Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer

Homemade French Fries made in Air Fryer, crispy as if just out of deep fryer and bursting with flavor of Garlic Parmesan seasoning. This recipe makes the best home fries in air fryer for the pub-style burger and fries dinner. Delicious but low in calories and guilt-free. Also sharing tips (real tips) to make fries crispy from the outside and tender from the inside like deep fried fries. You will love how easy it is. (read on to know more) 

Oh! For the complete burger and fries dinner, checkout these burger recipes on the blog: Feta Chickpea Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, Lamb Burgers, Tuna Burgers, Salmon Burgers, Quick Lamb Burgers.

Air Fryer fries have become such a norm since we bought Air Fryer. Honestly, it is my guilt-free-food-fix. I use it to make low fat version of all foods that I have so far avoided cooking or sharing on the blog, just because those were deep fried. 

So let's make Air Fryer Fries. Try say Air Fry Fries 10 times quickly! ;)

Air Fryer French Fries

I'm hesitant to deep-fry food for two obvious reasons - too much oil and calories, and hassle of deep frying. Air Fryer solves both of these problems. I will be honest, not every fried food can be cooked in air fryer but many can be. A lot of those "can be" you will see on the blog in coming days.

First thing I made in air fryer when we just bought it was Air Fryer French Fries! Since then we have been often making fresh French Fries in air fryer. The results are so good. Really, fries come out crispy from the outside and tender from the inside with just 1-2 tablespoons of the oil. I don't think that I ever want to deep fry the French fries again. See for yourself.

In my home we are fan of Garlic French fries. Today's recipe makes fries with garlic and parmesan seasoning. So addictive and delicious that it will become your favorite air fryer snack ever.

This French Fries recipe makes fries from scratch that is starting from cutting the fresh potatoes. Let the fun begin!

What do you need to make Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer?

You guessed it. The ingredients to make French fries are as simple as Russet Potatoes, Oil, Salt, and Pepper. Not a whole lot of oil, just few tablespoons to nicely coat the fries before cooking in air fryer.

To make Garlic Fries, you will need few additional ingredients as listed below:

1. Russet Potatoes
2. Garlic
3. Parmesan cheese
4. Olive oil
5. Herbs and salt

Cooking Fries in Air Fryer

When cooking fresh cut home fries in the air fryer, make sure to note a few important things. These are essential to make the best homemade French fries. 

1. Preheat Air Fryer to ensure even cooking from the start. 
2. Soak Potatoes To Get Rid of starch - For best results, rinse and prep the potatoes. (detailed ahead)
3. Cut even Thickness Fries -  russet potatoes into French fries of even thickness don't. Don't cut too thin or two thick pieces as these will cook unevenly. The thin fries will get crisp quickly. The thick pieces become mushy instead of crisping up. 
4. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. It is best to make fries in two batches, about two pound potatoes fries at a time. 
5. Use air fryer rack when making fries in the air fryer. This helps with better circulation of hot air. No soggy fries please! 
6. Toss potatoes while cooking a couple of times for even air frying. It is important to toss potatoes by shaking the air fryer basket. Don't use tongs as tongs break the fries.

To cook the French fries, I start by slicing the russet potatoes lengthwise to even long pieces. (see in the video coming soon) You can choose to peel the potatoes but I use potatoes with the skin (thoroughly washed).  

Secret to Cooking Best Homemade French Fries in Air Fryer

Soak Potatoes To Remove Starch

Once the potatoes are sliced, I rinse potatoes in cold water and then soak in water and set aside for at least 30 minutes. This is a very important step to get rid of most of the starch from the potatoes. Fries made with low-starch potatoes will be crispier, not at all mushy and will not stick to each other while cooking. 

Soak sliced potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. If soaking overnight, cover the container and refrigerate. 

Completely Dry the Potatoes Before Air Fry

When ready to cook, drain the water and let fries completely dry out. Any moisture hanging around the potatoes will make potatoes steam in the air fryer instead of getting crispier.

So to completely dry the potatoes, place the drain potatoes in few layers of clean paper towels. Leave aside for 10 minutes to 20 minutes. Or refrigerate for 10 minutes. These two are the best ways to get rid of moisture on the cut potatoes. 

Note: Above 2 steps that is; 1) soak potatoes and 2) then completely dry, are quintessential for cooking air fryer home fries. These two steps are also essential to make deep fried fries. 

Coat in Oil Before Cooking

Once potato slices are dry, I coat these in 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Add to pre heated air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes. For best results, I like to massage potatoes in oil. This ensures that potatoes cook crispy from all sides. 

As mentioned earlier, only toss potatoes by shaking the air fryer a couple of times. Don't use tongs as these break the fries. 

I immediately coat just out of the fryer hot fries with garlic and parmesan seasoning.  Hot French Fries with flavor of fresh garlic. Yum!

Timings for Cooking French Fries in Air Fryer 

In my experience, well prepped fresh cut potatoes, massaged in the oil and then Air Fried at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 (up-to 30 minutes) is the best way to cook French fries in air fryer. I used Ninja Foodi Max XL Air Fryer.

What are Perfectly Cooked French Fries? 

Perfectly cooked French fries are crispy from the outside , tender inside with the soft and fluffy texture.  

Friends, serve something delicious with dinner tonight. These Garlic French fries are healthier, perfectly cooked, and are low in oil and guilt-free. Above all, it is a no mess recipe. I often ready French fries to serve as a side (or for snacking) almost the same time dinner is ready. Must try!

I hope you will enjoy cooking Potatoes Fries in the Air Fryer as much as I do. What is your favorite flavor of homemade French fries? I would love to hear. Write in the comment section and share with me.