Let’s face it, the allure of crispy, golden fries is almost impossible to resist. Seriously, who can say no to that? But wait, before you dash out to grab a bag of those greasy fast-food ones, have you ever thought about making your own at home?
With an air fryer? Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Just the other day, I was reminiscing about all the summer fairs I used to visit, where the smell of sizzling fries would waft through the air, drawing people like moths to a flame.
Anyway, back to the topic—this recipe captures that nostalgic bite but brings it right into your kitchen (minus the chaos of a carnival). Plus, you get that satisfying crunch without the guilt, because air frying is, well, practically magic. So, if you’re ready to transform humble potatoes into a masterpiece of flavor and texture, read on.
And hey, maybe throw in a dash of paprika for that extra kick.
Steps
- Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, about 1/4-inch thick, leaving the skin on for extra crispiness. Toss the cut potatoes with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. Cook them at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, cooking in batches to ensure each fry has enough space to get crispy. Adjust the cooking time if needed based on your air fryer’s performance.
- Once all batches are cooked, combine all the fries in the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to reheat and crisp them up. Serve immediately with your favorite seasonings and dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes, chopped into 1/4-inch thick fries
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
FAQ
- Can I make air fryer French fries without peeling the potatoes?
- Yes, you can leave the skin on the potatoes. The skin helps them become extra crispy as they cook.
- What should I do if my fries are not crispy after 15 minutes in the air fryer?
- If your fries aren’t crispy at the 15-minute mark, continue cooking them, checking periodically until they reach the desired crispiness. The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer’s model.
- Is it necessary to cook fries in batches in the air fryer?
- Yes, it is important to cook fries in batches and ensure they are in a single layer with space between each piece. This prevents the fries from steaming and ensures they become crispy.
- How do I reheat and crisp up all the fries if some batches finish earlier?
- Once all batches are cooked, toss them all back into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. This will warm and crisp up any fries that may have cooled down.
- What are some serving suggestions for air fryer French fries?
- Air fryer French fries can be enjoyed with a variety of seasonings and dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, chipotle sauce, or chimichurri. They are also a great side dish to pair with veggie burgers or sandwiches.
Tips
- Work in Batches: Ensure you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each one. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping, so work in batches to achieve the best texture.
- Check for Crispiness: Start checking the fries at the 12-minute mark. If they aren’t crispy yet, continue cooking until they reach your desired level of crispiness, as timing can vary between different air fryers.
- Taste Test for Doneness: Don’t rely solely on appearance. Taste a fry from each batch to ensure it’s tender inside and crispy outside before moving on to the next batch.
- Reheat and Crisp Together: After completing all batches, toss all the fries back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. This step ensures that any fries that have cooled down are reheated and crisped up again.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
