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Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries Recipe from Scratch

Name: Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries Recipe from Scratch
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 large Russet potatoes; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: November 18, 2020

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Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries Recipe from Scratch — Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade steak fries with this easy-to-follow Air Fryer Steak Fries Recipe from scratch.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fries are perfect for your favorite meals. Fire up your air fryer and get ready to savor the irresistible flavor of perfectly seasoned steak fries!

If you love the taste of fried steak fries but don’t want to deal with all the oil and mess, air fryers are here to save the day. Air Fryer Steak Fries from scratch is a convenient and delicious way to make crunchy fries using minimal oil.

Making Homemade Steak Fries In Air Fryer

Making homemade steak fries in the air fryer is a culinary delight that brings the crispiness of restaurant-quality fries to your kitchen. It starts with selecting the right potatoes; russet potatoes are an excellent choice for their starchy texture and ability to become wonderfully crispy in the air fryer.

After peeling and cutting them into thick, evenly-sized wedges, it’s time to season them to perfection. A simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, and favorite herbs and spices can elevate the flavor.

Then, into the air fryer, they go, where the powerful circulation of hot air ensures that they cook evenly and become irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender. These homemade steak fries are a crowd-pleaser and a healthier alternative to their deep frying counterparts, making them a win-win for any meal.

They are such a perfect side dish to serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and there is nothing better than a batch of homemade steak fries in minutes!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe for Air Fryer Steak Fries from scratch because it combines the best of both worlds: the indulgence of steakhouse-quality fries and the convenience of using your air fryer. These fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the seasoning blend you’ll apply.

What makes them even more appealing is that they’re made from scratch, giving you full control over the ingredients and seasonings. You can customize the flavors to your liking, making them as simple or as bold as you desire. Plus, using the air fryer means you’ll achieve that perfect golden brown crunch with significantly less oil, making these steak fries a healthier and guilt-free treat.

Whether as a side dish or a tasty snack, these homemade steak fries are bound to become a family favorite for their unbeatable taste and the satisfaction of knowing you made them from scratch

Homemade Steak Fries are perfect for siding with any meal; serve with Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Instant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili, or Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Steak Fries from Scratch

Creating the ultimate Air Fryer Steak Fries from scratch is easier than you might think, and it all starts with a few simple yet essential ingredients. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes serve as the hearty base, while a drizzle of olive oil and a well-balanced blend of seasonings infuse them with incredible flavor.

These ingredients deliver the perfect balance of crispy exteriors and tender interiors, making every bite a delightful experience. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate the presentation of these homemade steak fries, making them a fantastic addition to any meal or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Steak Fries from Scratch

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list below, the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, and the nutritional information.

Potatoes: You’ll need russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, perfect for achieving that fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil will coat the potatoes and help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Salt: Use Kosher salt or Sea Salt
Pepper: Use black pepper or white pepper
Seasonings: You’ll use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to season the fries to perfection.
Dipping Sauce: Use your favorite sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, or regular ketchup!

How to Make Steak Fries in Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions for making delicious crispy fries in your air fryer. It’s one of the best simple air fryer recipes. With a few basic ingredients, you can make cooking fries a breeze.

Step One: Prepare The Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes using the air fryer setting. Wash and dry the potatoes. Place the potatoes on a cutting board, and cut them into thick, steak fry-shaped pieces using a sharp knife. Place the cut french fries into a large bowl of ice-cold water for 20-30 minutes. Then use a kitchen towel or paper towels to dry the potatoes.

Step Two: Season The Best Steak Fries

Mix the olive oil and seasonings in a large bowl. Make sure you coat the potatoes with a little oil. Add the steak fries to the bowl and toss them evenly in the seasoning mixture.

Step Three: Air Fry Steak Fries

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. Set cook time for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Check the fries for doneness, and cook for 2-3 minutes if necessary to achieve desired crispiness. The actual cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fries and the air fryer model you are using.

Step Four: Serving

Serve the steak fries immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese. Or your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Steak Fries: Add some heat and flavor with Cajun seasoning. Follow the basic recipe above, but sprinkle the fries with Cajun seasoning to taste before air frying.
Parmesan Garlic Steak Fries: Give your fries a cheesy and garlic twist: Sprinkle the hot fries with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic after air frying.
Loaded Steak Fries: Turn your thick-cut steak fries into a hearty meal. Top the cooked steak fries with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Sweet Potato Steak Fries: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes and follow the basic recipe for a healthier option. Sweet potato fries may require a slightly shorter cooking time.
Rosemary and Thyme Steak Fries: Add some herbal aromatics: Mix chopped fresh rosemary and thyme into the olive oil and coat the fries with this mixture before air frying.
Truffle Oil Steak Fries: Indulge in a gourmet twist: Drizzle the hot fries with truffle oil and sprinkle with a pinch of truffle salt after air frying.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to help you make the best air fryer steak fries from scratch:

Select the Right Potatoes: Choose russet potatoes for classic steak fries. They have a starchy texture that crisps up well in the air fryer.
Uniform Size and Thickness: Cut the potato strips into uniform size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Aim for fries that are about 1/2 inch wide.
Soak in Water: After cutting the potatoes, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, pat the fries dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the fries. This ensures they start cooking immediately and get crispy from the beginning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Use Oil Sparingly: While a small amount of oil is necessary for crispy fries, use it sparingly. Too much oil can make the fries greasy. A cooking spray can help evenly distribute the oil. If the air fry steak fries are not crisping up, help them by adding avocado oil spray or brushing extra oil onto the fries. Do not use vegetable oil, as to prevent smoking; you need oil with a high smoke point.
Season Well: Season the fries generously with salt and other desired seasonings before air frying. This ensures flavorful fries.
Shake or Flip: Shake the basket or flip the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the fries during the last few minutes of cooking. They can go from golden brown to overcooked quickly.
Serve Immediately: Air fryer steak fries are best when served hot and fresh. Enjoy them right after cooking for the crispiest texture.
Experiment with Seasonings: Get creative with seasonings and toppings. Try different herbs, spices, cheeses, or dipping sauces to customize your fries.
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and potato thickness. Be ready to adjust the time slightly as needed.
Reheat if Necessary: If you have leftovers, you can reheat the fries in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

With these pro tips, you can make perfect air fryer steak fries from scratch that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just the way you like them. Enjoy!

Faq’s

Can I use any type of potato for steak fries in the air fryer? While you can use other potato varieties, russet potatoes are recommended for classic steak fries due to their starchy texture, which crisps up well. Sweet potatoes can also be used for a healthier alternative.

How should I cut the potatoes for steak fries? Cut the potatoes into uniform strips that are about 1/2 inch wide. This ensures even cooking.

Why should I soak the potatoes in water before cooking? Soaking the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

Can I use frozen fries in the air fryer instead of making them from scratch? Yes, you can use frozen steak fries in the air fryer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging for cooking times and temperatures.

How much oil should I use for air fryer steak fries? Use oil sparingly, about 1-2 tablespoons for 4 potatoes. A cooking spray can help evenly distribute the oil over the fries.

Can I use other seasonings besides salt for the fries? Absolutely! To customize the flavor, you can experiment with various seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking the fries? Yes, it’s recommended to preheat the air fryer. This ensures that the fries start cooking immediately and become crispy.

How long should I cook air fryer steak fries, and at what temperature? Cook the fries at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through. Cooking time may vary based on the air fryer model and potato thickness, so check for doneness.

Can I make air fryer steak fries ahead of time and reheat them? Let the cooked steak fries cool to room temperature. Then, place the fabulous steak fries into an airtight container. Then, you can reheat leftover fries in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. However, they are best enjoyed fresh.

What are some popular toppings for loaded steak fries?– Popular toppings for loaded steak fries include shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions, and even chili for chili cheese fries.

Can I make gluten-free air fryer steak fries? You can make gluten-free steak fries by using gluten-free seasonings and ensuring your cooking environment and utensils are free from cross-contamination with gluten.

How do I prevent my air fryer steak fries from sticking to the basket?– A cooking spray on the basket or a small amount of oil on the fries can help prevent sticking. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket.

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