Air Fryer French Fries: Quick, Easy, and Oh-So-Crunchy!
Air fryer French fries are an easy and convenient way to enjoy a favorite snack. This method gives you the crispy texture you’re after without the extra oil. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have perfectly golden homemade fries in minutes.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.
This homemade fries recipe is the best way to achieve crispy, golden fries from scratch in an air fryer. Starting with fresh-cut potatoes, this recipe guarantees crispy, golden fries made entirely from scratch. The air fryer takes care of the cooking, delivering perfectly crunchy fries quickly and efficiently without the hassle of deep frying.
These crispy fries are ideal as a side dish or snack, and they can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Serve them hot with dips like ketchup, aioli, or spicy mayo.
Ingredients
Russet potatoes are the best choice for homemade fries because their high starch content creates a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used; they offer a creamier texture and buttery flavor, making them a delicious alternative.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries, about ¼ inch thick.
Step 2: Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Add the baking soda and give it a quick mix. Let them soak for 25-30 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the fries using a colander and pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towel.
Step 4: Put the dried fries in the bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss well to coat all the fries. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the oiled fries and toss again.
Step 5: Transfer the seasoned fries to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 6: Cook the fries in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. The fries should turn golden brown and crispy.
Expert Tips
- Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries. For an added boost in crispiness, add baking soda to the soaking water.
- After soaking, it’s crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing excess moisture prevents sogginess and ensures the fries achieve maximum crispiness during cooking.
- Keep an eye on the fries as they cook; different air fryers may have varying cooking times. Check for doneness and adjust accordingly to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
- Leftover homemade fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore their crunch, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic and Gourmet Dips: I love serving my fries with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Gourmet dips such as habanero hot sauce, chipotle mayo, or spicy sriracha sauce are also great options.
- Seasoned Fries: Immediately after cooking, I sprinkle my fries with various seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or parmesan cheese, for a burst of flavor.
- Loaded Fries: When I’m in the mood for something indulgent, I create loaded fries by topping them with melted cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch or BBQ sauce for a hearty snack.
- Side with Salads and Burgers: These homemade fries are a great side dish with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They are the perfect companion for your favorite burger, adding crunch and flavor to your meal.
- Fry Bar: For gatherings, I like to set up a fry bar with a variety of toppings and dips, allowing guests to customize their fries to their liking.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Transform your dinner routine with this air fryer chicken breast recipe! It’s juicy, flavorful, and comes together in a flash. No breading needed—just pure, crispy deliciousness.
- Get ready for the ultimate chicken thighs—crispy on the outside, perfectly juicy on the inside, and all made in your air fryer! This quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs recipe will be your go-to for a delicious dinner any night of the week.
- Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—air fryer jacket potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion.
- Crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious—these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a must-try! With minimal prep and no fuss, you can whip up a quick dinner that the whole family will rave about.
- Say goodbye to boiling and hello to perfectly cooked air fryer hard-boiled eggs! This quick and easy recipe will have you enjoying eggs in no time. Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or toppings for salads, these eggs are a versatile addition to your kitchen.
If you tried this Air Fryer French Fries Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
- Colander
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries, about ¼ inch thick.
- Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Add the baking soda and give it a quick mix. Let them soak for 25-30 minutes.
- Drain the fries using a colander and pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Place the dried fries back into the bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss well to coat all the fries. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the oiled fries and toss again.
- Transfer the seasoned fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook the fries in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. The fries should turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the homemade air fryer fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to your main meal.
Notes
- Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries. For an added boost in crispiness, add baking soda to the soaking water.
- After soaking, it’s crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing excess moisture prevents sogginess and ensures the fries achieve maximum crispiness during cooking.
- Keep an eye on the fries as they cook; different air fryers may have varying cooking times. Check for doneness and adjust accordingly to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Nutrition
