How to Make Perfect French Fries in an Air Fryer

 How to Make Perfect French Fries in an Air Fryer

French fries are one of the most popular and delicious snacks in the world. But they are also high in calories, fat, and salt when deep-fried in oil. If you want to enjoy crispy and tasty fries without the guilt, you can make them in an air fryer instead. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food quickly and evenly, with little or no oil. Here are some tips and tricks on how to make perfect French fries in an air fryer.

1. Choose the right potatoes. The best potatoes for fries are russet or Yukon gold, as they have a high starch content and a low moisture content. This means they will crisp up nicely on the outside and stay fluffy on the inside. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they will turn soggy and limp when air-fried.

2. Cut the potatoes evenly. To ensure even cooking and browning, you need to cut the potatoes into uniform sticks. You can use a knife or a mandoline to slice the potatoes lengthwise, then cut them into 1/4-inch thick sticks. Try to make them as similar in size as possible, and discard any thin or broken pieces.

3. Soak and dry the potatoes. This step is crucial for removing excess starch from the potatoes, which can prevent them from crisping up. Soak the potato sticks in a bowl of cold water for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. Then drain them and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

4. Season the potatoes. Toss the potato sticks with a little bit of oil (about 2 teaspoons per large potato) and your favorite seasonings. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or add some garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also add some cornstarch or potato starch to help them crisp up even more.

5. Air-fry the potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the potato sticks in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.

6. Enjoy your fries. Transfer the fries to a large bowl and toss with more salt if needed. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayo, mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Enjoy your homemade French fries that are crispy, tender, and healthier than deep-fried ones!