Homemade fries are a staple of many households, and an air fryer can be an excellent way to make them. Not only are they healthier than traditional deep-fried fries, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can have a batch of perfectly crispy fries ready in no time.
A homemade batch of fries can be made in an air fryer with potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper. Make french fry-shaped slices of potatoes after rinsing and peeling them.
Rinse them again in cold water and pat dry. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to 400 °F (204.44 °C) and cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
- Oil (vegetable or canola)
- Salt and pepper (or any other desired seasonings)
To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: potatoes, oil, and your choice of seasonings. For the potatoes, russet, or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. These types of potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for frying. Next, you’ll need some oil for coating the potatoes. Vegetable or canola oil work well. Finally, you’ll need salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings of your choice.
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse & Peel the Potatoes
The first step in making homemade air fryer fries is to rinse and peel the potatoes. Once they’re cleaned and peeled, cut them into thin, french fry-shaped pieces.
Rinse the potatoes again in cold water and pat dry with a towel or paper towel. This step is important as it removes any excess starch, which can cause the fries to stick together in the air fryer.
Step 2: Coat the Potatoes With Oil & Seasoning
Next, you’ll want to coat the potatoes with oil. Drizzle the oil over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. This will help the potatoes get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
Now is the time to add your desired seasonings. Salt and pepper work well, but you can also try other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Step 3: Cook the Fries
Once the potatoes are coated with oil and seasoned, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Set the air fryer to 400 °F (204.44 °C) and cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fries, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.
Step 4: Serve the Fries
When the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
Tips
- Make sure to cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket, this will cause the fries to steam instead of fry, which will result in a soggy texture.
- When you open the air fryer to check on the fries, a lot of hot air will escape, which can affect the cooking time. Try to minimize the number of times you open the air fryer and keep the door closed as much as possible.
- You can experiment with different types of oils and seasonings to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about using an air fryer for the first time:
Q: What type of potatoes are best for making fries in an air fryer?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best options for making fries. These types of potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for frying. They have a higher ratio of starch to water, which means they will absorb less oil and will cook evenly.
Q: How do I prevent my fries from sticking together in the air fryer?
One of the key steps in preventing fries from sticking together is to rinse and pat dry the potatoes after cutting them. This removes any excess starch, which can cause the fries to stick together in the air fryer.
Q: How long should I cook my fries in the air fryer?
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fries, but typically you should cook them at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Keep an eye on the fries and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I use different types of oils to make my fries?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of oils to make your fries. Vegetable or canola oil work well, but you can also use avocado oil, or even a mixture of oils.
Q: Can I add other seasonings to my fries?
Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Salt and pepper work well, but you can also try other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Q: How do I know when my fries are done?
Your fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them while cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Making homemade air fryer fries is a quick and easy way to enjoy the taste of deep-fried fries without all the added fat and calories. With a bit of oil and your choice of seasonings, you can create a delicious and healthy batch of fries in no time.
So, the next time you’re craving some crispy fries, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of homemade fries without the guilt.
