep-fried fries, and you can easily season them to your taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season air fryer fries:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make seasoned air fryer fries:

• 2 to 4 russet potatoes
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil or alternative oil/fat of your choice (such as ghee or coconut oil)
• Salt to taste
• Optional spices: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper or chilli powder, black pepper, paprika, rosemary, or thyme

Preparation

First, peel and cut the potatoes into fries. The thickness of the fries is up to your preference, but aim for them to be similar in size so they cook evenly. If you like, you can leave the skin on for added texture and flavour, but be sure to scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt.

Next, soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to an hour. This step helps remove excess starch and will make the fries crisp up better during cooking.

Once the potatoes have soaked, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Moisture will prevent the potatoes from crisping up, so be sure to dry them thoroughly.

Now it's time to season your fries. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or your chosen alternative. Sprinkle with salt and any desired spices, then toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C).

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the fries do not touch each other. You will likely need to cook the fries in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make them soggy.

Cook the fries for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries and the model of your air fryer. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the fries to ensure even cooking.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips

• If you want to get creative, you can try different spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, garlic herb seasoning, or herb de Provence salt.
• For an extra indulgent treat, brush the fries with butter, diced garlic, and finely chopped parsley in the final 15 minutes of cooking time.
• To keep your fries warm and crispy before serving, place them in a single layer on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C).

Enjoy your delicious, seasoned air fryer fries!

How to cook air fryer fries

Ingredients

To make air fryer fries, you will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
• Oil (olive, avocado, vegetable, or canola)
• Salt
• Other seasonings (e.g. onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, etc.)

Method

• Wash the potatoes and cut them into fries of roughly equal size. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Leaving the skin on is preferable as it helps the fries crisp up and adds flavour and nutrients.
• Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 15 minutes to an hour. This will help remove excess starch and ensure crispier fries.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
• Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Add your chosen seasonings and toss again.
• Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked or crowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry at 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven (no hotter than 250°F) while the rest of the fries cook.
• Once all batches are cooked, return them all to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to ensure they are all hot and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• If you want to freeze any leftover fries, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
• To reheat, cook in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, toss the fries in a little corn starch or flour before cooking.
• For a healthier option, you can bake the fries in the oven instead of using an air fryer.

How to store leftover air fryer fries

To store leftover air fryer fries, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days, but it is recommended to eat them within 2 days for the best texture.

When you're ready to eat your leftover fries, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 375-400°F) and arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 2-3 minutes for the first option, or 3-5 minutes for the second, and enjoy!

How to reheat air fryer fries

Once you've cooked your fries in the air fryer, you can reheat them by simply adding them back into the air fryer and cooking until they are reheated and recrisped. This should only take a few minutes.

Tips for Reheating Fries

• Work in batches.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer—this can lead to soggy fries.
• If you want to keep the first batch of fries hot and crispy while cooking the rest, place them on a baking sheet lined with a rack and keep them warm in a low oven.
• You can also reheat fries in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions