Twice-Cooked French Fries Recipe in Air Fryer: Crispy & Healthy

French fries are one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, but traditional deep-frying often comes with extra calories and unhealthy fats. Enter the air fryer, a modern kitchen marvel that delivers crispy, golden fries with just a fraction of the oil. This recipe takes things a step further with a “twice-cooked” method, ensuring perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re serving these fries as a snack, side dish, or party treat, this easy recipe will be a hit for any occasion.

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Overview of the Recipe

• Cuisines: American, Global
• Course: Snack, Side Dish
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~180 kcal per serving

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Ingredients

1. Russet potatoes – 3 medium-sized (about 600g)
2. Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
3. Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
4. Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
5. Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
6. Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Large bowl
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoon or tongs
• Clean kitchen towel or paper towels

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg (adjustable based on salt)

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Prep, Cook, and Total Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and peel the potatoes (peeling is optional if you prefer skin-on fries).
2. Cut the potatoes into even sticks about 1/4-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works well for consistency.
3. Rinse the potato sticks under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

1. Place the rinsed potatoes in a large bowl filled with cold water. Soak for at least 10 minutes. This step helps remove more starch, resulting in crispier fries.

Step 3: Dry the Potatoes

1. Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing moisture is crucial for crispiness.

Step 4: First Cook (Par-Cooking the Fries)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss the dried potato sticks in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat evenly.
3. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cool the Fries

1. Remove the partially cooked fries from the air fryer and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the interior to settle and prevents overcooking in the next step.

Step 6: Second Cook (Crisping the Fries)

1. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the par-cooked fries in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or your preferred spices).
3. Return the fries to the air fryer in a single layer.
4. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes for even crisping.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove the fries from the air fryer when golden and crispy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.

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Tips for Success

1. Use Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content makes them ideal for fries.
2. Don’t Skip Soaking: This step is key to achieving crispiness by reducing starch.
3. Avoid Overcrowding: Fries need space in the air fryer basket for air circulation.
4. Experiment with Seasonings: Add your favorite herbs or spices for unique flavors.

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Why the Twice-Cooked Method Works

The twice-cooked method ensures the best results. The first cooking step softens the potatoes and sets the structure, while the second step crisps up the exterior. This technique replicates the texture of deep-fried fries without the excess oil.

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Health Benefits of Air Fryer French Fries

1. Lower in Calories: This recipe uses minimal oil, significantly reducing calories compared to deep-frying.
2. High in Fiber: Keeping the potato skins adds fiber and nutrients.
3. Customizable Sodium: Adjust the amount of salt to suit your dietary needs.
4. Gluten-Free & Vegan: Perfect for various dietary preferences.

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Conclusion

This twice-cooked French fries recipe in the air fryer combines the best of both worlds—classic crispy fries with a healthy twist. With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and reduced oil, you can enjoy this guilt-free snack any day of the week. Whether for a family meal or a party appetizer, these fries are sure to impress!

Try this recipe today and elevate your fry game to crispy perfection!