Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries

French fries are a universal favorite, loved for their crispy texture and satisfying flavor. Thanks to the air fryer, you can now enjoy perfectly crispy fries with less oil and less time. These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, making each bite flavorful and crispy without the need for deep frying. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, these fries come out golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside—exactly how fries should be. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, you can make restaurant-quality fries in the comfort of your own kitchen. The addition of fresh parsley as a garnish brings a touch of freshness and color, but it’s entirely optional. Make them spicy, mild, or extra garlicky—the choice is yours. These fries are not only easy to make but also much healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. Once you taste them, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with traditional frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Option

Air frying uses much less oil than traditional deep frying, so you can enjoy crispy fries without the extra calories and fat.

this …

2. Simple Ingredients

With just a handful of pantry staples—potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper—these fries are incredibly easy to prepare.

3. Crispy Every Time

The air fryer cooks the fries to perfection, making them crispy on the outside while keeping them soft and fluffy on the inside.

4. Customizable Seasoning

You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making these fries as mild or as flavorful as you like.

5. Quick and Easy

From prep to plate, these fries are ready in less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal option for a quick snack or side dish.

Ingredients

• Medium-sized potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Cheese Fries: After air frying, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the fries and return them to the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix to add some heat.
• Herb Fries: Toss the fries with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an herbaceous twist.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter version of this recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, or leave the skins on for added texture. Slice them into evenly sized fries (about 1/4-inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the Fries

In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the fries are well coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you add the fries.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fries

Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries should be crispy and golden brown when done.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the fries from the air fryer and, if desired, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure the fries cook evenly and get crispy, it’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if you’re making a larger batch.
• Soak the Potatoes (Optional): Soaking the potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.
• Cut Evenly: Make sure your fries are cut into uniform sizes so they cook evenly and have the same texture.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or toss the fries to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of the fries and the model of your air fryer, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve

These crispy air fryer seasoned fries are perfect on their own or as a side to burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or fish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, or barbecue sauce. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite main dish for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To retain their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Freezing

To freeze, spread the raw, seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fries in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but russet potatoes are best for achieving crispy fries.

2. Can I make these fries without olive oil?

You can use another oil, like vegetable or canola oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps achieve the crispy texture.

3. Do I need to soak the potatoes before cooking?

Soaking is optional, but it helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

4. Can I use frozen fries?

Yes, you can use frozen fries in the air fryer. Just cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

5. How long does it take to cook these fries?

Cooking time usually takes 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but it can vary depending on the size of your fries and the air fryer model.

6. Can I make these fries spicier?

Yes, you can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot paprika to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

7. How can I make my fries extra crispy?

For extra crispy fries, make sure they are evenly coated in oil, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake the fries halfway through cooking.

8. Can I cook other items in the air fryer at the same time?

Yes, but be mindful of the cooking times and ensure the fries are in a single layer for optimal crispness.

9. Can I use a different seasoning mix?

Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste, adding herbs, cheese, or other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or even ranch seasoning.

10. Can I freeze leftover fries?

Yes, you can freeze leftover fries. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat them in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and texture. Quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite seasonings, and healthier than traditional deep-fried fries, they’re a great addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even a topping for a loaded fry dish, this recipe will become your go-to for crispy, delicious fries every time.

Print