Here’s a tasty recipe for Spicy French Fries made in an air fryer. These fries are crispy, flavorful, and packed with a smoky and spicy kick. Perfect for a snack, side dish, or as a fun appetizer!
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (or 2 large potatoes)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired, you can leave the skins on for added texture).
- Cut the potatoes into thin fries (about 1/4-inch thick) or into wedges, depending on your preference. Try to make the pieces as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
2. Par-Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the cut potatoes in a pot of boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, create a fluffy inside, a crispy outside, and reduce air fryer time.
- After cooking, drain the potatoes and rinse with cold water.
- Dry the fries with a clean kitchen towel.
3. Make the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, white or black pepper, powdered sugar and salt.
4. Season the Fries:
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the fries and toss again until all the fries are well coated with the spices.
5. Air Fry the Fries:
- Preheat your air fryer to 395°F.
- Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket, making sure to spread them out in an even layer. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown. You can add a few extra minutes if you want them crispier.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces (like vegan ranch or barbecue sauce).
Tips:
- Potato Varieties: Russet potatoes work best for fries due to their starch content, but you can also try other potatoes like Yukon Gold for a slightly different texture.
- Crispier Fries: If you prefer extra crispy fries, be sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking.
- Make It Extra Spicy: If you want more heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
- Storage: Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
