Air Fryer French Fries

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Crispy, Crunchy Air fryer French Fries are delicious and addictive appetizers, that taste just like the normal fried fries, but with much less fat. A guilt-free snack or a side for your weekends or game-day or just when you feel like it.

These crispy Air fryer French fries are made from scratch using raw potatoes and in a maximum of 35-45 mins from start to finish. And did I tell you that it uses just a teaspoon of oil and not oodles of oil as in the typical fried French fries?

We all love potatoes and french fries are a weakness of many. They are simply irresistible and it is hard to control at times. But the fact that they are fried puts me off. Worse the store-bought ones are even boiled multiple times before we bake or fry them. So you know there is nothing left in those fries except loads of carbs and our craving to eat them.  

I use to always bake French fries in an oven. Hardly fried them. Or let me say, once I started baking them I never fried fries. I make baked French fries or oven chips from potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and Turnips. Literally, you can convert any tuber into delicious and healthy fries.

When I do not want to do a big batch or just a small one, I do it in the air fryer. It is done within minutes, and I do not need to turn on my oven. It is really convenient when I want to make from just 2-3 potatoes. 

A little about Air fryer

Yes, finally I entered the word Air fryer, after much thinking. As an air fryer is technically a mini convection oven, I was debating whether to buy it or not.  Have got a few recipes with them now after some tries and would be adding them slowly.

However, I am happy with my purchase. Yes, an oven can do the same thing as an air fryer but there is some difference which I found I was searching for answers before purchasing, but unfortunately did not get proper answers.  So listing it down here for anyone who is looking for some help.

Difference between an Air Fryer and an Oven

(This is my opinion, based on my experience, others’ opinions might differ)

• Both do the same job, i.e. baking, grilling, etc.
• The oven is bigger than an air-fryer and hence it takes time for an oven to pre-heat.
• As the oven is bigger, you can make a big batch. In an air fryer, you would need to make multiple batches for a large quantity. 
• The air fryer has a small basket and pre-heating is done within minutes. Yes for 180 Deg C the pre-heating is done in 4 mins.
• The air fryer has a heating element and a fan on the top wherein in an oven would be top and bottom or in some cases only the top. It would have been good if it had at the bottom too. (Not sure if some versions have it)
• Some ovens are without fans.
• Similar to an oven an Air fryer comes in sizes like 3lt, 5 ltr, etc. So you can choose accordingly to your family size. I have a Cosori 5 ltr (no promotion) and I am happy with the basket size. As it allows me to cook one portion for my family.
• Taste-wise both the air fryer and oven cooking I found are the same. At times some baked or air-fried goodies came out much better in air-fryer

Type of potatoes to use

The best type of potatoes to use for making french fries is the one that has less water and more starch. The ones which are floury kind. So you can go for Russet potatoes or like. However, they do come good with all types of potatoes and I do make it with whatever I have as we have loads of types of potatoes here. Simply follow the steps and you will get the best kind.

Can the french fries be stored?

French fries are best eaten fresh. They get soft once they are cold or after an hour or so. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air-fryer or oven. Or best if you like to make some Indo-Chinese Potato chili.

Seasoning for french fries

One can use different types of seasoning as per their liking. I have detailed it down below in the recipe card.

Toppings on French fries

One can add some curry sauce, cheese sauce, mayonnaise sauce, spicy sauces, herb dips etc. The possibility is endless.  

The secret to perfectly crisp French Fries 

• Cut them into even pieces.
• Put them in ice-cold water for 20-30 minutes. This helps in removing the starch from the vegetables.
• Once they are soaked in the water, drain, and pat dry on a clean kitchen towel. This will help to remove all the excess moisture. This is crucial, or else, you will have a pool of water while baking, or the chips become soggy.
• Since we are using minimal oil, try to coat it as evenly as possible. One can skip oil completely, but I prefer to add a teaspoon.
• In between turning off the chips is essential for them to crisp and even.

Air fryer French Fries

Crispy, Crunchy Air fryer French Fries are delicious and addictive appetizers, tasting like normal fried fries, but with much less fat.

5 from 5 votes

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Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Equipment

• Air-Fryer
• Oven
• Baking Tray
• Knife
• Bowl

Ingredients

• Ice Coldwater
• 2 large potatoes or as required – Thin, lengthwise, and even cuts
• 1 tablespoon oil

Seasoning

• Salt
• Black pepper powder
• Smoked Red paprika powder
• Peri-Peri Powder
• Grated Cheese

Instructions

• Cut the potatoes and rinse them thoroughly.
  2 large potatoes or as required
  
• Dip it in Ice Coldwater for at least 30 minutes.
  Ice Coldwater
  
• Now drain the water completely.
• Pat the chips in a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess water
  
• Preheat the air fryer to 200 Deg C.
• Once heated add the potato chips into the basket.
  
• Add oil and evenly coat it.
  1 tablespoon oil
• Spread the chips evenly. Do not overcrowd it and try to arrange it in a single layer.

Air Frying French Fries

• Air Fry it to 200 Deg C for 15 minutes.
• Shake the fries after halftime.
• Do check after 10 minutes. We like our fries to be more crispy and brown and hence for me, it took 15 minutes. If you prefer less browning 10-12 minutes would be sufficient.

Baking French Fries in an oven

• Pre-Heat the oven to 180 deg C / 360 Deg F.
• Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray.
• Drizzle oil and evenly coat it.
• Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes turning in between.
• Once you feel the chips are baked and getting brown, turn the heat on to 200 Deg C / 400 Deg F and broil the chips for the last 5 minutes.
• Broil means you just keep the top rod on, it helps in getting the edges brown and crisp.
• Once done, remove. One can add some salt or seasoning and serve it hot with Tomato Ketchup or any dips.
  Salt

Notes

• 1 Cup = 235 ml, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml
• Please read above for tips and tricks for perfectly baked and crisp fries

 

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Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

Updates

This post was first published on 14-Nov-2014, Today 29-May-2022 I am updating the recipe to add details for the Air fryer method as well as the oven. Added a few tips and tricks and more content.

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