Air fryer French Fries (Super Crispy in 15 Minutes!)

Ingredients

• 2–3 mediumRusset potatoes (or Yukon potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)Cajun seasoning (optional)
• to tastesalt
• to tastepepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat and cut

   Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Wash the potatoes and cut them into fries about 6 mm (¼ inch) thick.

2. 2

   Season the potatoes

   In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the olive oil and seasoning.

3. 3

   Air-fry the fries

   Transfer the potatoes to the preheated air fryer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your preferred crispness.

4. 4

   Serve straight away

   Serve immediately with spicy mayo or your favourite dipping sauce.

What are air fryer French fries?

French fries are cut potatoes cooked until tender inside and browned outside. This version takes an American-style approach, seasoning the fries simply with oil and optional Cajun spices.

The air fryer circulates hot air around the potatoes, making it a quick alternative to deep-frying. A small amount of oil helps the surfaces brown.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 120 calories, 3g protein, 20g carbs, 4g fat.

The potatoes provide most of the carbohydrates, while the olive oil contributes most of the fat; the potatoes provide a small amount of protein. For a more balanced plate, serve a portion with a protein-rich main and a side of vegetables.

Choosing the potatoes

Russets: their starchy texture suits fries with fluffy centres. Yukon potatoes are offered as an alternative and also work well cut into even batons.

Even cuts: aim for fries about 6 mm thick so they cook at a similar rate. The recipe does not call for soaking or drying the cut potatoes.

Seasoning before cooking

Olive oil: toss it thoroughly with the cut potatoes so the pieces are lightly coated before they go into the basket.

Cajun seasoning: use it for a savoury, spiced finish, or leave it out for a simpler flavour. Salt and pepper are added to taste.

Getting the texture right

Basket movement: shake the fries halfway through the 12–15-minute cooking time to move them around and help them cook more evenly.

Doneness: the method gives a range rather than one exact finish; check towards the end and stop when the fries are as crisp as you like.

Timing and serving

Preheating: bring the air fryer to 190°C before adding the potatoes, as directed, then cook for 12–15 minutes.

Serve promptly: fries are at their best just after cooking. Pair them with spicy mayo or another dipping sauce, and serve alongside a main dish or vegetables.

Dipping sauce ideas

Spicy mayo: it is the suggested dip and brings a creamy contrast to the seasoned fries.

Other sauces: ketchup, mustard or another favourite dip can be served alongside; add the sauce at the table rather than tossing it with the fries.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the fries to a consistent thickness so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.
• Toss the potatoes well to spread the oil and seasoning over the pieces.
• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time as directed.
• Check the fries near the end of cooking and use the full 15 minutes if you prefer them crispier.
• Serve immediately for the best contrast between crisp edges and soft centres.

Variations

• Milder seasoning: leave out the Cajun seasoning and season with salt and pepper.
• Extra pepper: add more pepper to taste before cooking.
• Spicy dip: serve with spicy mayo as suggested.
• Classic dip: swap in ketchup or another favourite sauce at serving time.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven cuts: fries of different thicknesses cook at different rates, so cut them as evenly as you can.
• Skipping the shake: the fries may cook less evenly; shake the basket halfway through.
• Overcooking: fries can become too dark or dry; check them during the final minutes.
• Waiting to serve: cooked fries lose crispness as they stand, so bring them to the table straight away.

How to store

For the best texture, eat the fries immediately. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in a covered container for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer until hot and crisp; they may be softer than freshly cooked fries.

Frequently asked questions