Air Fryer French fries
- Preparation 1 h 10 min
- Cooking 30 min
- Servings 2 to 4
- Freezing I do not suggest
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Homemade Air Fryer French Fries: The Ultimate Recipe for Crispy, Golden Perfection
If you’re dreaming of ultra-crispy homemade fries without deep frying or drowning your potatoes in oil, your air fryer is your best friend. With this easy and quick air fryer french fries recipe, you’ll get perfectly golden, crunchy fries with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Whether you’re using a Ninja Air Fryer or any other model, here’s how to make the best air fryer french fries from scratch!
Why Make French Fries in an Air Fryer?
Unlike traditional frying, an air fryer uses hot air circulation at high speed, creating a crispy texture with much less fat. Plus, it reduces grease splatters, eliminates lingering fried food smells, and ensures even cooking.
Wondering what kind of fries to use? Homemade fries are ideal, but you can also opt for frozen air fryer french fries if you’re in a hurry.
The Secrets to Perfect Air Fryer French Fries
The key to making the best air fryer french fries lies in a few essential steps:
✅ Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for crispy fries because of their low moisture content and high starch levels.
✅ Soaking is a must: Letting the fries soak in cold water removes excess starch, giving them a crispier texture after cooking.
✅ Dry them well before cooking: Less moisture = more crisp!
✅ Add oil at the right time: Coat the fries just before cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in a single layer ensures even browning and crispy fries, not soggy ones.
Looking for a perfect pairing? Try these fries with some air fryer chicken for a delicious and easy meal!
Simple but Effective Seasoning
The secret to flavorful air fryer french fries from scratch is in the seasoning. Here’s how to keep it simple yet tasty:
🧂 Salt, added after cooking to prevent it from drawing out moisture and making the fries soft.
🌿 Chopped chives for a fresh touch.
🔥 Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
Crispy Fries All Year Round!
Whether you’re making homemade burgers, a quick poutine, or just need a tasty side, these air fryer french fries are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ready to ditch boring frozen fries? Follow this recipe and get ready to bite into crispy, golden fries bursting with flavor! And for an even heartier meal, why not whip up some air fryer chicken and fries? 🍗🍟😋
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If you want extra crispy and flavorful homemade air fryer french fries, here are some must-know tips:
🟡 Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet or Bintje potatoes are ideal because they have low moisture and high starch content, which guarantees crispy, golden fries.
💦 Soaking is Key
Soaking the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour) removes excess starch and prevents them from sticking together. The longer they soak, the crispier they will be after cooking.
🏜️ Dry the Fries Thoroughly Before Cooking
Once soaked, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Less moisture = crunchier fries!
🛢️ Use Just the Right Amount of Oil
1 tablespoon of oil per 500g of fries is enough. Too much oil can make them soft, while a thin, even coating ensures perfect crispiness. Make sure the fries are well-coated to prevent sticking.
🔥 Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket for even cooking. If they are too packed together, they will steam instead of crisping. For large batches, cook in multiple rounds.
⏳ Optimize Cooking Time
Always preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the fries. To ensure even cooking, shake the basket every 5 minutes.
On average, air fryer french fries cook in 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model.
🧂 Season at the Right Time
Add salt after cooking—if added before, it draws out moisture and softens the fries. Want more flavor? Try:
- Smoked paprika for a BBQ-style kick
- Garlic powder & herbs for a Mediterranean twist
- Grated Parmesan & parsley for an extra gourmet touch
🍟 Experiment with Different Types of Fries
From classic fries, shoestring, thick-cut, to wedges, the air fryer lets you switch things up.
What type of fries are best for an air fryer? Homemade fries are the best, but frozen air fryer french fries work too—with some adjustments to time and temperature.
🍗 Pair Your Fries with a Great Dish
For a complete meal, why not try air fryer chicken and fries? Cook drumsticks or wings alongside your fries for an easy and delicious combo. Air fryer french fries Ninja also pair perfectly with homemade burgers, steak, or even poutine!
With these pro tips, your air fryer french fries will be a guaranteed hit every time! 🍟🔥😋
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Air Fryer French fries
- 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes, cut into French fries (unpeeled)
- Cold water (for soaking)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh chives, finely chopped
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Preparation
- Place the fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 1 hour. Rinse several times, then drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Transfer the fries to a dry bowl, add the oil, and toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to maximum power for 5 minutes.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket (cook in two batches if necessary).
- Air fry for 25 to 30 minutes (cooking time may vary depending on the Air Fryer), shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Season with salt only after cooking to prevent the fries from becoming soggy. Garnish with fresh chives and toss before serving. 🍟🔥
- Basket overcrowded
If you put too many air fryer French fries into the basket at once, the hot air can’t circulate properly. This prevents the fries from cooking evenly and becoming crispy. Try cooking your fries in smaller batches for best results. - Not enough oil
Even though an air fryer uses less oil than traditional frying, your fries still need a little oil to become crispy. Spray or lightly coat them with a small amount of oil before cooking. - Incorrect cooking temperature
If your fries aren’t getting crispy, the cooking temperature might be too low. Make sure you preheat your air fryer, and cook your fries at about 375–400°F for perfectly crispy, golden results. - Wrong type of potato
Certain potatoes contain more starch, making them better suited for crispy fries. Russet potatoes are typically ideal for making air fryer French fries from scratch due to their high starch content and lower moisture. - Cooking time too short
If your fries aren’t crispy enough, they may need a bit longer in the air fryer. Slightly extend the cooking time, and check the texture regularly until they’re golden brown and crispy. - Unevenly cut fries
Fries cut unevenly will cook unevenly. Try cutting your fries into uniform-sized pieces for more even cooking and consistent crispiness.
For perfectly crispy French fries in an air fryer, cook them at 375–400°F for about 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for evenly crispy results.
For crispy homemade fries, uniformly cut your potatoes and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Thoroughly dry them before lightly coating with oil, and cook in a single layer without overcrowding your air fryer basket.
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