Olivia Carter
There’s nothing quite like the crispy crunch of a perfectly cooked homemade french fry. And with an air fryer, you can achieve that delicious golden brown exterior with a soft and fluffy interior without all the oil and mess of deep frying.
So, how do you make homemade fries in the air fryer? It’s actually quite simple! Start by selecting your potatoes. Russet potatoes work best for french fries as they have a high starch content and low moisture, resulting in a crispy fry. Peel and cut your potatoes into your desired fry shape – thick or thin, it’s up to you!
Next, it’s time to season your fries. Toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and any other seasonings you desire. Get creative! You can, for example, add garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Make sure all the fries are well coated.
Now it’s time to load up your air fryer basket. Place the seasoned fries in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each fry, resulting in a consistent cook. Set the temperature to about 400°F (200°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
Preparing Homemade Fries
Homemade fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. With an air fryer, you can easily achieve crispy and golden fries without all the oil. Here are the steps to prepare homemade fries in an air fryer:
1. Choose the right potato
Start by selecting the right type of potato for making fries. Russet potatoes are the best choice, as they have a high starch content and a thick skin that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Wash and cut the potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and grit. You can peel the potatoes if desired, but leaving the skin on adds extra flavor and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. It’s important to make sure the fries are of similar thickness so that they cook evenly.
3. Soak the potatoes
To make the fries extra crispy, it’s recommended to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture once cooked.
4. Dry and season the fries
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Transfer the dried fries to a bowl and season them with your desired spices and seasonings. Popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other seasoning blend you prefer.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This ensures that the fries start cooking immediately and get a nice crispy exterior.
6. Cook the fries
Once the air fryer is preheated, transfer the seasoned fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking. Cook the fries for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of crispiness.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Homemade fries are best enjoyed fresh and can be served as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or just as a tasty snack on their own.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When making homemade fries in an air fryer, one of the most important steps is choosing the right type of potatoes. Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to making crispy and delicious fries.
When selecting potatoes for fries, opt for starchy potatoes that have a high starch content. Russet potatoes are the most popular choice for making fries as they have a fluffy interior and a firm texture that crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option as they have a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or white potatoes as they have a low starch content and tend to hold their shape when cooked, resulting in fries that are not as crisp as desired.
Additionally, it’s important to choose potatoes that are firm and free from any signs of sprouting or decay. Look for potatoes with smooth skin and no green patches, as green spots can indicate the presence of solanine, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause stomach discomfort.
Before cooking, give the potatoes a good wash under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also peel the potatoes if desired, although leaving the skin on can add extra texture and flavor to the fries.
Cutting the Potatoes
Before you start making homemade fries in the air fryer, you need to cut the potatoes into the desired shape. The classic French fry shape is long and thin, but you can also opt for thicker steak fries if you prefer a heartier option.
To start, wash and peel the potatoes. If you prefer to keep the skin on, make sure to scrub them thoroughly. Once the potatoes are clean, use a sharp knife to slice them into evenly sized pieces. The thickness of the fries will ultimately determine their cooking time, so try to keep them as uniform as possible.
If you want thin fries, aim for a width of about 1/4 inch. For thicker steak fries, go for a width of about 1/2 inch. As you slice the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
Once all the potatoes are sliced, drain them and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help ensure crispy fries in the air fryer. At this point, you can season the potatoes with salt, pepper, or any other desired spices.
Note: You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as russet or Yukon gold, to achieve different textures and flavors in your homemade fries.
Preparing the Air Fryer
Before you can start making homemade fries in the air fryer, you need to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure your air fryer is ready:
1. Clean the Air Fryer Basket
Start by cleaning the air fryer basket thoroughly with warm soapy water. Make sure to remove any leftover residue from previous cooking sessions. Rinse it well and dry it completely before proceeding to the next step.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is crucial to achieving crispy fries. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so preheat it to the desired temperature (usually around 400°F or 200°C) according to the instructions provided with your air fryer. This helps ensure the fries cook evenly and come out crispy.
3. Lightly Coat the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This prevents the fries from sticking to the basket and helps them achieve an even crispiness. Be sure to distribute the oil or cooking spray evenly across the entire surface of the basket.
4. Arrange the Fryer Basket
Once the air fryer is preheated and the basket is coated, arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking. If needed, cook the fries in batches to ensure they cook evenly and come out crispy.
5. Set the Cooking Time and Temperature
Refer to your recipe or the air fryer manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate cooking time and temperature for homemade fries. Set the air fryer to the recommended settings and start the cooking process. Remember to flip or shake the fries halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly from all sides.
By properly preparing the air fryer, you can ensure that your homemade fries turn out crispy and delicious every time!
Cooking and Seasoning
To cook homemade fries in the air fryer, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling four large potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized matchstick-shaped fries, about 1/4 inch thick.
Note: Holding the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water can help remove excess starch and prevent browning.
Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This will ensure the fries cook evenly and have a crispy texture.
Note: The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Seasoning the Fries
Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. In a large bowl, toss the fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt to taste.
Note: You can adjust the seasonings according to your preference or try other seasonings like Cajun spice, Italian herbs, or chili powder.
Step 4: Cooking in the Air Fryer
Transfer the seasoned fries to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and desired crispness of the fries. Adjust accordingly.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your preferred dipping sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, or aioli.
With these simple steps and a little bit of seasoning, you can enjoy delicious and healthier homemade fries right from your air fryer.
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to make homemade fries in the air fryer?
To make homemade fries in the air fryer, you will need potatoes, oil, salt, and any other seasonings or spices you prefer.
How do I prepare the potatoes for the air fryer?
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Then, cut them into evenly-sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
What temperature and time should I set on the air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the fries in the basket, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen fries in the air fryer. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging for cooking time and temperature.
