Who doesn’t love French fries? These Air Fried French Fries are a lighter take on a classic favorite. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any time you want a satisfying side with less oil. With under five ingredients and an air fryer, you’ll have golden fries in no time.
What you will need to make these Air Fried French Fries
Simple ingredients and the right technique are all you need.
- Large russet potatoes
- Kosher salt
- Onion powder
- Olive oil spray
- Optional: coarse sea salt for finishing
- Equipment: air fryer
How to make Air Fried French Fries
1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even strips, like classic fries.
2. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 1 hour. Soaking removes excess starch and helps the fries crisp up in the air fryer.
3. After soaking, drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels.
4. Lightly coat the fries with olive oil spray, then toss with kosher salt and onion powder until evenly seasoned.
5. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 380°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to promote even browning. If they look dry during cooking, spray lightly with more olive oil.
6. When the fries are golden and crisp, remove and finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.
The Air Fryer: your go-to for a healthy home-cooked meal!
If you don’t yet own an air fryer, it’s worth considering. An air fryer is essentially a compact countertop convection oven that crisps food using hot air rather than deep oil. It’s ideal for healthier versions of traditionally fried foods. For family meals, a larger basket—around 7 quarts or more—makes it easier to cook bigger batches without crowding.
Beyond fries, an air fryer cooks a wide variety of dishes quickly and with great texture: from baked goods to proteins and snacks. It’s especially handy for reheating frozen items to restore crispness, and it’s a versatile tool for weeknight cooking.
How to serve these Air Fried French Fries
These fries pair well with burgers, sandwiches, and seafood, or as a side to many family-style meals. Try them with:
- Smash burgers for a classic pairing.
- Shrimp po’boys for a summer-inspired meal.
- Cornflake-crusted chicken tenders and honey mustard for a kid-friendly plate.
- A creative quesadilla or loaded sandwich for a more casual twist.
Air Fried French Fries
Equipment
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air fryer recommended: 7 qt or larger
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- olive oil spray
Instructions
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Peel potatoes and cut into strips.
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Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 1 hour to remove excess starch.
-
Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
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Toss with olive oil spray, kosher salt, and onion powder.
-
Air fry at 380°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes. Spray lightly with oil if needed. Finish with coarse salt and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 34 g
|
Protein: 4 g
|
Fat: 0.1 g
