We're air fryer aficionados, and air fryer French fries are our jam, a simple potato snack made from russet or Yukon Gold potatoes cut into strips and crisped using circulating hot air.
We went through endless potatoes to find the best method. Seriously, we lost count.
Our process is straightforward. No fuss, no muss.
We keep it simple: basic ingredients, easy steps, fantastic results. We aim for that golden crunch every time.
Anything less is a letdown.
So, gear up for some spuddy goodness. We swear by this recipe.
Ready to make the best fries of your life? Oh, you bet.
Have a look and see for yourself.
Ingredients for Air Fryer French Fries
Less is definitely more. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 pounds of Russet potatoes: Washed, peeled, and cut into ¼ inch thick strips.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: To help them get crispy.
- Salt and pepper: For that classic seasoning.
And that's it! We told you it was simple. Ready to start slicing?
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Fries
First things first, the potato slices should be roughly the same size, about ¼ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly too.
If some are thicker, they may not get crispy enough. We don't want any soggy fries here.
It's also important to soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking, which helps draw out surface starch and improves crisping. (You can soak them at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to draw out surface starch and improve crisping.)
If you have more time on your hands, you can soak them overnight.
Don't crowd that basket! Just like with air fryer chicken wings for crispier results, give your fries some space to cook evenly and avoid becoming limp or greasy.
Cook them in batches if necessary.
And lastly, toss those fries in seasoning as soon as they come out of the air fryer. This will help the salt and pepper stick to them better and give you perfectly seasoned fries.
For a creamy alternative to potato fries, try air fryer avocado fries, creamy alternative.
Air Fryer French Fries for Beginners
Equipment
- 1 Air-fryer
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes washed, peeled, and cut into ¼ inch thick strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch.
- Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F.
- Drain and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Place the potato slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- For extra crispy fries, turn up the heat to 400°F for the last 5 minutes.
- Once done, immediately season with salt and pepper while they are still hot to help the seasoning stick.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious air fryer French fries! Perfect as a side dish or snack.
Nutrition
For a lighter vegetable option that still crisps in the air fryer, try air fryer eggplant fries for savory sides. For a tender, slightly sweet alternative, see air fryer zucchini fries for crispy sides.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
