Amazing Curly Air Fryer Fries: 15 Min Crispy Treat

Oh my goodness, who doesn’t love a good batch of curly fries? They’re just SO much fun, right? That spiral shape, the satisfying crunch… it’s pure joy on a plate! Now, imagine getting that perfect crispy goodness, but without all the greasy mess of deep frying. That’s where these Curly Air Fryer Fries come in! Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first, but I’ve made these so many times now for movie nights and quick weeknight sides, and they never, ever disappoint. Using the air fryer is a total game-changer – it makes getting that amazing texture super simple and a whole lot healthier. Forget those sad, floppy fries; we’re talking about restaurant-worthy results right from your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Curly Air Fryer Fries

Seriously, these fries are a total win-win! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Super Speedy: From potato to plate in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! Perfect for when you need a quick snack or side.
• Crazy Easy: Minimal prep, simple seasonings, and the air fryer does most of the work. Anyone can make these!
• Irresistibly Crispy: Get that satisfying crunch you crave, without the greasy mess of deep frying.
• Healthier Option: Way less oil means you can enjoy your fries guilt-free!
• So Much Fun: Let’s be honest, the curly shape just makes everything taste better!

Gather Your Ingredients for Curly Air Fryer Fries

Alright, getting these amazing curly fries made in the air fryer is super simple, and you probably have most of these things already! You’ll need just one big potato – make sure it’s scrubbed clean because we’re leaving that skin on for extra flavor and texture. Then, grab about a tablespoon of olive oil, or whatever cooking oil you like best. For those yummy spices, we’ll go with a teaspoon of paprika for color and a little smoky flavor, half a teaspoon of garlic powder because, well, garlic! And of course, we need a pinch of salt and pepper to make everything taste just right. That’s it! So straightforward!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Curly Fries in the Air Fryer

Okay, time to get these spuds transformed! Making amazing curly fries in the air fryer is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be munching on crispy perfection in no time.

Preparing the Potatoes for Air Frying

First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready. Take your scrubbed potato and carefully slice it into thin strips. You want them about ¼ inch thick – thin enough to cook through quickly but not so thin they get all mushy. I love using one of those spiral cutters if you have one, but if not, just a sharp knife and a bit of patience does the trick! If you’ve got a little extra time and want them *extra* crispy, you can totally soak these potato strips in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Then, and this is super important, you have to dry them off really, really well.

Seasoning Your Curly Air Fryer Fries

Now for the fun part – the flavor! Grab a medium-sized bowl. Pop your dried potato strips in there and drizzle them with that olive oil. Get your hands in there and toss them around until every single strand is nicely coated. Nobody likes dry bits! Then, sprinkle on your paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give them another good toss to make sure all those spices stick. Feel free to get creative here! A little onion powder, maybe some chili powder for a kick, or even some dried herbs like rosemary would be amazing. Remember that salad seasoning trick I love? It works wonders here too!

Air Frying for Perfect Curly Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting them crispy right from the start! Once it’s hot, arrange your seasoned potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Trust me on this – don’t overcrowd the basket! If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of crisp. You might need to cook in batches; it’s totally worth it. Pop the basket in and air fry for about 10-15 minutes. About halfway through, give that basket a good shake to make sure they’re browning evenly on all sides. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and that oh-so-satisfying crispy texture. If they’re not quite there yet, just give them another few minutes. And just like with air fryer broccoli, a little extra time makes a big difference in crispiness!

Tips for the Best Homemade Curly Fries in Air Fryer

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let me tell you, a few little tricks can take your curly air fryer fries from good to absolutely *incredible*. First off, pick the right potato! A Russet potato is your best friend here – they’re starchy and big, which means they get wonderfully fluffy inside and super crispy outside. When you’re cutting them, try to get them as uniform in thickness as you can. This is HUGE for even cooking! If some are skinny and some are chunky, you’ll end up with a mix of burnt and soggy fries, and nobody wants that.

Now, about that crispiness we talked about – remember that soaking tip? It *really* works wonders. Soaking those potato spirals in cold water helps get rid of excess starch. Just make sure, and I cannot stress this enough, that you dry them THOROUGHLY afterward! Pat them dry with paper towels like you mean it. A little bit of lingering water can make them steam instead of crisp up. And seriously, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! I know it’s tempting to just jam them all in there, but cooking in batches is your secret weapon for achieving that perfect, crunchy texture, just like with my air fryer broccoli. Trust me, a few extra minutes in total is way better than a basket of limp fries!

Frequently Asked Questions about Curly Air Fryer Fries

Got questions about making these tasty curly air fryer fries? I’ve got some answers!

Can I use frozen curly fries in my air fryer?

Absolutely! Using frozen curly fries in the air fryer is a total lifesaver for those super busy nights. Just check the package – most brands will give you instructions, but usually, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to around 380°F (190°C) and cook them for about 8-12 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through so they get nice and golden all over. It’s a fantastic hack for a quick snack!

What are the best seasonings for air fryer curly fries?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! The recipe uses paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, which is a classic combo. But if you want to jazz them up, try adding a pinch of onion powder or chili powder for a little warmth. A sprinkle of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme is delicious too. Some people even love a little smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect blend!

How do I make my air fryer fries crispy?

Crispiness is key, right? A few things help: Firstly, preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) is a must. Secondly, don’t overcrowd the basket! Cook in a single layer, and you might need to do it in batches. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking is also super important for even browning. And remember that tip about drying the potatoes really well after soaking? That really makes a difference too. Just like with my air fryer broccoli, making sure things are dry before they go in helps them crisp up perfectly!

What kind of potato works best for homemade curly fries in the air fryer?

My go-to for the best homemade curly fries in the air fryer is definitely a Russet potato. They’re nice and starchy, which helps them get fluffy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Plus, they’re usually on the bigger side, so you get those lovely long spirals! Just make sure to scrub them really well since we’re keeping the skin on for that extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information for Curly Air Fryer Fries

Just a little heads-up – this nutritional info is an estimate, since how much you use and what kind of oil can change things a bit! But for about one serving of these yummy fries, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories. You’ll get about 7g of fat (with just 1g saturated), 20g of carbs (with 3g fiber!), and 2g of protein. Remember, this is for one serving, so adjust if you’re making a huge batch!

Enjoy Your Delicious Curly Air Fryer Fries!

Alright, now that you’ve whipped up these amazing curly air fryer fries, I’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out! Did you try any fun new seasonings? Did the kids gobble them up? Drop a comment below and let me know all your delicious deets, and please feel free to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! You can also reach out via my contact page if you have any specific questions!

Print