Air-Fried Seasoned French Fries
This recipe provides a simple and healthy way to create perfectly seasoned French fries using an air fryer. Starting with fresh russet potatoes, cut into uniform batons, they are lightly tossed in canola oil and seasoned to taste, then air-fried until golden and crispy. It's a quick and easy method to achieve delicious, guilt-free fries, ideal as a side dish or snack.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Chef's Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
Main
- 2 russet potatoes peeled and cut into 3/8-by-3/8-inch (1-by-1-cm) batons
- 1 Tbs. canola oil
- Garlic herb or chili French fry seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Peel russet potatoes and cut them into uniform 3/8-by-3/8-inch (1-by-1-cm) batons for even cooking.
- Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water; let them soak for at least 20-30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispness.
- In the large bowl, toss the dried potato batons with the canola oil, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) according to your appliance's instructions.
- Arrange the oiled potato batons in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to promote even browning and crispness.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy to your liking.
- Immediately transfer the hot, crispy fries to a clean bowl and toss generously with your preferred garlic herb or chili French fry seasoning to taste.
- Serve the air-fried seasoned French fries hot as a delicious side dish or snack.
Notes
For truly crispy air-fried fries, soaking the cut potato batons in cold water for 20-30 minutes helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier exterior and fluffier interior. Always dry them thoroughly with paper towels before tossing with oil to ensure maximum crispness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly, which is key to even browning and crispness. Shake the basket frequently during cooking to promote even cooking. For an extra flavor boost, try a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning. Season immediately after air frying for best adherence.