Name: Easy Air Fryer French Fries (Extra Crispy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium potatoes); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ⅛ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste); ⅛ tsp garlic powder; ⅛ tsp paprika

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Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned French fries are a beloved snack or side dish, and with the help of your air fryer, you can make them at home in no time! These Easy Air Fryer French Fries are quick to prepare and cook, offering all the crispy, crunchy goodness of deep-fried fries without the mess or excess oil. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side to your favorite burger or as a standalone snack, these fries will always hit the spot. Plus, they’re made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means you can achieve that crispy texture without deep-frying in excessive oil, making these fries a lighter choice.
Quick and Easy: The air fryer cooks the fries in just 15-20 minutes, and the prep time is minimal, perfect for busy days.
Extra Crispy: The air fryer circulates hot air around the fries, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior with a tender interior.
Customizable Seasoning: You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you like them more garlicky, spicy, or with a pinch of cheese.
Minimal Cleanup: Air fryer cooking makes it easy to clean up afterward with little to no mess!

Ingredients

Russet potatoes (about 2 large or 3 medium potatoes)
Olive oil
Salt (to taste)
Ground black pepper (to taste)
Garlic powder
Paprika

Variations

Feel free to mix things up with these fun variations:

Cheese Fries: After cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese over the fries and return them to the air fryer for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
Herb Fries: Toss the fries with dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley after they come out of the air fryer for a fresh herbal flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries: Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel (optional) and cut the russet 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 potato strips in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss well to coat. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and toss again until the fries are evenly seasoned.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the French 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 do this in batches to ensure the fries cook evenly. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayo, or a homemade garlic aioli!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest fries, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The air needs to circulate around the fries to get them extra crispy.
Cut Evenly: Make sure your fries are cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Shake the Basket: Shake the fries halfway through cooking to ensure that they cook on all sides and become evenly crispy.
Add More Flavor: Experiment with different seasonings like onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.

How to Serve

These crispy Air Fryer French Fries are a perfect accompaniment to:

Burgers: Serve alongside your favorite homemade burger for a classic meal.
Fried Chicken: Pair with crispy fried chicken for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the fries may lose some of their crispiness once stored.

Freezing

To freeze the fries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, air fry them directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fries, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other potatoes like Yukon Gold, but russet potatoes are ideal for fries because they’re starchy and result in a crispy texture.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before cooking?
Soaking the potato strips in water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, making the fries crispier. However, you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
Can I make these fries without oil?
While oil helps achieve a crispy texture, you can omit it for a healthier option. The fries may not be as crispy, but they’ll still be tasty.
How can I make the fries even crispier?
To make the fries extra crispy, be sure to cut them thinly, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Can I season the fries after cooking?
Yes, you can always sprinkle more seasoning on top after they’re done cooking, but seasoning them beforehand allows the flavors to absorb into the fries.
Can I cook frozen fries in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen fries in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How do I prevent fries from sticking together?
Make sure to toss the fries in oil evenly before cooking and spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
What dipping sauces go well with these fries?
Ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli are all great choices for dipping!
Can I cook multiple batches of fries at once?
If you have a larger air fryer, you can cook more fries in one batch. For smaller air fryers, cook in batches to ensure the fries cook evenly.
Can I make these fries spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

These Easy Air Fryer French Fries are crispy, flavorful, and healthier than the traditional deep-fried version. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy delicious, extra-crispy fries in under 30 minutes. Customize them with your favorite seasonings or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for the perfect snack or side dish. Whether you’re making them for a family meal or a snack for one, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!