Hey y’all! If you love crispy, golden fries but want to skip the deep fryer, you’re in for a treat. These Air Fryer Hand Cut Fries with Seasoned Salt deliver that crave-worthy crunch and fluffy interior with minimal oil. They’re perfect for snack attacks, party sides, or family dinners. Get ready to make fries at home that taste better than takeout—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ultra Crispy Texture: The air fryer makes every fry perfectly crunchy without all the oil.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in less than 30 minutes!
- Customizable Flavors: Seasoned salt brings a bold, savory kick with each bite.
- Healthier Option: Less oil means lighter fries you can enjoy more often.
- Perfect for Sharing: These fries are ideal for game nights, parties, or a simple weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prep & Soak the Potatoes
- Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 28-30 minutes
- Wash and peel the russet potatoes (leave peels on if you prefer rustic fries).
- Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices, then into 1/4-inch sticks for hand-cut fries.
- Place fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 10 minutes to remove excess starch (for extra crispiness).
Step 2: Season the Fries
- Drain and pat the fries completely dry using a clean towel (moisture leads to soggy fries).
- Toss the fries with olive oil, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Add fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each fry (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 13-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until fries are deeply golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with extra seasoned salt immediately after cooking, if desired.
Notes
- For ultra-crispy fries, make sure to dry the potato sticks thoroughly before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; fries need air circulation for the crunch.
- You can slice fries thinner for shoestring-style or thicker for steak fries—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss finished fries with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute sweet potatoes for russet potatoes, and use cinnamon-sugar for seasoning.
- Spicy Cajun Fries: Mix in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with your oil before air frying.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (3-quart or larger)
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, reheat fries in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Fries are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month; reheat directly from frozen.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with homemade ketchup, aioli, or a sprinkle of malt vinegar for classic flavor.
- Pair alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or your favorite sandwiches.
- Enjoy as a game-day snack with ranch or spicy chipotle dip.
Pro Tips
- Use uniform potato cuts to ensure even cooking and golden color.
- Preheating the air fryer helps give your fries that initial sizzle for extra crunch.
- Add a dash of vinegar to soaking water for even crispier results.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work, but russets give the crispiest texture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! Leaving the skin on adds flavor, texture, and extra fiber—it’s totally up to you!
What’s the best way to keep fries crisp after cooking?
Cool them in a single layer on a wire rack to keep air circulating and prevent sogginess.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
1Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato into 1/4-inch thick fries, keeping them as evenly sized as possible.
-
2Soak the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
-
3In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, seasoned salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and onion powder until evenly coated.
-
4Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
-
5Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing fries halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
-
6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
210 caloriescal
Protein:
4gg
Fat:
6gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
36gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
