Name: Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries – Perfectly Golden Every Time
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483765H52M10S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

French fries are one of the most popular side dishes around the world, and with the help of your air fryer, they become even easier to make. These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and a quick cook time, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade French fries without all the oil and mess of traditional frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Golden and Crispy Every Time

The air fryer creates a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the fries tender and soft, making them the perfect French fries.

2. Minimal Oil

Using just a tablespoon of olive oil instead of deep frying significantly reduces the fat and calories, giving you a lighter yet still satisfying version of French fries.

3. Quick and Easy

In under 30 minutes, you can have hot, crispy fries ready to serve without the long wait or mess of deep-frying.

4. Customizable Seasoning

The seasoning for these fries is versatile. You can adjust the amount of garlic, onion powder, paprika, or add any other spices you love to make the fries your own.

5. Healthy and Delicious

These fries are healthier than the deep-fried version, offering all the deliciousness without the guilt. Serve them as a side dish or snack, and they’ll quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

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)

Variations

Spicy Fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Fries: After cooking, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a cheesy topping.
Herb Fries: Try adding rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a fresh herbal flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes (optional) and cut them into even strips, about ¼-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. After soaking, drain and pat the potatoes dry with a towel.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each fry for proper air circulation. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of crispiness.

Step 5: Serve

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Evenly: To ensure all fries cook evenly, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest fries, make sure the fries are in a single layer with a little space between them. If necessary, cook in batches.
Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the fries helps to remove excess starch, leading to a crispier finish.
Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all fries cook evenly on all sides.

How to Serve

With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
As a Side: Pair with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats for a complete meal.
As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a tasty, crispy snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To restore some of their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Freezing

You can freeze the fries before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, place the seasoned fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from the freezer in the air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! Sweet potatoes work great for this recipe. Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness before removing them from the air fryer.

2. How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Soaking the potatoes before cooking and ensuring they are patted dry will help achieve extra crispiness. Also, air frying them in a single layer and shaking the basket halfway through will ensure even crisping.

3. Can I make these fries in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the fries in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

4. Can I add cheese to the fries in the air fryer?

Yes! Add shredded cheese to the fries during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to melt it on top.

5. How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the fries inside to help prevent sticking.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can make a larger batch. However, you may need to cook the fries in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

7. Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content, which helps make them crispy. However, Yukon gold potatoes can also be used.

8. Can I freeze the fries after they’re cooked?

Yes, cooked fries can be frozen. Just let them cool completely before storing in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the air fryer when ready to serve.

9. How do I prevent soggy fries?

Ensure the fries are dry before seasoning and air frying, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The more airflow, the crispier the fries.

10. How can I add extra flavor to the fries?

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or chili powder. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after cooking for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are a healthier and easier alternative to deep-frying but just as crispy and delicious. With a few simple ingredients, you can make perfectly golden fries every time. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for any meal or snack. Whether you serve them as a side or enjoy them on their own with a tasty dipping sauce, these fries will be a hit in your home!