Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries are a simple and delicious side dish, offering crispy, golden fries with a soft, tender inside. They’re the perfect complement to burgers, chicken, or any of your favorite dipping sauces!
These Air Fryer Cottage Fries are the perfect crispy, golden side dish that’s quick and easy to make. With a simple seasoning blend and a few ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fries in no time, all without the guilt of deep frying!
These easy air fryer cottage fries go perfectly with a simple Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich or Air Fryer BBQ Ribs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy Perfection: Air frying gives you that golden, crispy texture without the mess of deep frying.
- Minimal Prep: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these cottage fries in no time.
- Healthy Alternative: Enjoy the crunch of fries with less oil for a lighter, healthier snack.
- Versatile: Pair them with any dipping sauce or serve alongside your favorite main dish.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for the whole family—easy to make and loved by everyone!
Ingredients Needed
- Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are chosen for their ideal texture when air-fried.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness.
- Kosher Salt: Brings out the potatoes’ natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness.
- Paprika (Optional): Provides a mild smokiness and a pop of color.
- Garlic Powder (Optional): Imparts a gentle garlic taste.
- Onion Powder (Optional): Adds a touch of onion flavor.
- Cooking Spray (Optional): For a lighter option, cooking spray can coat the potatoes instead of olive oil.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries
Note: The easiest way to make these cottages fries is with a mandoline slicer, then cutting them about a quarter-inch thick using a slicer.
Step One: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Leaving the skin on, cut the potatoes into thick slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the slices relatively uniform for even cooking.
Step Two: If you have extra time, soak the potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps in achieving crispier fries. After soaking, drain and pat the potato slices dry with paper towels.
Step Three: Add the potato slices to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss them gently to coat the slices evenly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder over the potatoes. Toss again until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Five: Place the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching or overcrowded. Cook the cottage fries in batches if necessary. Air fry the Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries at 400 degrees F (200°C) and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries Recipe Tips
- Slice your potatoes evenly. Thick and thin pieces in the same basket = some burnt, some sad and limp
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes if you want ultra-crispy results
- Dry them well before seasoning. Water is the enemy of crisp
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give the fries breathing room or they’ll steam instead of crisp
- Toss halfway through cooking so every side gets that golden crunch
- Use enough oil to coat, not drown. A light, even coating does the trick
- Add delicate herbs like parsley after cooking so they don’t burn
- Want extra crisp? Add 1–2 more minutes at the end at a slightly higher temp
- Serve immediately. These beauties don’t like to sit around
Storing Instructions
- Storing: Place cooled fries in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The crisp will fade… but flavor sticks around.
- Reheating: Skip the microwave unless you enjoy soggy disappointment. Pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
What To Serve With Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries
Air Fryer Cottage Fries make a great side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. They complement juicy burgers, crispy fried or grilled chicken, and even a hearty steak for a satisfying dinner. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a fresh salad or tacos for added crunch. Whether you’re dipping them in ketchup, ranch, or a flavorful aioli, these crispy fries are versatile enough to enhance any meal.
Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries Recipe Faqs
What are Cottage Fries? Cottage fries are a type of thick, round-cut potato slice (similar to a coin or thick chip). They are usually fried or baked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying? Yes, this is highly recommended! Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch. This step is key to achieving that signature crispy exterior without deep frying.
What is the best way to slice the potatoes? Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the potatoes into uniform, round slices, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Uniformity ensures even cooking and crispness.
How do I season the cottage fries ?After drying the soaked slices, toss them thoroughly with a small amount of oil (olive or avocado) and your seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika). Make sure every slice is lightly coated before air frying.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking together? The keys are: 1) Thoroughly dry the potatoes after soaking; 2) Use a small amount of oil; and 3) Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in a single, or mostly single, layer, working in batches if necessary.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER FROZEN HASH BROWN PATTIES
- AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES
- EASY AIR FRYER FROZEN SWEET POTATO FRIES
- AIR FRYER BAKED POTATO
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!
Easy Air Fryer Cottage Fries
Description
Ingredients
- 2 large Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional
Instructions
- Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Leaving the skin on, cut the potatoes into thick slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- (Optional): If you have extra time, soak the potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the potato slices. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss them gently to coat the slices evenly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder over the potatoes. Toss again until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer Set cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Once the cottage fries are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
