Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries – Perfectly Golden Every Time

French fries are a beloved classic, enjoyed by many for their crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. While deep frying often results in a greasy outcome, making fries in an air fryer provides the same crispy texture with less oil, making it a healthier option. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these crispy air fryer seasoned French fries come out golden, flavorful, and delicious every single time. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, these fries will quickly become a favorite in your household. The seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor, elevating them to a whole new level. Plus, using the air fryer ensures a quick and easy cooking process with less mess and cleanup. These crispy fries are perfect for pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or simply enjoying on their own with your favorite dipping sauces. Ready in just a few simple steps, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for homemade French fries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy air fryer seasoned French fries are the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The seasoning mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds just the right amount of flavor, making them more than just a basic side dish. Plus, the air fryer eliminates the need for excess oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and versatile enough to serve with just about any meal. Whether you’re craving a snack or preparing a dinner side, these fries will satisfy your taste buds without the added guilt of deep frying.

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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

• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-packed variation.
• Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Fries: After air frying, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top of the fries for a cheesy twist.
• Herbed Fries: Use dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the seasoning and give the fries an herbaceous flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes (if desired). Cut them into even-sized thin strips, about ¼-inch thick, for the best crispiness.

Step 2: Season the Fries

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each fry is well-coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.

Step 4: Arrange Fries in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Fries

Cook the fries at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut Fries Evenly: To ensure even cooking, try to cut the fries to a uniform thickness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If you’re making a large batch, cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the fries cook evenly on all sides.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of the fries and the type of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check the fries for doneness and crispiness as you approach the 15-minute mark.

How to Serve

These crispy air fryer seasoned French fries are perfect as a side dish for burgers, grilled meats, or sandwiches. You can also serve them as a snack with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or aioli. For an extra treat, pair them with a side of cheese or chili for a loaded fries experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover fries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they’re best fresh, they can be reheated.

Freezing

To freeze, spread the cooked fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, place the fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. This will help restore the fries’ crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use russet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, russet potatoes are a great choice for French fries, as they have a high starch content, which helps create a crispy texture.

2. Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?

Soaking the potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries, but it’s not strictly necessary.

3. Can I make these fries without oil?

While oil helps achieve a crispier texture, you can skip the oil and still make flavorful fries, though the texture may be slightly less crispy.

4. Can I use a different seasoning for the fries?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. You can add herbs, spices, or even cheese for a unique twist.

5. Can I cook frozen fries in the air fryer?

Yes, frozen fries can be cooked in the air fryer. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the instructions on the package.

6. How can I get my fries extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, make sure the fries are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket and don’t overcrowd them. You can also cook them for a few extra minutes.

7. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a great alternative for a slightly different flavor and texture. Follow the same cooking steps, though they may need a slightly shorter cooking time.

8. What dipping sauces go best with these fries?

Popular dipping sauces for French fries include ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or even cheese dip.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure to cook the fries in batches so they cook evenly.

10. How do I know when the fries are done?

The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can check by tasting one or gently pressing them; they should feel crisp on the outside but soft on the inside.

Conclusion

These crispy air fryer seasoned French fries are the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and crispiness. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a side dish to complement your meal, this recipe delivers perfectly golden fries every time. With minimal ingredients, a few simple steps, and the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy fries without the mess and excess oil of deep frying. Try it out today, and you may never want to go back to regular fries again!

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