Fitness / June 23, 2023

Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer

You will never have frozen fries again once you’ve made homemade french fries at home — wedges of soft potato done up to a crisp in your own air fryer.

Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer featured

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This is what is meant by British cuisine. Right there. These homemade fries, or “chips”, which go so well with fish (yes, the kind wrapped in newspaper, though I don’t think this is done much anymore). Far be it for me to knock the shoestring variety but ever since I tried fries this way, I have trouble going back to frozen.

It used to be that you needed a pot of oil to make chips like this at home but not any more. With an air fryer you can do these up easily. And what’s more, they’re healthy!

Who’d have thought that a food you’ve been eating (and loving) since you were a kid could still have a few tricks up its sleeve!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The fries turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — it’s the perfect texture combo.
These will be fresh, which makes them taste so much better than the frost-bitten fries you have sitting in the back of your freezer.
They are healthy (see below) because of the AIR FRYER!
Done in no time — a convenience that can’t be overstated on those busy weeknights
Your entire family will love them; fries are very kid friendly.

Are Air Fryer French Fries Healthy?

By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil in the fries, resulting in lower fat content.
The fries also don’t absorb as much oil as they do with deep frying.
Cooking the potatoes in the air fryer lets them retain more of their nutrients.

INGREDIENTS

Don’t forget: You will also need an air fryer!

6 medium potatoes or 4 large, scrubbed and cut into ¼-inch fries
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat

Heat the air fryer to 380°F.

Drizzle

Drizzle the fries with olive oil. Toss with salt until all are coated.

Cook

Arrange some of the fries in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space between them. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 15 – 18 minutes. Remove the cooked fries and repeat with the next batch.

Refry

Once all the fries are cooked, put them all back into the basket and fry for another 2 – 3 minutes so they get hot and crispy before serving.

Variations

Add extra flavor with different spices, like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Also, try herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Sweet potatoes can be cooked the same way, though they may need to be cooked longer than regular potatoes because of their density and higher sugar content.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fries during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy and savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

Wow… where do I begin?

Cajun Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns: Obviously I had to include at least ONE burger on this list. This one is a healthier option, with the white bread buns being replaced with sweet potatoes. Go one step further and do away with the buns altogether and make the fries out of sweet potato instead! Then reserve some of the Cajun seasoning for the fries.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Another healthy version of a fast-food fave. Plus, you’ve already got the air fryer so why not do these nuggets up, too?

Scrambled Eggs: Instead of hash browns or tater tots, why not make air fryer french fries? Use sweet potatoes for a healthier start to your day.

FAQs

Can I substitute the olive oil with a different oil?

Yes, you can use any vegetable oil.

My fries are not getting crispy. What did I do wrong?

Make sure you cut all the fries the same size, this will help them cook at the same time. Also, make sure they are laid out in a single layer and don’t touch each other. Failure to do so could result in uneven cooking and some fries being crispier than others.

when do i add the seasoning and spices?

You can add the seasoning whenever you like. Doing so before cooking allows the taste to infuse into the fries. Waiting until after the fries are cooked keeps the tastes separate so that the seasoning is more pronounced. If you wait until after to add the seasoning, you also risk uneven distribution, so some fries will be loaded with the seasoning while others will be bare.

do i need to soak the fries beforehand?

Allowing the fries to soak in cold water for 30-60 minutes removes excess starch and results in crispier fries, so you CAN soak them but it’s not necessary.

can i use frozen french fries in the air fryer?

Yes, if you’re reheating these french fries from frozen, see the section below on instructions. If you want to use store-bought, you can do so. Just follow the instructions on the package.

How to Store Homemade Air-Fryer French Fries

Let the fries cool completely then store in an airtight container or resealable bag. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days if you plan on eating them in that time. If you want to hold onto them longer, you can freeze them. First, put them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can use the air fryer again (400°F for 5-10 minutes), the oven (400°F for 10-15 minutes), or the stovetop (add a bit of oil to a skillet on MEDIUM heat and stir occasionally until warmed through).