Air Fryer Homemade Fries

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Make healthy fries with the same mouthwatering taste and texture as deep-fried french fries. These air fryer fries are just as crisp and crunchy but with less fat and fewer calories. The whole family will love a healthy and delicious alternative to fast-food french fries.

Love these air fryer fries? Try my Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes and my Air Fryer Carrot Chips for more air fryer recipes!

French fries are delicious, but they become a nutritional nightmare when deep-fried. Thanks to the fantastic air fryer, you can achieve that same excellence with nothing more than potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper!

To cook fries in the air fryer, you’ll need a fraction of the oil for deep-frying, so there’s less guilt AND less mess! Like regular fries, air fryer fries are crispy on the outside and smooth and creamy on the inside. They are a delicious and nutritious side dish for busy weeknights or when you’re simply craving a salty, crunchy snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made from scratch with only 4-ingredients.
• No more soggy baked fries; air fryer french fries are hot and crispy!
• Low fat & low-calorie alternative to fast-food fries.
• Budget-friendly & kid-friendly simple side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need 

• Russet Potatoes – Russets have a high-starch content and the least moisture, so they make the best fries. There are strong opinions about potatoes, but when prepared with simple, clean ingredients they are a good source of vitamins C & B6, manganese, phosphorous, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
• Olive Oil – Keeps the fries from sticking, adds flavor, and helps create gorgeous golden fries.
• Spices – I like my fries simply seasoned with salt & pepper, but feel free to dress up the seasonings.

How To Make This Recipe

Step 1: Cut potatoes into french fries.

Scrub the potatoes, rinse well, and pat dry. Then, with a sharp knife, cut the potato lengthwise into slices the width you like your fries. Cut each piece lengthwise into french fries.

Step 2: Blanch uncooked fries.

Bring a large deep pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until they start to soften (about 3 minutes). Drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool—dry well with paper towels.

Step 3: Season blanched fries.

Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the potatoes and toss.

Step 4: Cook seasoned fries in the air fryer.

Transfer the fries to your air fryer basket in a relatively single layer. The pieces can overlap somewhat, but don’t overcrowd the basket. Set the air fryer to 400°, and cook (tossing the basket a few times) until the fries are tender and crisped to your liking (about 18 minutes).

Recipe Tips

• For regular fries, cut the potato into 1/2″ thick slices. Cut the pieces about 1/4″ thick for shoestring fries. Keep an eye on them as smaller cuts will cook quicker. Do your best to cut the fries the same size.
• If you aren’t in a hurry, soak your fries in cool water for at least an hour to draw out as much of the starch as possible. Be sure to dry the potatoes VERY well after rinsing.
• Air fryer functionality differs from one brand to the next. Some may cook faster than others, so keep an eye on your fries.
• For the best homemade fries, do not overcrowd the basket. Spread the pieces out, so all sides are exposed to heat. You’ll need to work in two batches.
• When the second batch is finished, add the first batch back to the basket, toss everything together, and cook for another minute or until all of the fries are hot and crispy.

Variations & Serving

Herbs & seasonings – As is, this recipe makes perfectly salted, crispy french fries. The only thing missing is the ketchup! Feel feel to amp up the flavors with herbs and seasonings. Fresh out of the air fryer, toss your fries with garlic & fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, blackened seasoning, seasoning salt, etc. Start with about a 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.

Make it a meal – Homemade air fryer french fries are a healthy side to serve with just about anything! They are great piled high alongside air fryer mahi-mahi (a healthy take on fish and chips!), turkey burgers, and chicken caesar wraps.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: French fries are always best when fresh. After cooling, keep extras in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Freezing: After cooling, place the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until the fries are solid. Then, place the frozen fries in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 400F until hot and crisped.

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