Ah, French fries—crispy, golden sticks of pure joy that transport you right back to those endless summer fairs or maybe even that spontaneous road trip where fries were the only constant. As much as I adore the traditional deep-fried version, my air fryer has revolutionized how I indulge. Quick, less greasy, and still that satisfying crunch—it’s like having my cake and eating it, too, but in fry form.
Steps
- Begin by cutting your potatoes into fries, approximately 1/4-inch thick, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Leave the skin on for extra crispiness, and toss them with olive oil and salt.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Spread the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between each one to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the fries for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the process. Remove them once they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Continue cooking additional batches, as necessary, to ensure each batch has enough space in the basket for optimal crisping.
- After the final batch, combine all the fries in the air fryer and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step will reheat and re-crisp the earlier batches.
- Serve the fries immediately, seasoning them as desired and pairing them with your choice of dipping sauces. Enjoy your crispy air fryer French fries!
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes, cut 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, as it helps them crisp up nicely during cooking. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting.
- Why do I need to cook the fries in batches?
- Cooking the fries in batches ensures that they are spread out in a single layer with space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate properly, making the fries crispy. If the basket is overcrowded, the potatoes will steam instead of crisping.
- What should I do if my fries aren’t crispy after the recommended cooking time?
- If your fries aren’t crispy at the 15-minute mark, continue cooking them. The exact cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model. Check them periodically and taste-test to ensure they are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- How can I reheat fries from earlier batches so they stay crispy?
- Once all batches are cooked, toss all the fries back into the air fryer together for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step will reheat and re-crisp the earlier batches.
- What are some good seasonings or dips to serve with air fryer French fries?
- You can keep it simple with salt and pepper or add flavor with fresh herbs, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. As for dips, ketchup and mustard are classics, but you can also try chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese for something different.
Tips
- Work in Batches: Ensure you spread the potatoes in a single layer with space between each piece in the air fryer basket. This prevents steaming and ensures they turn out crispy. You may need to do multiple batches depending on the amount you’re cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so check your fries at the 12-minute mark and adjust as needed. Continue cooking until they achieve the desired crispiness, even if it takes longer than the suggested time.
- Taste Check for Doneness: Fries may appear done before they’re fully cooked. Taste a fry from each batch to ensure it’s tender inside and crispy outside before proceeding.
- Reheat and Crisp Together: After cooking all batches, place all fries back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to reheat and crisp them up. This step is crucial to ensure none are left soggy.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for making the fries crispy with minimal oil.
- Mandoline Slicer (optional) – For evenly cutting potatoes into fries, though a sharp knife can suffice.
