Air Fryer French Fries

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links learn more.

Alright, buckle up, french fry fanatics! Let me tell you, in our house, Friday nights are practically synonymous with french fries. But not just any fries – we’re talking golden, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth, air fryer french fries. For years, we wrestled with soggy oven fries and the guilt of deep-fried indulgence. Then, the air fryer entered our lives, and everything changed. This recipe isn’t just good; it’s a game-changer. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, devour these like there’s no tomorrow. My husband, a self-proclaimed fry connoisseur, declared them the best homemade fries he’s ever had. And me? Well, I love that I can whip up a batch of these crispy delights with minimal oil and maximum flavor, all while keeping the kitchen clean and the family happy. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect homemade french fry recipe, look no further. Get ready to experience french fry perfection, air fryer style!

Ingredients

Russet Potatoes (2 large): The classic choice for fries, Russets are high in starch and low in moisture, resulting in fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. Look for firm potatoes without blemishes.
Avocado Oil (2 tablespoons): A healthy and neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, perfect for air frying at higher temperatures. You can also use other high smoke point oils like canola or grapeseed oil.
Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and draws out moisture for crispier fries. Coarse sea salt is ideal for a satisfying crunch.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice to complement the saltiness. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best flavor.
Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Smoked or sweet paprika can add a beautiful color and a hint of smoky or sweet flavor to your fries.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who love garlic, a touch of garlic powder elevates the savory profile of the fries.
Onion Powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides another layer of savory depth.
Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick without being overpowering.

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the skin off each potato. Once peeled, rinse them again to remove any excess starch released during peeling. This step helps prevent the fries from becoming overly sticky.
Cut into Fries: Now comes the fun part – cutting the potatoes into fries! There are several ways to do this, but for classic french fry shape, slice each potato lengthwise into planks about ½ inch thick. Then, stack a few planks together and cut them lengthwise again into ½ inch thick fries. Aim for uniform size for even cooking. If you prefer thicker or thinner fries, adjust the thickness accordingly, keeping in mind that cooking time may need to be adjusted. For extra crispy fries, consider cutting them slightly thinner.
Soak the Fries (Crucial for Crispiness): This is a step you absolutely don’t want to skip! Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. Soaking removes excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior and fluffy interior we all crave. You’ll notice the water becoming cloudy as the starch is released. For optimal results, you can even soak them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Drain and Dry Thoroughly (Equally Crucial): After soaking, drain the fries in a colander and rinse them one last time under cold water. Now, and this is vital, you need to dry them extremely thoroughly. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy air fryer fries. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the fries completely dry. You can even lay them out on a clean kitchen towel and let them air dry for a bit. The drier they are, the crispier they will become.
Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the completely dried fries with avocado oil. Ensure that all fries are lightly and evenly coated with oil. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and prevents them from drying out. Next, add sea salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings you’re using, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated with the seasonings. Don’t be shy with the salt – it’s essential for flavor.
Air Fry in Batches (Don’t Overcrowd): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy fries. It’s crucial to air fry the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will steam the fries instead of frying them, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked fries. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in 2-3 batches.
Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Air fry the fries for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through at around the 8-10 minute mark. Flipping ensures even cooking and crisping on all sides. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color and a satisfying crispy texture. If you want them extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time slightly, but be careful not to burn them. For thicker fries, they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Rest and Serve Immediately: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy to your liking, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Season with a little extra sea salt immediately while they are hot, if desired. Serve immediately while they are at their peak crispiness and enjoy! Air fryer fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Serving Size: Approximately ¾ cup of fries
Calories: 220 kcal
Fat: 9g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on potato size, oil quantity, and specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes peeling, cutting, and soaking)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (per batch in the air fryer)
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including soaking time)

This recipe is relatively quick and easy, especially considering the delicious, healthy, and crispy results you achieve! Soaking time is crucial but mostly hands-off.

How to Serve

Air fryer french fries are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless delicious ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Ketchup: The all-time favorite for a reason! Serve your fries with a generous dollop of classic tomato ketchup for a simple and satisfying pairing.
Garlic Aioli: Elevate your fries with a creamy and flavorful garlic aioli. Homemade aioli is fantastic, or you can find good quality store-bought versions.
Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy and creamy dipping sauce that adds a kick.
Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy ranch dressing is another classic pairing that complements the crispy fries perfectly.
Cheese Sauce: For ultimate indulgence, serve your fries with a warm, gooey cheese sauce. Consider a cheddar cheese sauce or a creamy nacho cheese sauce.
BBQ Sauce: A smoky and sweet BBQ sauce provides a different flavor profile that works surprisingly well with fries.
Malt Vinegar: For a traditional British-style “chips” experience, offer malt vinegar for drizzling over the fries.
With Burgers and Sandwiches: French fries are the quintessential side dish for burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. They complete any casual meal perfectly.
Alongside Grilled Meats or Fish: Serve air fryer fries as a healthier side dish with grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Loaded Fries: Turn your fries into a meal by loading them up with toppings! Think chili, cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, green onions, or pulled pork for ultimate loaded fries.
Fry Boards/Platters: Create a fun and interactive appetizer or snack by serving a platter of air fryer fries alongside a variety of dipping sauces, allowing everyone to customize their fry experience.
As a Snack on Their Own: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy air fryer french fries is simply on their own, lightly salted and enjoyed hot and crispy straight from the air fryer.

Additional Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Fries

Potato Variety Matters: While russet potatoes are the classic choice, other potato varieties like Yukon Gold or Maris Piper can also work well. Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier texture, while Maris Piper (if you can find them) are known for their exceptional crispiness. Experiment to find your favorite!
Uniform Fry Size is Key: Strive for consistent fry size when cutting the potatoes. Uniformity ensures that all fries cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others burn. If you’re not confident with knife skills, consider using a french fry cutter for consistent results.
Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking the fries in cold water is not just an optional step – it’s crucial for achieving crispy fries. It removes excess surface starch, which prevents the fries from sticking together and promotes crispiness. Don’t rush this step!
Dry, Dry, Dry! We can’t stress this enough: thoroughly drying the fries after soaking is just as important as the soaking itself. Excess moisture will lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soggy fries. Take your time to pat them completely dry with kitchen towels.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to the specified temperature before adding the fries. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for immediate crisping when the fries are added. This is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. Overcrowding the basket restricts airflow, leading to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Cook in batches to ensure that the fries are arranged in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation.
Shake or Flip Halfway Through: For even cooking and crisping on all sides, shake the air fryer basket or flip the fries halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides of the fries are exposed to the hot air, resulting in uniformly golden and crispy fries.
Experiment with Seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to customize your air fryer fries. Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even parmesan cheese for a variety of flavor profiles. Add seasonings before air frying for best results, or toss with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme after cooking.

FAQ About Air Fryer French Fries

Q1: Can I make air fryer french fries without soaking them?

A: While technically yes, it’s highly recommended to soak the potatoes. Soaking removes excess starch, which is vital for achieving crispy fries. Skipping the soaking step will likely result in fries that are less crispy and potentially stickier. For the best results, always soak your fries.

Q2: What’s the best oil to use for air fryer french fries?

A: Oils with a high smoke point and neutral flavor are ideal for air fryer french fries. Avocado oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and vegetable oil are all good choices. Olive oil can also be used, but its lower smoke point means you need to be a bit more careful with temperature and cooking time. Avoid oils with strong flavors that might overpower the taste of the fries.

Q3: How do I prevent my air fryer french fries from being soggy?

A: Soggy fries are often caused by excess moisture or overcrowding the air fryer. Ensure you soak and thoroughly dry your fries before cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature, and don’t lower the temperature too much during cooking.

Q4: Can I use frozen french fries in the air fryer?

A: Yes, absolutely! Air fryers are fantastic for cooking frozen french fries. You typically don’t need to add any extra oil to frozen fries as they are usually pre-oiled. Follow the package instructions for air frying frozen fries, or generally air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Q5: How do I store leftover air fryer french fries?

A: Air fryer french fries are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will lose some crispiness when stored.

Q6: How do I reheat air fryer french fries?

A: To reheat leftover air fryer french fries and try to regain some crispiness, air fry them again at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.

Q7: Can I make sweet potato fries in the air fryer using this method?

A: Yes, you can adapt this method for sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes tend to be higher in moisture and sugar than russet potatoes, so they might require slightly longer soaking time and slightly lower cooking temperature (around 380°F or 190°C) to prevent burning. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time as needed.

Q8: My air fryer french fries are burning before they get crispy inside, what am I doing wrong?

A: If your fries are burning on the outside but still raw inside, your air fryer temperature might be too high. Try lowering the temperature to 375°F (190°C) or even 350°F (175°C) and increase the cooking time slightly. Ensure you are not overcrowding the basket, as this can also lead to uneven cooking and burning. Thicker fries might also require a lower temperature and longer cooking time to cook through properly without burning.