How to Make Delicious Fries in Your Air Fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in households around the world thanks to their ability to cook our favorite dishes in a healthier way. One of the most popular snacks that can be cooked using an air fryer is fries. Not only are they tastier than oven-baked fries, but they are also healthier and take much less time to cook.

Making fries in an air fryer is a simple process that requires minimal preparation. All you need is some potatoes, oil, and your favorite seasonings. In this article, we will discuss how to make fries in an air fryer step-by-step so that you can enjoy this delicious snack in the comfort of your own home.

10 Simple Steps to Making Perfect Fries in Your Air Fryer

Step #1: Choose the Right Potatoes

The best potatoes for making fries in an air fryer are russets. They have a good amount of starch and low moisture content, which makes them perfect for achieving that crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips to ensure success.

Step #2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential for evenly cooking your fries. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for 5 minutes before placing the fries in the basket.

Step #3: Dry the Potatoes

Before you add the potatoes to the air fryer, make sure they are completely dry. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them down and remove any excess moisture.

Step #4: Add Seasonings

You can add any seasonings you like to make your fries more flavorful. Salt and pepper is always a good choice, but you can also use garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you prefer.

Step #5: Add a Little Oil

While you don’t need to use a lot of oil when making fries in an air fryer, a little bit can help achieve a crispier result. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil and apply it using a spray bottle or a pastry brush.

Step #6: Spread the Fries Evenly

To ensure that your fries cook evenly, it’s important to spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Step #7: Cook for a Few Minutes

Set the timer for 10 minutes and let the fries cook. After 5 minutes, take the basket out and shake it gently to move the fries around. This will help them cook evenly.

Step #8: Cook for a Few More Minutes

Put the basket back in the air fryer and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.

Step #9: Take Them Out and Serve

Remove the fries from the air fryer basket and place them on a serving dish. You can serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or seasoning.

Step #10: Clean Up

After you’re finished enjoying your delicious fries, make sure to clean your air fryer properly. Let the basket cool down before washing it with warm, soapy water. The interior of the air fryer can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

10 Tips for Making Perfect Fries in an Air Fryer

Making crispy, flavorful fries in an air fryer may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s easy! Here are 10 tips for making perfect fries in an air fryer:

1. Choose the Right Potato: Not all potatoes are created equal, so when it comes to making fries, it’s important to choose the right potato. Russet potatoes are the best choice because they have the perfect texture for frying. They also have a high starch content and low moisture, which allows them to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

2. Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking them helps to remove excess starch, which can cause the fries to stick together and become limp. It also helps to ensure that the fries cook evenly.

3. Pat the Potatoes Dry: After soaking the potatoes, it’s important to pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, which can also cause the fries to become limp.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer before cooking the fries helps to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy. Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

5. Lightly Coat the Fries with Oil: Lightly coating the fries with oil helps them to become crispy and golden brown. Use a high-heat cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have a low smoke point and can burn easily.

6. Season the Fries: Seasoning the fries with salt and pepper is a must, but you can also get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder. Toss the fries in the seasoning mix before adding them to the air fryer.

7. Arrange the Fries in a Single Layer: To ensure that the fries cook evenly, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure that they’re not touching each other. If necessary, cook the fries in batches.

8. Shake the Basket: After 5-7 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer and shake the basket to ensure that the fries cook evenly. This also prevents them from sticking together.

9. Check the Fries Often: Keep an eye on the fries while they’re cooking and check them frequently to ensure that they don’t overcook or burn. Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the fries.

10. Serve Immediately: Once the fries are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Fries can lose their crispiness quickly, so it’s important to enjoy them right away for the best experience.

By following these 10 tips, you can make perfect fries every time in your air fryer. Experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to make your fries unique and delicious. Enjoy!

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Once you have your air fryer and tools ready, the next step is to choose the right potatoes to use for your fries. While virtually any type of potato can be used, some varieties work better than others.

Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the most commonly used type of potato for making fries. These potatoes provide perfect, crispy texture and excellent taste. They are also low in moisture and high in starch, making them a great choice for frying.

Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice for making fries in an air fryer. They have a buttery texture, which means that they are moist and hold their shape well. Additionally, these potatoes have a natural sweetness, making them a tasty option for fries.

Sweet Potatoes
If you are looking for something a bit different, sweet potatoes can also be used to make fries in an air fryer. Sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative because they are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with many seasonings.

Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerling potatoes are small, thin, and oblong-shaped potatoes that are perfect for making fries in an air fryer. They have a firm texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that is great for light seasoning.

New Potatoes
New potatoes are small, waxy potatoes that hold their shape well when cooked. While they may not have the same crispy texture as russet potatoes, they are still a delicious option for making fries in an air fryer. They are also perfect for dipping into sauces.

When choosing your potatoes, it is best to go for firm, dry potatoes as they fry better and come out crispier. Avoid potatoes that are soft, wrinkled, or have a greenish tint to their skin as they indicate spoilage and may not give you the best results.

Choosing the right potatoes and understanding their qualities can make a huge difference in the taste and texture of your air fryer fries. So, choose the right potato depending on your preferred taste and enjoy some crispy, healthy fries made right at home.

Enjoy Your Delicious, Crispy and Healthy Fries!

Thanks for taking the time to read this article about how to make fries in an air fryer. We hope you found it helpful and easy to follow. Now that you know the ins and outs of air fryer fries, you can enjoy your own delicious, crispy, and healthy fries whenever you like. Remember, the key to success is to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings. So, thank you again for reading and please come back soon for more amazing cooking tips and tricks. Bon appétit!