Air Fryer French Fries

These air fryer French fries are the perfect side dish to complement any meal. And they were absolutely delicious when paired with our fajitas last night. What makes them so amazing is that instead of deep fat frying, you only need a light spray of fry light oil and a quick 20 minute cook in the air fryer. The result? Crispy, golden fries with a fraction of the oil, yet with all the flavour.

The addition of red onion and garlic elevates the flavour profile of the fries, infusing them with a savoury depth that perfectly complements the natural taste of the potatoes. The fresh rosemary also gives the dish an aromatic lift. Adding a touch of elegance to what is otherwise a simple side dish. The crispy texture, combined with the fragrant herbs, makes these French fries a standout addition to any meal. Whether you are serving them with a burger, steak, or even a light salad, they instantly dress up the plate and bring a satisfying crunch.

Potatoes are, of course, the star of this recipe. They are not only incredibly versatile but also packed with so many essential nutrients. Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium, potatoes help support the immune system, boost energy, and promote heart health. They also contain fibre, which aids in digestion and supports a healthy gut. Additionally, potatoes are high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health. Despite their reputation as a carb-heavy food, when prepared with minimal oil, potatoes can be a nutritious, balanced addition to your diet, making these air fryer French fries not only tasty but also healthy!

PREP 10 minutes

COOK 10 minutes

KIT you will need an air fryer, kitchen roll and a mixing bowl.

Ingredients for air fryer French fries

3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (you can peel them first if you prefer the skins off)

1 red onion, peeled and sliced

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped

Vegetable oil spray

Fresh rosemary

Method

I began by slicing my potatoes quite thinly, keeping the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Leaving the skins also gives the fries a rustic feel and adds extra fibre. After slicing, I soaked the potato slices in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. This helps remove excess starch, which in turn makes the fries crispier when cooked.

While the potatoes were soaking, I peeled a red onion and a few garlic cloves, then roughly sliced the onion and left the garlic whole for a more mellow flavour during cooking.

Once the potatoes had soaked, I drained them thoroughly and patted them dry using kitchen roll. Drying is an important step – if there’s too much moisture, the fries won’t crisp up properly. I added the potato slices to the air fryer basket and gave them a light spray with vegetable oil, just enough to help them turn golden and crunchy. I set the air fryer to 200°C and cooked the fries for around 10 minutes.

After the initial cook, I gave the fries a good shake to ensure even browning, then added the sliced red onion and garlic. I returned everything to the air fryer and cooked for another 10 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure they weren’t overcooking. The result was beautifully crisp fries, with sweet, slightly caramelised onions and fragrant roasted garlic.

To serve, I garnished the fries with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a burst of herby aroma.

These air-fried skinny fries are a lighter, flavour-packed alternative to deep-fried chips. They’re perfect as a side dish, party snack, or even just on their own with your favourite dip. Simple, satisfying, and sure to become a regular on your weekly menu.

Tips for Air Fryer French Fries

1. Choose the Right Potato:
For classic fries, go with floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward. These types of potatoes give the best crisp outside and fluffy inside.

2. Cut Evenly:
Aim for uniform thickness (about 1cm) for even cooking. Too thin and they can burn, too thick and they might stay undercooked in the centre.

3. Soak Before Cooking:
Soak your cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before. This draws out excess starch, which helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

4. Dry Thoroughly:
Pat the fries dry with a clean towel or kitchen paper after soaking. Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so take your time here.

5. Oil Lightly:
Toss the fries with a small amount of oil, about 1 tablespoon per 2 large potatoes. Olive oil, rapeseed, or sunflower oil all work well. You can also add seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs at this stage.

6. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:
Cook in batches if needed. Overfilling the basket will lead to steaming instead of crisping. Fries need space for air to circulate around them.

7. Shake or Stir Halfway:
Give the basket a shake or stir the fries about halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.

8. Perfect Temperature and Time:
Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness. Keep an eye on them near the end and adjust based on how golden you like them.

9. Serve Immediately:
Fries are best straight from the fryer when hot, crisp, and ready for dipping in ketchup, mayo, or your favourite sauce.

Once you master these tips, homemade air fryer fries will easily beat takeaway versions – crisp, golden, and guilt-free!