How to Make Perfectly Crisp Homemade French Fries in Your Air Fryer

Say goodbye to dry, soggy fries! If you're looking for perfectly crisp homemade French fries with a golden exterior and fluffy interior, keep reading. My name is Kathy, and I empower air fryer owners to get the most out of their appliances. Stick around, because at the end of this article, we'll compare my homemade fries using five essential tips against other homemade fries. Ready? Let's go!

1. Choose the Right Potato

Being from Idaho, I know the best potatoes for fries are Idaho potatoes. Start with about 1 to 2 pounds. Wash and peel them if you prefer, but I like to keep the peels on for a rustic style.

2. Cut Evenly

Cut your potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking. Aim for a finger-width thickness, about 1/2 inch. First, cut into planks, then into slices, and finally into fries.

3. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your cut potatoes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness. Use a salad spinner to save time. Rinse until the water is clear, usually 2-3 times. Then, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to kickstart the cooking process.

4. Dry Well

Dry your potatoes thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner, lay them out on a towel, or dry them in the air fryer at 320°F for 5 minutes. Removing moisture ensures a better oil coating and prevents soggy fries.

5. Lightly Oil

Coat your potatoes with a small amount of oil. I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point. Use just enough to coat the fries evenly. This helps conduct heat and crisps the exterior while keeping the interior fluffy.

Air Frying Steps

1. First Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes.
2. Shake and Stir: Shake or stir the fries to ensure even cooking.
3. Second Cook: Air fry at 350°F for another 5-10 minutes until they start to turn a blonde color.
4. Final Cook: Increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 5-15 minutes, depending on your preferred crispiness.

Seasoning

Once they reach a light golden color, toss them in a bowl with a bit more oil and your favorite seasonings. I recommend 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Taste Test

To demonstrate the difference, I conducted a blind taste test with my little taste testers. They preferred the fries made with my five essential tips over the simple method of just cutting and frying.

For more tips, tricks, and recipes, check out my cookbook at Pine and Pepper Co.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy your perfect homemade French fries! If you have any favorite dipping sauces, let me know in the comments. Happy cooking!