I’ve always been a fan of crispy, golden fries—the kind that crunch satisfyingly with every bite. But honestly, I used to avoid making them at home because deep-frying felt messy and unhealthy. That all changed when I discovered how easy it is to make perfect French fries in the air fryer. Not only do they come out crunchy on the outside and tender inside, but they also cook faster than the oven, without drowning in oil. Pairing them with a zesty, creamy sriracha mayo takes them to a whole new level that’s impossible to resist.
Cooking at home has a way of making recipes feel personal. I love experimenting with seasoning, dipping sauces, and cooking techniques to get the flavor just right. Making French fries in the air fryer gives me the freedom to enjoy this comfort food guilt-free. The sriracha mayo adds a spicy, tangy kick that complements the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted potatoes. Once you try this combination, you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to make it at home.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Potatoes: I recommend using russet potatoes for this recipe. Their starchy texture makes them perfect for achieving fries that are crispy on the outside while soft on the inside. You’ll want to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference, and cut them into evenly sized sticks for even cooking.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the fries achieve that golden brown color and ensures they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. It also adds a subtle, rich flavor that enhances the natural taste of the potatoes.
Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavor of the fries. Sprinkling a little right after cooking locks in that perfect seasoning, giving every bite a deliciously balanced taste.
Mayonnaise: For the dipping sauce, mayonnaise serves as the creamy base. It provides a smooth, rich texture that balances the heat from the sriracha.
Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha brings a punch of spice to the mayo, giving the fries an irresistible kick. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred level of heat.
Lemon Juice (optional): A splash of lemon juice in the sriracha mayo adds a bright, tangy note that elevates the flavor, making the dip taste fresh and zesty.
Ingredients List
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries with Sriracha Mayo
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Cut them into even sticks about ¼–½ inch thick. Try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Soak the Potatoes
Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 3: Dry and Season
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Toss them in olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Make sure each fry is coated evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred level of crispiness.
Step 5: Make the Sriracha Mayo
While the fries are cooking, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Step 6: Serve
Once the fries are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate and serve with your homemade sriracha mayo. Enjoy them hot for the best experience!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Soak the fries to remove excess starch—this ensures extra crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sriracha to control the spiciness of the mayo.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; air-fried fries tend to soften as they cool.
- Experiment with seasoning—paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan can take these fries to the next level.
FAQs
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work well, but they may need slightly less cooking time since they cook faster and can caramelize quickly.
Q: Can I make the fries ahead of time?
A: You can, but they’re best eaten fresh. If needed, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Q: How spicy is the sriracha mayo?
A: The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Q: Can I bake these fries in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
A: Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Q: Can I make the sriracha mayo vegan?
A: Yes, substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo, and it works perfectly.