These Air Fryer French Fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just the way we love them! They’re quick and easy to make without all the oil.
Making fries at home is so much fun! I like to experiment with different seasonings. Plus, you can munch on them guilt-free—it’s a win-win! 🍟
What I love about these fries is how fast they cook. Just toss them in the air fryer, and in no time, you have a tasty snack perfect for sharing. Don’t forget the ketchup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for fries due to their high starch content, which makes them fluffy inside and crispy outside. If you can’t find russets, Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes can be good alternatives, though they may cook slightly differently.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. You can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer a more neutral taste. Both work great for frying as well!
Sea Salt: It might be tempting to use regular table salt, but sea salt adds a wonderful crunch and flavor. If you have only table salt, just use a bit less since it’s finer and more concentrated.
Black Pepper and Seasonings: Black pepper adds a nice bite, but you can use other spices depending on your taste. For instance, try cayenne for heat or dried herbs for a herby flavor. If garlic powder or paprika isn’t on hand, feel free to skip them or substitute with onion powder or any preferred dried spice.
How Do I Get Crispy Fries Without Deep Frying?
Getting that crispy texture without the guilt is a fun challenge! The key step is soaking the cut potatoes in cold water. This helps remove excess starch that can make fries soggy. Here’s what you should do:
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into 1/4-inch thick strips. Even sizing helps them cook uniformly.
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes—this really helps with crunch!
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and thoroughly pat them dry. The drier they are, the crisper your fries will be.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure every fry gets a nice golden brown.
Following these steps will give you amazing, crispy air fryer fries, just like the ones from a fryer but much healthier!
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Fries:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Serving:
- Ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes for soaking the potatoes. The cooking time is approximately 15-20 minutes. So, in total, you should plan for about 1 hour to have crispy french fries ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Use a sharp knife to cut them into evenly-sized strips, about ¼-inch thick. This is important because it helps the fries cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture!
2. Soak the Potatoes:
Once cut, place your potato strips into a large bowl and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and really helps achieve nice, crispy fries when cooked.
3. Dry the Potatoes:
After soaking, carefully drain the potatoes and use a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. Getting rid of the moisture is key to making sure they turn out crispy instead of soggy.
4. Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and if you’re using them, garlic powder and paprika. Make sure to coat the fries evenly so all the flavors are deliciously present!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This step will ensure that your fries start cooking right away and get that perfect golden brown color.
6. Cook the Fries:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd them; if you have a lot of fries, you might need to cook them in batches. This way, they’ll cook evenly!
7. Shake and Cook:
Cook the fries for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to make sure they’re browning nicely on all sides. This little shake is essential for even cooking!
8. Enjoy Your Crispy Fries:
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Then, serve your delicious air fryer french fries hot with ketchup on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a great alternative, giving a different flavor and color. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes may require a slightly shorter cooking time, so start checking for doneness around 12-15 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake these fries in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the seasoned potato strips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
How to Store Leftover French Fries?
To store any leftover fries, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer or a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Fries Spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to add more black pepper, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of chili powder for extra heat. Mix it in with the other seasonings before coating your potatoes for a flavorful kick!
