Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside is what you can expect when you make delicious French fries in your air fryer.
What is it that we love so much about French fries? Perhaps it’s the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy potato interior. Or maybe it’s that we can eat them with our fingers. Whatever the reason, consumption estimates range from 17 to 34 pounds of fries per person in the US each year. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder that busy moms are turning to air-fryer French fries as a way to provide a healthier way to enjoy this family favorite side dish without deep-frying them in oil.
Back when my children were growing up, I turned to the oven to prepare crispy potatoes—from shoestrings to steak fries and everything in between. It wasn’t until two years ago that I purchased my first air fryer, and life has certainly changed a lot since then. While I no longer have little ones at home, I do admit to enjoying a fry or two from time to time. With my handy dandy air fryer always ready to go, that is now the only method I use for making French fries.
It’s hard even to imagine going through a burger drive-thru without ordering greasy, deep-fried French fries. I always felt guilty doing that when my children were young. Even today, when I get that urge, I quickly remember that none of the local chains have gluten-free buns, so I remind myself to make burgers and fries at home in my air fryer. In fact, I’ll even give you a recipe for air fryer burgers in the serving suggestions section below. That way, you can skip the overpriced, fat-laden drive-thru and make an even tastier and healthier “fast food” meal at home.
I like to keep the peel on my potatoes, as the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer. However, if you have children who don’t like the skin, go right ahead and peel the potatoes before cooking. There are two things to remember for success: don’t crowd the basket, and cook potatoes of similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Think outside the box with air-fryer fries!
I think the first thought that comes to mind for most people when thinking about air-fryer French fries is using Idaho or russet potatoes. While those are certainly delicious options, my favorite is sweet potatoes. The first time I had them, they were dusted with cinnamon and came with a honey dipping sauce. YUM! However, I don’t want you to stop there, because there is a whole world of fun vegetables that can become fries that your family will love. Carrots, beets, parsnips, eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and green beans are fun and tasty options. You can even make crispy, “air-fried” broccoli and cauliflower florets. Not only do many of these veggies make great fries, but they can also be sliced into thin rounds for air-fryer chips.
Don’t stop at vegetables. You can also make “fries” out of many fruits, including apples, pineapples, berries, bananas, peaches, nectarines, and mangos. In fact, the first time I tried apple fries was at Legoland in California when my kids were young. Those fries were so good that we went back for a few more orders.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftover air-fryer French fries to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Although you can freeze the chilled fries for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe zippered bag or container, I tend to avoid freezing potatoes, as the texture often changes. Frozen fries can be defrosted in the refrigerator or reheated directly from the freezer. Reheat leftover fries in the air fryer or at 350°F in the oven until warm and crispy.
Serving suggestions
Air-fryer French fries are a natural accompaniment to Air-Fryer Burgers. If you want to skip the 10 minutes of prep, try this Air-Fryer Frozen Hamburgers recipe. I find that younger children like to eat fun food, and these Air-Fryer Salmon Bites are fun for small hands to pick up. Since we’re talking about finger foods, add a platter of Broiled Asparagus, Garlic Green Beans, or Roasted Asparagus And Carrots that are easy to pick up and eat. Their bright colors make them look as appetizing as they taste.
Air-Fryer French Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (for optional garnish)
- Preferred dipping sauce such as ketchup
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes. Peel if you like. Cut them into 1/4-inch sticks. Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Drain the water and pat the fries dry using paper towels. Transfer them to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Toss everything until well coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer; work in batches if needed. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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