French fries are a crowd-pleaser, right? But we all know that the amount of oil used makes them less than ideal for a healthy diet. But don’t worry! Today, you’ll learn how to make healthy air fryer french fries. They turn out just as delicious and crispy as traditional deep-fried ones, but with the added benefit of being much lower in calories. Let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for healthy air fryer french fries:
- 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best);
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika;
- Salt to taste;
- Black pepper to taste;
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.
How to make healthy air fryer french fries:
- Wash the potatoes and cut them into thin strips, just like regular french fries. Keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients;
- Next, place them in a bowl and pat them very dry with paper towels;
- Add the olive oil and toss well to coat;
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, mixing again to ensure every fry is evenly coated;
- Place in the air fryer at 400°F for about 30 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness;
- That’s it! Enjoy!
Tips:
It is very important to pat the potatoes completely dry; this is the secret to getting them extra crispy. Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings—don’t feel limited to the ones in this recipe!
Did you know?
An interesting fact about french fries is that they weren’t originally created in France, as many people believe. In fact, it is believed that they originated in Belgium around the late 17th century. Back then, locals used to catch small fish in the Meuse River and fry them. However, during harsh winters, the river would freeze, making fishing impossible. Instead, locals started cutting potatoes into thin strips and frying them as a side dish. The recipe gained popularity and eventually spread, including to France, where it became world-famous.
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