Air Fryer Fries (Crispy fries)

Introduction

Fries are always a favorite side dish, but….. air frying them takes them to the next level. Not only is this recipe simple to make and much healthier than traditional deep-frying, it is also delicious! Read on for the secret to making crispy and crunchy air fryer fries every time!

The secret to making crispy fries in the air fryer

Well..the trick is to use the right kind of potato. Russet potatoes are best because they have a low moisture content, which helps them get nice and crispy when cooked.

Also, it is important to cut the potatoes into even slices so they cook evenly. The thinner you slice them, the crispier they will be. 

Lastly, soaking is key! Soaking the potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes (in warm water) before cooking helps to remove any excess starch and make them even crunchier.

How to cut the potatoes thinly

It is important to use a sharp knife in order to cut the potatoes into very thin slices. Start by cutting the potato lengthwise into slices about 1/4-inch thick. Then, turn the slices and cut them again until you have even strips that are all roughly the same thickness.

What to serve these with:

Air fryer fries are a great side dish for so many meals. Serve them with burgers, sandwiches, fish, steak, or even as an appetizer. You can also top them with your favorite seasonings for extra flavor. 

Here are some tips for making the best air fryer fries:

• Pre-heat the air fryer before adding the potatoes to help ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

• Use high-quality oil such as avocado oil or coconut oil when coating the potatoes – this will help give them a nice golden color and crispiness.

• Make sure you spread out the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping them – this ensures that the hot air circulates properly and cooks them evenly.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – if you need to cook more potatoes, do it in batches.

• Cook at a semi -high temperature (around 370°F) for about 14-16 minutes, depending on how thick you sliced your potatoes.

• Shake or stir the fries occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Finally, don’t forget the salt! A generous sprinkle of salt after they are cooked will make all the difference.

What You Need

• Potatoes (large)
• Oil
• Salt
• Seasonings (optional)

Instructions

Slice potatoes into desired thickness and size. Most people like their fries about an inch thick.

Soak the potatoes in warm water for a 30 minutes before draining them. This will help to remove any excess starch.

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F 

Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.

Season with salt and pour on 2 tsp oil.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Cook for 14-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking.

at 7 minutes take out of the air fryer, place into a mixing bowl and coat with 1 tsp of oil and shake the bowl to coat. 

Place back into the air fryer basket, and cook through.

**Keep an eye on them near the end of cooking time as potatoes can burn quickly once they start to brown. If needed, reduce cooking time accordingly.

Substitutions and Additions

You can substitute the oil for melted butter or olive oil if desired.

Try adding different seasonings and herbs to change up the flavor of your air fryer fries. Garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese are all great additions!

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes?

A: Yes, preheating before adding your potatoes to the air fryer helps ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.

Q: How long do I cook them for?

A: Cook for 15 minutes or longer depending on desired doneness, flipping halfway through cooking time. Keep an eye on them near the end of cooking time as potatoes can burn quickly once they start to brown. If needed, reduce cooking time accordingly.

Q: What kind of oil should I use when coating the fries?

A: We recommend using high-quality oil such as avocado oil or coconut oil when coating the potato slices – this will help give them a nice golden color and crispiness.

Q: Can I add different seasonings to my air fryer fries?

A: Of course! Try adding different seasonings and herbs to change up the flavor of your air fryer fries. Garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese are all great additions! Enjoy experimenting with different flavors.

Q: Can I cook more than one batch of fries at the same time?

A: Yes, you can. However, we suggest cooking in batches to ensure that your potatoes have enough room in the air fryerbasket so the hot air circulates around them to achieve maximum crispiness. Additionally, overcrowding may cause some of the potatoes to become soggy and not as crispy.

Q: How do I store leftover french fries?

A: To store any leftover fries, make sure they are completely cooled before transferring them to an airtight container or bag. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes or until hot and crispy. 

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

A: Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as Yukon gold or red potatoes; however, russet potatoes are best because they have a higher starch content which makes them extra fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside when cooked in an air fryer. Stick with russets if possible to achieve that perfect crisp!

So there you have it – air fryer french fries that are deliciously crispy and ready to enjoy! Don’t forget to season them however you’d like, and experiment with different oils such as peanut oil, butter or olive oil if desired. Enjoy creating delicious air fried fries in your own kitchen!

Happy Airfrying!

Notes:

*If you slice your potatoes too thin they won’t hold up as well when cooked – they will break apart easily in the air fryerbasket! Make sure they are at least 1/2” thick before starting this recipe.

**This could vary depending on how thickly sliced your potatoes were cut, as well as how powerful your air fryer is – so keep an eye on them while cooking!