Ah, French fries—those golden, crispy delights that transport us to fairgrounds and backyard barbecues, where the air is filled with laughter and maybe a stray whiff of sunscreen. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself craving that perfect fry—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—only to be let down by soggy disappointments. That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a culinary superhero, transforming humble potatoes into crunchy perfection in just 20 minutes flat.
Steps
- Begin by cutting unpeeled potatoes into fries, approximately 1/4-inch thick, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Toss the cut potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
- Arrange the potato pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook them at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crisp and golden brown around the edges.
- Continue with the remaining potato slices, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Once all the batches are cooked, place all the fries back in the air fryer together for 1 to 2 minutes to reheat and crisp up. Serve immediately with your choice of seasonings and dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
FAQ
- How do you ensure air fryer French fries turn out crispy?
- To achieve crispy air fryer French fries, make sure to spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate around the fries, making them golden brown and crisp. If they’re not crispy after the initial cooking time, continue air frying until they reach the desired texture.
- Can you make these fries in the oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, note that oven-baked fries may not be as crispy as those cooked in an air fryer.
- What are some seasoning suggestions for air fryer French fries?
- While simple salt and pepper work well, you can enhance the flavor of your air fryer fries with fresh herbs, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. They also pair nicely with various dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese.
- How should you prepare the potatoes for air frying?
- Chop the potatoes into fries about 1/4-inch thick, aiming for uniform size to ensure even cooking. It’s recommended not to peel the potatoes, as the skin helps them crisp up nicely. Toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil and salt before air frying.
- What can you serve with air fryer French fries?
- These fries make a delightful snack or appetizer on their own. They can also be served as a side dish with veggie burgers, portobello mushroom burgers, black bean burgers, crispy cauliflower po’ boy sandwiches, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches for a fun and tasty meal.
Tips
- Work in Batches: Ensure the fries are spread out in a single layer with some space in between. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, preventing steaming and ensuring crispiness. You may need to cook them in multiple batches.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the fries at the 12-minute mark. If they’re not crispy yet, continue cooking them. The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly to achieve the perfect texture.
- Taste Over Appearance: Fries might look ready before they’re fully done. Always taste a fry to confirm it’s tender inside and crispy outside before moving on to the next batch.
- Re-crisp at the End: After cooking all the batches, place all the fries back in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to reheat and crisp up any that may have cooled down. This step ensures all fries are crispy and warm before serving.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for making the air fryer French fries, as they are specifically designed to cook with hot air circulation, resulting in crispy fries with less oil.
