If you have a love for crispy, golden fries but dread the mess and oil of traditional deep frying, this Air Fryer French Fries Recipe will quickly become your new best friend. It transforms simple russet potatoes into delightfully crunchy fries using just a touch of oil and salt, making it a healthier yet incredibly satisfying snack or side dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these fries come out perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but vital to achieving those delicious, crispy fries with a wonderful golden color and perfect seasoning. Each element plays a role in balancing texture and flavor, keeping the recipe simple yet brilliant.
- Russet potatoes: Known for their starchy interior, these potatoes are ideal for crisping up nicely in the air fryer.
- Oil (avocado or olive): Just a tablespoon is enough to help the fries crisp without weighing them down, and avocado oil offers a lovely neutral flavor.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and adds just the right seasoning, adjusted to your taste preference between half and three quarters of a teaspoon.
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Step 1: Cut the Potatoes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F, giving it a good 3 minutes to reach the perfect temperature for cooking. Next, grab those russet potatoes and slice them into long strips about 4 to 6 inches in length, approximately half an inch wide, and a quarter inch thick. The size helps ensure they cook evenly, resulting in that irresistible crispy exterior and soft interior you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Soak in Water
After cutting, soak your potato strips in a large bowl filled with cool water for 20 to 30 minutes. This soaking step might feel a little extra, but it makes all the difference by removing excess starch from the potatoes’ surface, which is a key trick for getting perfectly crispy fries. Once they’ve soaked, drain them well and dry completely using a clean dish towel—moisture is the enemy of crispiness here.
Step 3: Season the Fries
Place the dried potato strips into a large bowl, then drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with salt according to your preference. Toss everything thoroughly until each fry is coated evenly. This simple mix is the foundation for flavor and helps every bite taste perfectly seasoned while promoting that golden crunch as they cook.
Step 4: Cook in Air Fryer
Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care that none are touching the sides or each other. This step is crucial because overcrowding can prevent crispiness. If you have a 6-quart air fryer, you might need to work in two batches. Cook for a total of 12 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure even browning. For folks craving extra crispiness or making larger fries, give them one or two extra minutes in the fryer, shaking the basket to redistribute them halfway through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your fries are perfectly cooked, serve them up hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Classics like ketchup or mayonnaise work beautifully, but feel free to get creative with spicy Sriracha mayo or tangy homemade Remoulade sauce. This Air Fryer French Fries Recipe offers that nostalgic comfort food experience with a fuss-free, healthier twist.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a dash of garlic powder can elevate your fries from tasty to unforgettable. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese right after cooking also adds a delightful savory touch that melts just so perfectly onto the hot fries.
Side Dishes
These fries pair wonderfully with classic American fare like juicy burgers or crispy chicken sandwiches. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your fries in rustic paper cones or mini fry baskets for an appealing touch at parties or casual get-togethers. Another fun idea is to pile them on a platter and create a loaded fries spread topped with cheese, bacon bits, and scallions for a shareable snack everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While they won’t be quite as crispy as freshly cooked, reheating them properly can bring back much of the texture and flavor.
Freezing
French fries generally don’t freeze well once air-fried, as the texture can suffer. For best results, freeze the raw potato strips after cutting and soaking, then air fry straight from frozen and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Reheating
To revive leftover Air Fryer French Fries Recipe fries, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method crisps them up nicely without drying them out like a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are best for achieving that perfect crispy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier interior. Just keep in mind they might not get as crispy.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds an extra layer of texture and nutrients while giving your fries a rustic look. Just make sure to wash the potatoes well before cutting.
Is it necessary to soak the fries in water?
Soaking helps remove excess starch, which prevents fries from sticking together and promotes crispiness. If you’re short on time, even a quick soak will improve the outcome.
Can I skip the oil?
Using oil helps fries crisp and enhances flavor, but you can reduce it or skip it if you’re avoiding oil. Just know the fries might come out less golden and slightly less crispy.
How do I make the fries extra crispy?
Ensure the fries are dry before tossing with oil, avoid overcrowding the basket, and air fry for a couple of extra minutes if needed. Shaking or flipping halfway through also ensures even crisping.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of homemade fries that are crispy, seasoned just right, and guilt-free, this Air Fryer French Fries Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s easy, quick, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or impressing guests without any hassle. Give it a try and you’ll likely find your new favorite fries right here.
Print
Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy and golden Air Fryer French Fries made with simple ingredients and a quick cooking process. These fries are soaked to remove excess starch, lightly seasoned with salt and oil, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive)
- ½ – ¾ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Cut the Potatoes: Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 3 minutes. Cut the potatoes into long strips about 4-6 inches in length, ½ inch wide, and ¼ inch thick to create evenly sized fries.
- Soak in Water: Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cool water and soak for 20-30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries become crispy. After soaking, drain the water and thoroughly dry the potatoes with a dish towel to prevent sogginess.
- Season the Fries: Transfer the dried fries to a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle the salt over them. Toss well to ensure the fries are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no fries touch the sides or overlap. If your air fryer is 6-quart, cook in two batches for best results. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time. For extra crispy or larger fries, shake the basket and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve your delicious air fryer French fries hot with ketchup, mayonnaise, Sriracha Mayo, or homemade Remoulade Sauce. Enjoy your healthier, crispy fries!
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes is essential for achieving crispy fries.
- Make sure to dry fries well before seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust salt to your taste preference.
- Oil choice can be avocado or olive for a healthy fat option.
- Cook in batches if necessary to maintain single layer cooking.
