In this post, I’ve shared two ways of making them using the Phillips Air Fryer & the Mealthy CrispLid, and compared the two methods in a video. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a very big appetite for all different kinds of savory snacks. So long as it’s salty and crunchy, I can probably have it. And especially during this time when we are all staying home for extended periods, there seems to be this endless demand for snacks – from everyone! Which is why I am especially thankful for having an air fryer at my disposal. It helps make most snacks almost guilt free. And french fries are an all time classic favorite! In the past, we used to go with the deep fried french fries, and then tried the oven baked french fry – both delicious in their own right. But neither were as quick and hassle free as air fryer french fries. Not to mention guilt free. Though I’ve to admit that the oven baked fries do come close. Oh and side note / fun fact – did you ever wonder..
Are French Fries really French?
Interestingly enough, no. Or at-least it’s debatable. Because it’s believed that American soldiers first tasted these fries when they were stationed in Belgium during World War 1. And only nicknamed them “French Fries” because the Belgian army spoke in French. But as it happens, for better or for worse, the name stuck, and it’s probably led to all of us attributing the wrong country for the delightful fries! 😀 Anyway, moving on to..
Important Notes to Make the BEST Potato Fries!
There are few things you need to take note of before making french fries. Trust me, it will help you make the BEST french fries ever!
Air Fried French Fries Recipe
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of french fries, here’s what you’ll need to make them at home.
Ingredients
There are only 3 main ingredients for making french fries – potatoes, salt, and oil. Everything else is optional.
Potatoes – 1 pound Salt – ½ teaspoon Oil – 1 tablespoon
Prepping the potatoes
Peel the potatoes, and cut them lengthwise into ⅜ th inch thick slices. And then cut each slice into ⅜ th inch thick sticks to get even ⅜ th inch french fries. Rinse these french fry sticks well to remove all the excess starch, and then soak these sticks in cold water for 5 mins, followed by hot water for 10 mins. Once done, drain, and pat dry. Alternatively, you can just soak them for 30 minutes in cold water. I just prefer the texture of fries by doing this double soak in cold & hot water. Either way, just ensure to pat the fries dry, and let them cool to room temperature before frying them. When the potato sticks have cooled down to room temperature, add 1 tablespoon oil, and try to coat it lightly over all the potato sticks.
Phillips Air Fryer
Air Fry @ 390 F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once at the 10 minute mark. This is optional, but I usually prefer to add salt at the 10 minute mark too. Though you can choose to add salt before frying, or after the entire air frying cycle is done. Keep a close watch after the 20 minute mark, checking in every couple of minutes, and stop air frying when the fries are done to your preferred texture and crunchiness.
Mealthy CrispLid
Prep the potatoes the same way as shared above. Air Fry @ 400 F for 20 minutes, setting the timer for 10 minutes at a time. At the 10 minute mark, flip the fries. I prefer to salt them at this time too. But you can choose to add salt before frying, or after the entire air frying cycle is done. You can air fry for a few more minutes after the 20 minute mark, till the fries are done to your preferred texture and crunchiness.
CrispLid Fries vs Air Fryer Fries
In this video, I have made fries using Phillips Air Fryer and the Mealthy CrispLid, keeping most variables constant. So you’ll be able to see for yourself how the two methods compare, and how the fries turn out using these two different air frying systems!
How to Reheat French Fries?
If you have leftover fries (by some miracle!! no really, how?) then you can reheat them using a heated skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stove-top, or re-heat them using the oven or the air fryer. But I have to tell you that the BEST way to re-heat fries is by tossing them in the air fryer basket for 5 ish minutes @390 F. Of-course the time will vary based on the batch size and how crispy you want your fries.
Serving Suggestion
Serve crispy fries with ketchup, ranch, or your choice of dipping sauce. Or season with pepper, chilli flakes, garlic powder or grated parmesan before serving with a sauce. 🙂
You may also like:
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken BitesChicken 65 – Air Fryer RecipeRestaurant Style Garlic Bread As always, I hope you found this recipe useful. If you did, please let me know your rating ⭐️ and feedback 📲 in the comments below, or simply rate the recipe right on the recipe card. I’d really appreciate it. ❤️
📖 RECIPE
This post was first published in Jun 2020, and has been republished with updated notes /method and recipe video in Oct 2020. If you’d like FREE recipes and meal prep ideas delivered directly to your email inbox every Friday in one short email, then subscribe to the Foodie Friday list HERE, and never run out of ideas on what to cook over the weekend or prep for the week ahead. 🙂
