There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy French fry. The golden exterior, the fluffy interior, and the burst of seasoning with every bite—it’s a snack that never fails to hit the spot. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve tried countless methods to achieve the ultimate French fry, and I can confidently say that the air fryer is a game-changer. It delivers that irresistible crunch without the guilt of deep frying, making it a healthier option for everyday indulgence.
This recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries is one of my go-to creations. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a side dish for dinner, or just craving a tasty snack, these fries are sure to impress. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and an air fryer to make magic happen. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make these irresistible fries!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Potatoes: The star of the show! Russet potatoes are my top choice for French fries because of their high starch content, which helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Make sure to choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best results.
Olive oil: A light coating of olive oil is essential for achieving that golden crispiness in the air fryer. It also helps the seasoning stick to the fries. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor, but any olive oil will work.
Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue to the fries. It’s a key ingredient in the seasoning blend that gives these fries their unique flavor profile.
Garlic powder: A must-have for any savory dish, garlic powder brings a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. It’s a simple way to elevate the taste of your fries.
Onion powder: This ingredient adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix. It pairs wonderfully with the garlic powder and paprika to create a well-rounded flavor.
Salt: No French fry is complete without salt! It enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and balances the other seasonings. I prefer using fine sea salt for even distribution.
Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a slight kick and complexity to the seasoning blend. Freshly ground black pepper works best for maximum flavor.
Fresh parsley (optional): The finishing touch! Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the fries.
Ingredients List
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes (if desired). Cut them into even-sized sticks, about ¼-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
Step 2: Dry the Potatoes
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any remaining moisture can prevent the fries from getting crispy, so this step is crucial.
Step 3: Season the Fries
In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil until evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potatoes and toss again to ensure every fry is well-coated.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the fries cook more evenly and ensures a crispy result.
Step 5: Cook the Fries
Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries are done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the fries are done, transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut Evenly: Uniformly sized fries ensure even cooking. Use a sharp knife or a French fry cutter for precision.
- Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch, which is key for achieving crispiness.
- Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so make sure the potatoes are completely dry before seasoning.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the fries in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and ensure they get crispy.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking the fries halfway through cooking helps them cook evenly on all sides.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste. Add cayenne pepper for heat or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that Russet potatoes are the best for achieving a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave the skins on—just make sure to scrub them thoroughly.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
While they’re best served fresh, you can prepare the cut and seasoned potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
What dipping sauces go well with these fries?
These fries pair well with ketchup, aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Enjoy making and savoring these Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries—they’re sure to become a household favorite!