Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make french fries in an air fryer! It’s like magic, seriously! You get that crispy, golden perfection without all the guilt that comes with traditional frying. I remember the first time I tried it—my family couldn’t believe how delicious and easy they were! The air fryer locks in all that flavor while keeping them light and crispy. You won’t have to worry about dealing with hot oil splatters or the mess that comes with frying. Trust me, once you try these fries, you’ll never want to make them any other way!
Ingredients for French Fries in Air Fryer
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Prepare French Fries in Air Fryer
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Making these crispy french fries is super easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve that perfect crunch. Follow my steps, and you’ll be munching on delicious fries in no time!
Prepping the Potatoes
First things first, grab those medium potatoes! I like to peel them to get a smooth texture, but if you love the rustic look, feel free to leave the skins on. Now, cut them into fries—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Trust me, keeping them uniform in size ensures they cook evenly. Nobody wants one fry that’s soggy while another is crispy, right?
Soaking the Fries
Now, here’s a little secret: soak those cut fries in water for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps to remove excess starch. Why does this matter? Well, less starch means crispier fries! So, while you’re waiting, you can dance around the kitchen or prep your favorite dipping sauce.
Seasoning the Fries
After soaking, drain the fries and give them a good pat down with a towel to dry them off. Then, toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every fry gets a nice coat of oil and seasoning. I love using my hands for this part—it’s the best way to ensure they’re all evenly covered!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Time to cook! Place the seasoned fries in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up as well. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure they get that beautiful, golden color all around. Keep an eye on them towards the end; if you want them extra crispy, feel free to add a few more minutes! Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy!
Tips for Success with French Fries in Air Fryer
Let’s make sure you nail these fries every time! Here are some of my top tips to avoid common mistakes:
- Cut Evenly: Aim for uniform fries to ensure they cook evenly. If they’re all the same size, you won’t have some burnt while others are still raw!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give those fries some space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, and nobody wants soggy fries!
- Check Crispiness: Everyone has their own idea of what crispy means. So, keep an eye on them as they cook, and don’t be afraid to add a few extra minutes for that perfect crunch!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative! You can add paprika, cayenne, or even Parmesan cheese to switch things up. Your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful french fries! Each serving is estimated to have about 150 calories, which is pretty fantastic for a tasty side dish. You’ll also find around 7 grams of fat, with just 1 gram of saturated fat. Plus, they pack in 3 grams of protein and 22 grams of carbohydrates. And hey, they’ve got 2 grams of fiber to help keep things moving along! Remember, these values can vary based on the size of your potatoes and how much oil you use, so keep that in mind while you’re munching away!
Frequently Asked Questions about French Fries in Air Fryer
Can I use frozen fries in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Using frozen fries is totally doable and can save you some prep time. Just toss them straight into the air fryer without thawing. You’ll want to cook them at the same temperature, but keep an eye on the time—it may take a few extra minutes compared to fresh fries. Shake the basket halfway through, and you’ll still get that crispy goodness!
How can I make my fries even crispier?
If you’re aiming for extra crispiness, there are a couple of tricks you can try! First, make sure to soak your fresh fries to remove excess starch, as we discussed earlier. Also, a light spray of cooking spray right before they finish cooking can help boost that crunch. And don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to ensure every side gets that golden touch!
What should I serve with french fries?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving my fries with classic ketchup, but you can also get creative with aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For a complete meal, pair them with burgers, grilled chicken, or a refreshing salad. Your fries will be the perfect sidekick to whatever you whip up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier option without sacrificing that crispy, golden texture.
- Customizable seasonings to match your mood or meal.
- No hot oil splatters, making cleanup a breeze!
- Deliciously versatile—great as a side dish or snack.
- Everyone will love them, from kids to adults!
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
French Fries in Air Fryer: 5 Tips for Crispy Perfection!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and delicious french fries made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Soak the cut fries in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and pat the fries dry with a towel.
- In a bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for desired crispiness and cook for an additional few minutes if needed.
- Remove the fries and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cut fries evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: french fries, air fryer, crispy fries, easy recipe
