How Long to Cook French Fries in an Air Fryer in 7 Simple Steps
You’ll want to start by picking starchy potatoes like Russets for the best air fryer french fries.
Then wash, peel if you like, and cut them evenly. Soak the fries in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove starch, then dry them thoroughly.
Toss with a tablespoon of oil and your favorite seasonings.
Air fry at 350°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, then crank to 400°F for a few minutes to get them extra crispy.
There’s a bit more to perfecting fries you can uncover.
Key Takeaways
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) before cooking for consistent results.
- Cook fries for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure even crispiness.
- Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Adjust cooking time based on fry thickness, with thinner fries requiring less time.
- Check fries for a golden-brown color and crispy texture around 15-20 minutes before serving.
Selecting the Best Potatoes
When selecting potatoes for your air fryer French fries, choosing the right type can make all the difference. Russet potatoes are your best bet because their high starch content and low moisture help create that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes work too, offering a buttery flavor, but they might not get as crispy as Russets.
Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes since their higher moisture makes them less ideal for frying. Also, size matters; larger potatoes can affect cooking time because they might need longer slicing or soaking for even fries. Finally, always pick firm blemish-free potatoes to guarantee your fries come out with the best texture and flavor every time.
Preparing Potatoes for Air Frying
Before you start air frying, make certain to wash your potatoes thoroughly and decide if you want to peel them or keep the skins on for extra flavor. Next, cut the potatoes into even fries to guarantee they cook consistently.
Soaking the cut fries in cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which makes them crispier when cooked.
Selecting Potato Varieties
Choosing the right potato variety is key to getting crispy, delicious fries in your air fryer. Russet potatoes are your best bet thanks to their high starch content and low moisture, which help achieve that perfect crunch. If you want a creamier texture, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, though they’re a bit less crispy.
Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as their higher moisture makes them unsuitable for frying. When cutting potatoes, aim for uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispy fries. Proper selection combined with careful cutting sets the foundation for great results in your air fryer, making your homemade fries both tasty and perfectly textured every time.
Washing and Peeling
Although peeling is optional, you should always start by thoroughly washing your potatoes under running water to remove dirt and impurities. Proper washing guarantees your fries are clean and ready for cooking. If you prefer, you can skip peeling—the skins add flavor and nutrients.
After washing (and peeling if you choose), you’ll want to prepare the potatoes by slicing them evenly. Before air frying, soaking the cut potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, which is key for achieving crispy fries.
Once soaked, be sure to drain and pat them dry to eliminate any moisture. Removing moisture before air frying is crucial because it prevents sogginess, helping your fries turn out perfectly crispy every time.
Cutting and Soaking
Cutting your potatoes into evenly sized fries is key to cooking them uniformly in your air fryer. After washing and peeling, cut potatoes into consistent shapes to guarantee each fry cooks at the same rate.
Next, soak the cut fries in water mixed with ice and salt for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, which is essential for fries that are crispy on the outside. When soaking is complete, drain the water thoroughly and pat the fries dry using paper towels to remove moisture that could prevent crispiness.
Finally, toss with oil and seasonings to enhance flavor and help achieve that perfect crispy texture during air frying. This preparation sets the stage for delicious, evenly cooked fries every time.
Soaking and Drying the Fries
When you soak your fries in cool water for 15 to 30 minutes, you remove excess starch that can prevent them from getting crispy. Adding ice keeps them firm, enhancing texture.
After soaking, drain and dry the fries thoroughly with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, which can cause sogginess. If soaking exceeds an hour, refrigerate to maintain firmness.
Proper soaking and drying are essential for crispy fries with a fluffy interior.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Soaking in cool water | Removes excess starch |
| Adding ice | Keeps fries firm |
| Draining | Removes water before drying |
| Thorough drying | Prevents excess moisture for crispiness |
Seasoning and Oiling the Fries
You’ll want to choose a high smoke point oil like olive or avocado oil to coat your fries evenly for the best crispiness. Make sure to season them well with salt, pepper, and any spices you like before tossing everything together thoroughly.
This even coating helps the fries cook perfectly in the air fryer.
Choosing the Oil
Selecting the right oil is key to getting crispy, golden-brown French fries in your air fryer. When choosing the oil, opt for varieties with a high smoke point like canola oil or avocado oil to guarantee a crispy texture without burning. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons to coat the fries evenly before cooking.
This helps season the fries better and promotes a perfect golden finish. You can also try flavored oils such as garlic or chili oil to add a unique twist while maintaining crispiness.
| Oil Type | Smoke Point (°F) | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Canola Oil | 400 | Neutral |
| Avocado Oil | 520 | Mild, buttery |
| Flavored Oils | Varies | Garlic, chili, etc. |
Applying Seasonings Evenly
Although seasoning French fries is simple, applying it evenly takes a bit of technique to get right. Start by tossing the cut fries in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of oil; this helps the spices stick better. To enhance crispiness and flavor adherence, consider adding a light dusting of cornstarch or arrowroot before seasoning.
When you sprinkle seasonings, do it in batches rather than all at once—this guarantees you apply seasonings evenly across every fry. Use about 2 teaspoons of your chosen spices per potato to maintain a balanced flavor without overwhelming the fries. After cooking, taste your fries and don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning with a little extra salt or spices to achieve the perfect finish before serving.
Tossing for Coating
Once your fries are soaked and dried, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over them to confirm they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Next, toss the fries in a bowl with the oil and your choice of seasonings—salt, pepper, or garlic powder work great. Make sure you mix them thoroughly using your hands or a spatula so each fry is evenly coated.
For extra crispiness, sprinkle a tablespoon of starch like corn or arrowroot before tossing with oil and seasonings. Let the fries sit for a few minutes after tossing; this helps the flavors meld and the oil stick better. Proper tossing after soaking and drying guarantees your fries cook evenly during air frying, resulting in perfectly crispy, flavorful fries every time.
Initial Air Frying at Moderate Temperature
To start cooking your French fries in an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (176°C) and cook the fries for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crispiness. This initial cooking phase at a moderate temperature allows the fries to cook through without burning. Adjust the time based on the thickness of your fries—thinner fries need less time, thicker ones more.
Shaking guarantees all sides get exposed to hot air, enhancing crispiness uniformly.
| Thickness | Initial Cooking Time | Shake Basket Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin (shoestring) | 12 minutes | At 6 minutes |
| Medium (standard) | 15 minutes | At 7-8 minutes |
| Thick (steak) | 18 minutes | At 9 minutes |
Following these steps guarantees your fries cook evenly before the next crisping phase.
Increasing Heat for Crispiness
When you want your fries to have that perfect golden-brown crunch, raise the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final cooking phase. Starting your Air Fryer French Fries at 350°F (176°C) for about 15 minutes helps cook them evenly. Then, increasing the temperature boosts crispiness by creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Checking Doneness and Serving Tips
Achieving perfectly cooked fries means knowing exactly when they’re done. When checking doneness, look for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture, usually reached after cooking at 380°F for 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to shake or flip the fries halfway through to guarantee even crispiness.
You can also use a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits around 190°F for peak results. Once cooked, season fries immediately while they’re hot so the salt sticks well.
To serve, keep your fries hot and crispy, pairing them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or ranch. These simple steps will help you enjoy delicious, perfectly air-fried fries every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Cook French Fries in the Air Fryer?
You’ll want to cook French fries in the air fryer for about 17 to 20 minutes total. Start at 380°F, cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and continue for another 7 to 10 minutes until they’re crispy.
If you like, you can try a double cook method—lower temp first, then higher for extra crispiness. Just don’t overcrowd the basket, and adjust timing based on fry thickness.
How to Cook Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer?
To cook frozen fries in your air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. Spread the fries out in a single layer inside the basket so they cook evenly.
Air fry them for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure they brown on all sides.
Once they’re golden and crispy, toss them with salt or your favorite seasonings. Enjoy your perfectly cooked fries!
How to Get Crispy Fries in an Air Fryer?
Getting crispy fries in your air fryer is like tuning a guitar—small adjustments make a big difference. You’ll want to soak your cut potatoes in cold water to wash away starch, then dry them thoroughly. Toss them lightly in oil, spread them out in a single layer, and cook at a high temperature around 400°F.
Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through so every fry gets that perfect crunch.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered the art of air frying, your crispy fries will be the star of any meal. Just remember, patience is your best friend—like a symphony, every step plays a part in creating that perfect crunch.
With the right potatoes, seasoning, and a dash of love, you’ll soon be biting into golden perfection. So grab your air fryer and follow these simple steps.
Enjoy fries that’ll dance on your taste buds! Cooking French fries in an air fryer is quick, easy, and yields deliciously crispy results every time.
