With just the right amount of crispiness, these Air-Fryer Waffle Fries are crafted for satisfying the saltiest cravings.
Who doesn’t love a yummy side of French fries with their meal? Fried potatoes have become a sought-after salty snack all around the world, but sometimes it’s good to be healthy by using less oil. Thankfully, air-fryer waffle fries exist to effortlessly fulfill this need.
With an air fryer, there’s no need to drown your tater slices in oil. In fact, only a little olive oil is needed to coat them before cooking. The air fryer works like a convection oven to handle the rest—circulating hot air to gently crisp up the waffle fries until they’re golden brown. Not too hard, not too soft. Just right. And they’re ready in less than 30 minutes!
In many ways, air-fryer waffle fries are very similar to potato chips. The thinner the slice and the longer you keep them cooking, the more chip-like they’ll be. But if you want a softer waffle fry, I recommend keeping them in the air fryer for less time. This is another pro of air fryers: They offer effortless temperature control. Whether you go for more crisp or more chew, these air-fryer waffle fries will likely make your mouth water at the sight of them.
Experiment with seasonings
While this basic recipe calls for a simple blend of olive oil and salt, I also like to add a few cracks of fresh black pepper after they’re out of the fryer. But there are many tantalizing variations that will have your taste buds singing … and the beauty is, you can go savory, spicy, or even sweet! For a hot and smoky flavor, coat the slices in paprika and cumin. Or you can go a kind of “sour cream and onion” route by adding a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast. On the sweet side, try adding cinnamon sugar and a little nutmeg. This gives your fries a subtle “pumpkin spice” taste that makes them extra-addictive.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled to room temperature, air-fryer waffle fries can be stored in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. This will absorb excess moisture and prevent the fries from getting soggy. Refrigerate them for up to 5 days, and then reheat them in the air fryer when you’re ready. Reheating them at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes should do the trick. Cooled waffle fries can also be frozen in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 10 to 12 months. They can be reheated in an air fryer directly from the freezer; cook at 400˚F for 10 to 13 minutes or until crisp and heated through.
Serving suggestions
Pair your perfectly crispy air-fryer waffle fries with any of your favorite condiments—ketchup, Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce, Texas BBQ Sauce, or even Guacamole Salsa. As a veggie lover, my personal favorite combo is these fries plus Black Bean Burgers, but you can also serve them with Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders, BLT Salad, an Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or Fried Egg Burgers. And the fun doesn’t stop there … one of my more unique sweet treats is dipping air-fryer waffle fries in a Chocolate Milkshake, something I used to do as a kid when we went out to the local diner. It’s all up to you … have fun playing with the potato-friendly potentials!
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Preferred sauces for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the potatoes well. If desired, peel them.
- Place each potato lengthwise on a cutting board. Use a crinkle cutter to slice one edge, then rotate the potato 90 degrees to make another cut, creating a crosshatch pattern, continuing until all the potatoes are cut into slices.
- Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for around 10 minutes to eliminate excess starch. Then, drain them and gently pat dry with paper towels to enhance crispiness.
- Toss the potato slices in olive oil and season with salt. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 14-17 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment