Description
Crispy and golden air-fryer French fries made from fresh russet potatoes, served with a flavorful homemade dipping sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. This easy, healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries offers perfect texture and taste with minimal oil.
Ingredients
Scale
French Fries
- 1 large russet potato (about 8 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch-thick sticks
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Soak the Potatoes: Put the cut potatoes into a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries become crispier. After soaking, drain and pat the potatoes very dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) if preheating is needed. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the fries.
- First Frying Stage: In a dry bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Transfer the fries to the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking. After air frying, spread the fries evenly on the prepared baking sheet and let them cool to room temperature, at least 30 minutes but up to 4 hours. Cooling helps create a crispier exterior during the final fry.
- Final Frying Stage: Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the cooled fries back into the fryer basket, drizzle with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Toss or stir halfway through to promote even browning. Once done, transfer fries to a serving platter and sprinkle with additional salt to taste.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the fries cook, mix mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Serve this flavorful sauce alongside the hot fries for dipping.
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch and helps produce crispier fries.
- Allowing the fries to cool between the two cooking stages improves texture but can be skipped if short on time.
- Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and smoked paprika in the dip to taste.
- Make sure potatoes are thoroughly dried before air frying to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer, french fries, crispy fries, homemade fries, dipping sauce, healthy fries, potato recipe, snack
