Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

Russet potatoes: These are the best type of potatoes for making fries due to their high starch content and low moisture.

Olive oil: This helps to coat the potatoes and allows them to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Salt: Essential for seasoning the fries and enhancing their flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the fries.

To achieve perfectly crispy French fries in your air fryer, make sure to soak the potato strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

• russet potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a different flavor profile and are slightly healthier due to their higher vitamin content.

• russet potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamier texture and a slightly buttery flavor, which can add a different dimension to your fries.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for air frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, suitable for air frying.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the fries.

• salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt adds a hint of garlic flavor, giving the fries an extra layer of taste.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their fries.

• Allow the French fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a container, place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess moisture.

• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The fries will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries in the basket in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For freezing, spread the cooled French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the fries are frozen solid.

• Transfer the frozen fries to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date for reference.

• Store the fries in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• To reheat frozen fries, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen fries in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the time as needed to achieve the desired crispiness.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French fries in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help retain their crispiness.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Spread the French fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-10 minutes, turning them halfway through. This will help revive their original texture.

• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and toss in the French fries. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

• If you have a microwave crisper tray, place the French fries on it and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. This will help maintain some of their crunch, though they might not be as crispy as other methods.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the French fries in a single layer on the tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Air fryer: A countertop appliance that circulates hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to frying but with less oil.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and toss the potato strips with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Peeler: A handheld tool used to remove the skin from the potatoes.

• Knife: A sharp blade used to cut the potatoes into thin strips.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used to safely cut the potatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Small spoons used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Tongs: A tool used to shake the basket halfway through cooking without burning your hands.

Preheat while prepping: Preheat your air fryer while you wash and peel the potatoes to save time.

Use a mandoline: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly cut the potatoes into thin strips.

Batch cooking: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Soak potatoes: Soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve crispier fries.

Shake halfway: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.