Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

Crispy Golden Air Fryer French Fries Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crispy golden air fryer french fries can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful experience.

Potato lovers will appreciate this simple technique for creating restaurant-quality sides at home.

Crunchy exterior and soft interior make these fries irresistible.

Salt and seasoning options let you customize each batch perfectly.

No deep-frying mess means cleanup becomes a breeze with this method.

Minimal oil and maximum flavor combine to create a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried potatoes.

Fries That Are Crispy, Golden, and Air-Fried to Perfection

  • Blast Through Cooking: Whip up restaurant-style fries in just 20 minutes with minimal effort and maximum crunch.
  • Health-Conscious Comfort: Enjoy guilt-free crispy goodness using minimal oil compared to traditional deep-frying methods, cutting down on unnecessary calories.
  • Foolproof Technique: Achieve golden, crispy fries every single time with simple steps that work for cooking novices and seasoned chefs alike.
  • Flavor Explosion: Customize your fries with endless seasoning options – from classic salt and pepper to adventurous spice blends that transform a basic side dish into a gourmet experience.

What You Put In Air Fryer French Fries

Potatoes:
  • Russet Potatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes: Starchy potatoes with a fluffy interior, perfect for crispy French fries. Choose firm potatoes without sprouting or green patches.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and adds a light, healthy flavor. Extra virgin olive oil works best for better taste.
Seasonings:
  • Seasoned Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the natural potato flavor. Helps create a well-rounded taste profile.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Additional spices that add depth and complexity to the fries. Optional but recommended for extra flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme): Aromatic herbs that provide a fresh, earthy note. Optional garnish that elevates the overall taste.

Instructions For Air Fryer French Fries

Step 1: Prepare Potato Strips

Scrub potatoes thoroughly under cool running water.

Using a sharp knife, slice potatoes into uniform thin strips about 1/4 inch thick.

Pat potato strips completely dry with clean paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Season Potato Strips

Combine potato strips in a spacious mixing bowl with:
  • Olive oil
  • Seasoned salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional garlic powder
  • Optional paprika

Gently toss ingredients until potato strips are evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 3: Load Air Fryer Basket

Arrange potato strips in a single layer inside air fryer basket.

Avoid overcrowding to guarantee even cooking and maximum crunchiness.

Leave small spaces between each potato strip.

Step 4: Crisp Potato Strips

Set air fryer temperature to 375°F.

Cook potato strips for 15-20 minutes.

Shake basket halfway through cooking time to ensure uniform browning.

Potato strips should emerge golden brown with crispy exterior.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer hot potato strips to serving plate.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Smart Tips for Air Fryer French Fries

  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to ensure fries don't stick and cook evenly.
  • Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, creating crispier exterior and fluffier interior.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or parmesan cheese to add extra flavor and make fries more exciting.
  • Pat potato slices completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Arrange fries in a single layer without overlapping to ensure proper air circulation and crisp texture throughout cooking.

French Fries – Keep Crispy When Reheating

  • Store leftover french fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Spread cooled fries on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Warm fries at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway through to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Arrange fries on a baking sheet, bake at 425°F for 5-7 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating and maintaining their crisp texture.

Side Picks for Air Fryer French Fries

  • Craft Classic Burger Companion: Juicy beef patty with crisp, golden air fryer fries creates the ultimate comfort food experience that satisfies deep cravings.
  • Elevate Dipping Delight: Creamy garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo transforms these crispy fries into an irresistible appetizer that keeps taste buds dancing.
  • Refresh with Cool Beverage: Ice-cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade cuts through the fries' richness, providing perfect palate-cleansing refreshment.
  • Match Gourmet Sandwich Sidekick: Grilled chicken club or pulled pork sandwich finds its perfect crispy partner with these homemade air fryer fries.

Air Fryer French Fries: Cuts and Seasoning Combos

  • Herb-Infused Fries: Replace regular seasoned salt with a blend of dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Edition: Swap standard seasonings with Cajun spice mix, adding paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder for a fiery kick.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Alternative: Substitute potatoes with jicama or turnip sticks, maintaining the same cooking method and seasoning technique for a keto-friendly option.
  • Sweet Potato Swap: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, which adds more nutrients and a slightly sweeter taste while keeping the same crispy air fryer technique.

FAQs

  • Why soak potatoes before air frying?

Soaking helps remove excess starch, which creates crispier fries with a better texture. Simply cover cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat completely dry before seasoning.

  • Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen french fries work perfectly in an air fryer. Just reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes and check them frequently to prevent burning.

  • What potato varieties work best for homemade fries?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which creates crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes are also excellent for air fryer fries.

  • How do I prevent my fries from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before adding potatoes, and ensure fries are not overcrowded. Shake the basket midway through cooking to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

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Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

Air Fryer French Fries Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy golden Air Fryer French Fries bring restaurant-quality potato magic straight to home kitchens with minimal oil and maximum crunch. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly delicious, these fries will become a quick favorite for snack lovers seeking a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried potatoes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium potatoes (russets or Yukon gold)

Cooking Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Herbs:

  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly rinse potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then slice into uniform, slender strips using a sharp knife for consistent cooking.
  2. Create a flavor base by drizzling olive oil over the potato strips, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Arrange potato strips in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, allowing hot circulating air to crisp each fry uniformly.
  4. Position the loaded basket into the preheated air fryer, maintaining a temperature of 375°F to promote optimal crispiness and golden exterior.
  5. Midway through cooking, gently agitate the basket to redistribute fries, promoting even browning and preventing potential sticking.
  6. Monitor fries carefully during the final cooking phase, removing them once they achieve a deep golden-brown color and possess a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
  7. Transfer immediately to a serving plate, optionally garnishing with finely chopped parsley or chives for enhanced visual appeal and fresh herbaceous notes.
  8. Allow fries to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before serving to achieve peak crispness and prevent potential mouth burns.

Notes

  • Pat potatoes completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, creating extra crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking in batches, allowing proper air circulation for evenly crisp fries.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cajun spice blend to customize flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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