Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

Master how to make the best homemade air fryer French fries with this easy baking recipe! These crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside fries use 80% less oil than deep frying while delivering restaurant-quality results. The perfect technique for crispy fries without the guilt!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">750g russet potatoes (about 3-4 medium potatoes)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5g sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g garlic powder (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g dried herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife or mandoline</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large bowl for soaking potatoes</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen towels or paper towels</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. You can peel them if preferred, but leaving the skin on provides extra nutrients and texture. Cut the potatoes into even sticks about 1cm thick. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even cooking – this is crucial for perfectly cooked fries.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This step removes excess starch, which is the secret to achieving maximum crispiness. The longer the soak, the crispier your fries will be.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drain the potatoes and rinse under cold water. Pat them completely dry using kitchen towels or paper towels. Any remaining moisture will create steam in the air fryer and prevent proper crisping, so don't skip this critical step.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Transfer the dried potato sticks to a clean, dry bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly coated. The air fryer requires significantly less oil than deep frying, but some oil is necessary to achieve that golden-brown exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 195°C for 3 minutes. Preheating creates an initially hot environment that helps form a crispy exterior right away, similar to how a hot oven works better than a cold one.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place a single layer of potato sticks in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. Leave space between the fries so hot air can circulate - this is crucial for even cooking and maximum crispiness. You'll likely need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook the fries at 195°C for 8 minutes, then pause the air fryer and shake the basket vigorously or use tongs to flip the fries. Return to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until they're golden brown with crispy edges. The exact timing might vary based on your air fryer model and how thick you cut your fries.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>While the fries are still hot, transfer them to a bowl and season immediately with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or herbs. The residual oil helps the seasonings adhere better when the fries are freshly cooked. Toss gently to coat evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Air fryer fries are at their peak texture right after cooking, as they can soften slightly as they cool. For the best experience, enjoy them right away with your favorite dipping sauce!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer French Fries Recipe?

Air Fryer French Fries require russet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity - just potatoes and minimal oil for a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips.

How to cook Air Fryer French Fries Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer French Fries by cutting potatoes into even 1cm sticks, soaking them to remove excess starch, drying thoroughly, tossing with a small amount of olive oil, and air frying at 195°C in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, shake the basket, then continue for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Season while hot for perfect results.

Why should I soak potatoes before air frying them?

Soaking potatoes in cold water removes excess starch from the surface, which is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. This prevents the fries from sticking together and helps them develop that coveted crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior - the longer you soak, the crispier your result.

What's the best potato variety for making crispy chips in an air fryer?

Russet potatoes are ideal for air fryer chips due to their high starch and low moisture content. This combination creates the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes are excellent UK alternatives, offering similar starch levels for that desired crunch.

How do air-fried chips compare to traditional deep-fried ones nutritionally?

Air-fried chips contain approximately 80% less fat than traditional deep-fried versions, making them significantly healthier. A typical serving contains around 165 calories and 4g of fat compared to 300+ calories and 15g+ fat in deep-fried chips, while still delivering similar taste and texture satisfaction.

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