French fries are one of the most beloved comfort foods, and thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy them with a lot less oil without sacrificing the crispy texture and delicious flavor. Air fryer French fries come out golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying soft and fluffy on the inside—just like a perfect fry should be. Let’s dive into the best way to make crispy air fryer French fries that are perfect every time.
1. Best Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, dried herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and cut the potatoes: Start by peeling 2 large russet potatoes. After peeling, cut the potatoes into ¼-inch thick strips. Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
Soak the potato strips: Place the potato strips in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Dry the Potatoes
Drain and dry the potato strips: After soaking, drain the water and pat the potato strips dry thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Toss with oil and seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or vegetable oil). The oil helps the fries crisp up in the air fryer. For seasoning, sprinkle with salt to taste, and feel free to add any additional spices such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, or herbs for extra flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes
Arrange the fries in the basket: Place the seasoned potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the fries: Air fry the fries at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you want them extra crispy, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning: Once the fries are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately season with more salt or your favorite seasonings while they’re still hot.
Serve immediately: Air fryer French fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces.
2. Tips for the Best Air Fryer French Fries
Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for French fries because their high starch content helps create the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Yukon Golds can also work, but they may have a slightly creamier texture.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the potato strips in cold water helps remove excess starch, which is essential for achieving crispy fries. If you’re short on time, even a 10-15 minute soak can help.
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, it’s crucial to dry the potato strips completely. Any leftover moisture will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them, resulting in soggy fries.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest fries, make sure the fries are spread out in a single layer with space around them. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. If necessary, cook your fries in batches.
Shake the Basket: Shaking the air fryer basket every 5 minutes helps the fries cook evenly and ensures that all sides become crispy.
Use a Little Oil: While air frying requires much less oil than deep frying, adding a small amount of oil (about 1 tablespoon) is still important for crispiness and flavor. Be sure to toss the fries well so they’re evenly coated.
Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: If you cut your fries thinner, they may cook faster than the suggested 15-20 minutes. Thicker fries, on the other hand, might need an extra 3-5 minutes to become fully crispy.
3. Variations of Air Fryer French Fries
Garlic Parmesan Fries: For a gourmet touch, toss your hot fries with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and some chopped parsley. This variation adds a burst of savory flavor to your fries and pairs exceptionally well with dipping sauces.
Spicy Cajun Fries: Sprinkle your fries with a blend of Cajun seasoning before air frying. The spicy kick from the Cajun mix adds a bold flavor that’s perfect for those who like their fries with a bit of heat.
4. Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer French Fries
Ketchup: The classic choice and always a crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Aioli: A creamy, garlicky dip that adds richness to your fries.
Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and creamy, this blend of Sriracha and mayonnaise is perfect for those who like a little heat.
Ranch Dressing: Cool and tangy, ranch adds a nice contrast to the hot, crispy fries.
Cheese Sauce: Melted cheddar cheese or nacho cheese makes for a decadent dipping option.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: If you happen to have any leftover fries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the fries soggy.
Making crispy air fryer French fries at home is a game-changer. You get all the satisfaction of traditional fries without the excess oil and mess of deep frying. By following simple steps like soaking the potatoes, drying them thoroughly, and ensuring they cook evenly in the air fryer, you can achieve fries that are golden, crispy, and irresistibly delicious every time.
