When it comes to crispy, golden perfection, few things can match the allure of French fries. But making them at home often feels like a daunting task, especially if you're trying to avoid deep frying.
Enter the air fryer: a game-changing kitchen appliance that delivers delicious, healthier fries without the hassle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make French fries in an air fryer, step by step, tips to ensure they come out perfect every time, and common blunders to avoid.
Let’s get started on delicious air fryer French fries!
Why Use An Air Fryer For French Fries?
Before diving into the process, let’s explore why air fryers are perfect for French fries:
- Healthier cooking: Air fryers use significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods, cutting down on fat and calories without sacrificing taste.
- Quick and efficient: The high-powered convection system in an air fryer cooks fries faster and more evenly.
- Crispy texture: With the right technique, you can achieve that coveted crunch without the grease.
- Easy cleanup: No worrying about how to clean an air fryer because French fries don’t cause much of a mess. No oil splatters or messy pots—just a simple basket to clean.
If you’ve been wondering how to make French fries in an air fryer with ease and precision, keep reading for all the answers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making French fries in an air fryer doesn’t require a long grocery list. Here’s what you need:
- 4 large russet potatoes: These are ideal for fries due to their high starch content.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Adds flavor and promotes crispiness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any of your favorite spices.
Optional toppings:
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Truffle oil
Finish your air fryer French fries with your favorite creative twists—whether it’s a sprinkle of spicy seasoning, a dash of vinegar for tanginess, or a side of your signature dipping sauce. Customize to your heart’s content and make every batch uniquely yours.
5 Steps To Fry Perfection: How To Make French Fries In An Air Fryer
Crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible—making air fryer French fries at home has never been easier or healthier. With the magic of an air fryer, you can whip up restaurant-quality fries without the excess oil or mess.
Let’s get into the five steps for the perfect fries cooked in your handy air fryer.
Step 1: Prep The Potatoes
The foundation of great fries lies in proper preparation. Follow these steps:
- Wash and peel: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt. Peeling is optional depending on your preference.
- Cut evenly: Slice the potatoes into uniform strips, about ¼-inch thick, for even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
- Soak in water: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, ensuring crispier fries.
- Dry thoroughly: Drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel. Moisture can prevent the fries from crisping up.
Once your potatoes are perfectly prepped, you're one step closer to crispy, golden fries. Prepping might take a bit of patience, but it’s worth it. Air fryers might seem magical, but there are steps you can take to ensure it does the job correctly.
The extra care ensures your fries will cook evenly and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season And Coat
Once your potatoes are prepped, it’s time to add flavor:
- Transfer the dried potato strips to a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- (Optional) Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the fries. Be generous for maximum flavor.
After seasoning, take a moment to ensure every fry is evenly coated—this step is crucial for consistent flavor and crispiness. Don’t shy away from experimenting with seasonings; whether you love a classic salt-and-pepper combo or prefer bold spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder, the choice is yours.
Step 3: Arrange In The Air Fryer
Proper placement is key when learning how to make French fries in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking right from the start.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. If your air fryer has a tumbler, like the Fritaire does, simply place the fries in the tumbler and let it do the work for you.
When cooking French fries in an air fryer, proper placement is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness. If you want to skip this step, invest in a Fritaire Air Fryer, which comes with a Tumbling Basket and Rotisserie add-ons to save you the convenience of thinking about food placement.
Step 4: Cook To Perfection
Now comes the exciting part—watching your fries transform! Here’s the process:
- Cook the fries for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This step doesn’t count if you have a Fritaire.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes for extra crispiness.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the fries during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Brown and crispy is a big yes, but this can escalate quickly to black and burnt if you get too distracted. The misconception of air fryers being toxic is typically a result of improper use.
So, this is important; eyes on the prize (or “fries”)!
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Your golden, crispy French fries are ready to serve! To elevate them further:
- Sprinkle it with extra salt or Parmesan cheese while it's hot.
- Add fresh parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces: ketchup, aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo.
For an added twist, try sprinkling your fries with a bit of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even some chili flakes for a burst of flavor. To make the meal complete, serve them alongside a juicy burger, a fresh salad, or your favorite protein for a balanced, satisfying dish.
Whether you're enjoying them as a snack or a side, your air fryer French fries are sure to be a hit every time! However, we need to keep an eye out for some common mistakes that may derail your fry journey.
4 Common Mistakes To Avoid With Frying Fries In An Air Fryer
Even the best intentions can lead to less-than-perfect fries.
Here are pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Skipping The Soak
Skipping the soaking process might seem like a time-saver, but it’s one of the most important steps for perfect fries. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which is the culprit behind fries that are limp and soggy.
Without this step, you’re likely to end up with fries that lack that irresistible crunch. Set aside 30 minutes for this step—it’s worth every second for the crispy results.
2. Overcrowding The Basket
When it comes to air frying, less is more—at least when it comes to the number of fries in the basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving evenly cooked, crispy fries.
Instead of trying to cook all your fries in one go, opt for cooking in smaller batches. This allows each fry to have enough space for the hot air to reach all sides, ensuring a consistent golden-brown finish.
3. Neglecting To Shake
Halfway through cooking, it’s vital to give the air fryer basket a good shake. This simple action redistributes the fries, allowing all sides to cook evenly. Neglecting to do so can result in some fries being overcooked while others remain underdone.
Make it a habit to shake the basket at least once during cooking to achieve uniform browning and crunchiness. Again, this step doesn’t apply to anyone with a Fritaire Air Fryer.
4. Using Too Much Oil
Air fryers are designed to deliver crispy results with minimal oil, so there’s no need to overdo it. While a small drizzle of oil enhances flavor and texture, using too much can lead to greasy fries that miss the mark.
Stick to about 1–2 tablespoons of oil for a medium-sized batch and toss the fries well to ensure even coating. This balance preserves the health benefits of air frying while giving you fries that are perfectly crispy and delicious.
FAQs: How To Make French Fries In An Air Fryer
Let’s answer some hot-button questions about how to make french fries in air fryers.
1. Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen fries in an air fryer, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get restaurant-quality fries at home. Most air fryer frozen French fries are pre-cooked or par-fried, meaning they’ve already gone through an initial frying process. This makes them perfect for air frying since you’re essentially just reheating and crisping them up.
The key is to set the air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually 375°F to 400°F) and adjust the cooking time based on the type of fries—thicker steak fries may need a bit longer, while shoestring fries cook more quickly.
One of the biggest advantages of using frozen French fries in air fryers is the convenience; you skip the peeling, slicing, and soaking steps required for fresh potatoes. Plus, many frozen options come pre-seasoned, saving you even more prep time.
2. What’s the best type of potato for air fryer fries?
Russet potatoes are often hailed as the best choice for air fryer fries, and for good reason. They have a high starch content and low moisture, which translates to fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
When preparing Russets, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step removes excess starch, helping the fries achieve that golden, crispy texture while preventing them from sticking together. Russets also hold up well under high heat, making them ideal for the air fryer’s rapid cooking process.
That said, Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option, especially if you prefer fries with a slightly creamier texture. Their natural buttery flavor and lower starch content make them a versatile choice, producing fries that are less dry than those made with Russets.
3. Can I make sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Sweet potato fries are a fantastic alternative to regular fries, offering a naturally sweeter taste and a slightly softer texture. When making them in an air fryer, the process is similar to regular fries, but there are a few differences to keep in mind.
Sweet potatoes tend to cook faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid burning them. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, arrange the fries in a single layer, and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes.
For the best results, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform strips and toss them in a light coating of oil. This helps achieve a slight crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Sweet potato fries pair wonderfully with dips like honey mustard, chipotle aioli, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier option. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, making them a guilt-free treat.
4. Can I reheat French fries in air fryer without losing quality?
Yes! You can reheat French fries in an air fryer without sacrificing quality, and it’s one of the best methods to restore their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the fries in a single layer in the basket, and heat them for 3–5 minutes.
This quick and efficient process revives their golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, unlike microwaving, which often makes fries soggy. To enhance the flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of fresh seasoning or Parmesan cheese before reheating for an added touch of freshness.
Why The Fritaire Air Fryer Is Perfect For French Fries
If you’re serious about mastering how to make French fries in an air fryer, the Fritaire air fryer is your ultimate ally:
- Designed for safety: Teflon-free, which ensures safe, healthy cooking for you and your family. Say no to Teflon Flu or toxic fumes that could possibly cause harm.
- Tumbling Basket: Literally made for French fries! The tumbling basket rotates in the Fritaire which keeps all sides evenly cooked and crispy.
- Multiple Functions: From frying to baking and roasting, it’s a versatile kitchen powerhouse with readymade heating temperatures for common meals.
- Self-Cleaning: Its self-cleaning feature saves you time and effort. Enjoy those perfect fries and worry less about the clean-up.
Upgrade your fry game with the Fritaire, the air fryer that makes achieving golden, crispy French fries as simple as pressing a button. It’s also colorful, so it’s time to spruce up your kitchen in an air fryer in your favorite color!
French Fry Recipe With The Fritaire Air Fryer
Now, let’s get into a crowd favorite recipe with the Fritaire Air Fryer — the stunning French Fries with Feta Cream Dip.
FRENCH FRIES WITH FETA CREAM DIP:
These are not your usual French fries, the fresh herbs make them extremely flavorful, while the feta dip adds an unforgettable, distinctive touch. Serve these fries as a gourmet side dish to any main and watch it elevate instantly. This recipe serves 2.
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE FRENCH FRIES:
- 3 medium Russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- A pinch of chili flakes
- 1 oz feta, crumbled
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus more for garnish
- 4 fresh rosemary leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 tbsp semolina (optional)
FOR THE FETA CREAM DIP:
- 3 oz feta, crumbled
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
-
1 lemon zest
RECIPE:
1. Cut the potatoes into ¼-inch sticks, place them in a large bowl, and cover with cold water. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse the potatoes and dry them with a clean towel.
3. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, semolina (if using), dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and chili flakes. Toss to coat.
4. Place the potatoes, together with the rosemary sprigs and thyme sprigs, into the Fritaire’s tumbling basket and air fry at 200°C for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the fries turn golden and crispy.
5. While the potatoes are cooking, start making the feta cream dip. In a blender, blend all the ingredients until smooth.
6. Once ready, remove the fries for the tumbling basket and top with crumbled feta, fresh thyme leaves, rosemary sprigs.
7. Serve with the feta cream dip.
And you’re all done! You can thank us later; munch on these delicious air fryer French fries and watch it become a beloved household staple.
This French fries recipe with a rich, tangy feta dip creates a balance of textures and flavors that feels effortlessly sophisticated. And with the Fritaire Air Fryer, you’re guaranteed consistent, golden perfection every single time.
Bottom Line
Learning how to make French fries in an air fryer is a rewarding journey, offering a healthier, easier alternative to deep frying without compromising on flavor.
By following the steps outlined here, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, golden fries that are sure to impress. Happy frying!