Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries – Perfectly Golden Every Time

When it comes to making crispy French fries at home, the air fryer is a game-changer. These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside – all without the need for deep-frying. With the perfect blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, these fries are packed with flavor in every bite. They’re quick, easy, and a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or even as a main event, these fries are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Crispy: Air frying gives these fries the crispiness you crave without the excess oil of deep frying, making them a healthier option.
2. Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create crispy, flavorful fries in under 30 minutes.
3. Quick and Easy: The air fryer cooks them in record time, making it the perfect recipe when you’re in a hurry.
4. Customizable Flavors: Adjust the seasoning to your taste – add heat with cayenne, or switch up the spices to create your perfect flavor profile.
5. Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer offers a no-mess way to cook fries with minimal cleanup compared to deep-frying.

Ingredients

• Medium-sized potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Fries: After air frying, sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese over the fries and return them to the air fryer for a minute to melt.
• Herbed Fries: Toss the fries with rosemary, thyme, or fresh basil for a fragrant herbed twist.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly sweeter alternative, swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. They work perfectly in the air fryer, too!

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes (optional). Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips, about ¼-inch thick. The more uniform the pieces, the more evenly they’ll cook.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the cut potato strips in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the fries and toss to coat. Then, add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss again to ensure the fries are evenly seasoned.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This will help the fries cook evenly and get crispy right away.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fries

Place the seasoned potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Sizing: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it will prevent the fries from crisping properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to help the fries cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Try different spice blends to find your favorite flavor combination.

How to Serve

These crispy, golden fries are perfect for pairing with:

• Burgers: Serve as a side with a juicy burger for the ultimate meal.
• Fried Chicken: These fries complement crispy fried chicken perfectly.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, ranch, barbecue sauce, or a tangy aioli for an added flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Note that they may lose some of their crispiness after storage.

Freezing

To freeze the fries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
   Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes, but russets are ideal for crispy fries.
2. Do I need to soak the potatoes?
   Soaking the potato strips in water for 30 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can result in crispier fries, but it’s optional.
3. Can I cook frozen fries in the air fryer?
   Yes, frozen fries can be air fried at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking.
4. How do I keep the fries crispy?
   Air fry the fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shaking halfway through cooking helps them crisp up evenly.
5. Can I add cheese to the fries?
   Yes, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the fries after they’re cooked and return them to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to melt.
6. Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?
   Yes, sweet potatoes work well in the air fryer too. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your fries.
7. How can I make these fries spicy?
   Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika for a spicy kick.
8. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
   Peeling the potatoes is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients to the fries.
9. What type of oil is best for air frying fries?
   Olive oil is great, but you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
10. How do I know when the fries are done?
    The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft interior.

Conclusion

These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are a simple and healthier alternative to traditional fried fries, and they’re packed with flavor from the perfect blend of seasonings. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or part of a larger meal, these fries will always impress. With their golden, crispy exterior and soft, tender interior, they’re the perfect addition to any meal!

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