There's something irresistible about a perfectly crispy French fry, and with an air fryer, achieving that delicious crunch is easier and healthier than ever. Air fryer French fries have become a popular choice for their ability to deliver all the flavor and texture of traditional deep-fried fries without the excess oil.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of making these tasty treats at home, from the ingredients you'll need to the step-by-step preparation process. Learn the best practices for air frying and discover delightful pairings to complement your fresh fries. Without further ado, let's get started!

What Do You Need to Make French Fries in Air Fryer?

Cooking french fries in air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Here's what you need to whip up a delicious batch:

1.Potatoes: Choose the right type of potatoes for frying. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which helps in achieving crispy fries.

2.Oil: While air frying greatly reduces the need for oil, a little bit is still essential to help the fries cook evenly and acquire a golden color. You can use about one to two tablespoons of your preferred oil, such as olive or canola oil.

3.Salt and Seasonings: Simply seasoning with salt works well, but you can enhance the flavor by using additional spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

4.Kitchen Tools: A knife or a French fry cutter to cut the potatoes into even strips, a bowl to toss the fries with oil and seasoning, and optionally, a kitchen timer to help track cooking time.

5.Paper Towels or a Clean Kitchen Towel: These are useful for drying the potatoes after washing and cutting, as removing excess moisture helps in achieving crispier fries.

6.Air Fryer: A suitable air fryer is a must. You can select one with hot air to cook the food, resulting in crispy fries with minimal oil. Opting for an advanced model like the SCHWUA Air Fryer Oven can enhance your cooking experience. This air fryer leverages superior technology to circulate hot air around the food, ensuring that your French fries are cooked evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture.

How to Make Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer?

Making air fryer french fries from scratch at home by yourself is not a difficult process. Here’s how to do it:

1.Wash and peel 4 large russet potatoes. You can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic fry. Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.
2.Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps the fries become crispier. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving crisp fries.
3.In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Ensure all the fries are evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and any additional seasonings you like, such as paprika or garlic powder. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4.Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5.Place the seasoned potato sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent the fries from becoming crispy. If necessary, cook the fries in multiple batches.
6.Air fry the potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. For extra crispy fries, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
7.Transfer the fries to a serving bowl and sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Best Practices for Air Fryer Fresh French Fries

Cooking french fries in air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, but getting that perfect crispiness can be a bit tricky in this way. Here are some practices to help you achieve the best results:

  • Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: It's crucial to arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Less crispy fries and uneven frying can result from crowding. Cook, if needed, in batches.
  • Shake or Toss Regularly: Toss the fries with tongs or shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and get an all-around crisp.
  • Use High Smoke Point Oil: When selecting an oil, opt for one with a high smoke point like canola, peanut, or avocado oil. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without burning, which is ideal for air frying.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Besides salt, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite seasoning blends for extra flavor. Apply seasonings before cooking so they adhere well to the oil-coated fries.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating helps start the cooking process quickly and aids in achieving a crispy texture right from the start.

What to Serve with Fresh French Fries in Air Fryer?

Making French fries in an air fryer from scratch is a delightful experience. To elevate your meal further, consider these excellent pairings:

  • Juicy, Well-Seasoned Burgers:Complement the crunchy texture of the fries with a hearty, flavorful burger.
  • Crispy Chicken Tenders: These pair perfectly with fries, creating a classic and satisfying combo.
  • Fresh Garden Salad: For a healthier option, serve a garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast.
  • Dipping Sauces: Essential for enhancing the flavor of fries, consider ketchup, mayonnaise, or aioli.
  • Fish and Chips: Pairing fries with fish is a classic match. The crispy fries complement the soft texture of the fish, making for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Air fryer French fries are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. This article provides a straightforward preparation process and best practices for air frying, ensuring perfectly crispy fries every time. To elevate your meal, pair your fresh French fries with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Follow these tips for a healthier, tastier take on this beloved classic.

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