Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (2024)

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Masala Fries always hit the spot. Quick, crispy, and piping hot, this classic food cart fare gets a modern makeover in the Airfryer. The robust Indian spice coating and a finishing sprinkle of chaat masala make this a homemade chatpata snack that everyone will be asking for again.

Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (1)

Not convinced you can win over a real French Fry enthusiast? Think again! My tried and true recipe for success yields hot crunchy fries with a light and creamy interior every time. And without all of that heavy extra oil, the flavors of chili, garlic, turmeric, and garam masala really shine. Whether for a fun snack, side dish, or piled next to a juicy burger, these fries put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Not to mention, just the thought of deep-frying makes many people think about making french fries at home and say No Way! With the Air fryer not only do you eliminate a huge greasy mess, but you make an indulgent appetizer so much healthier that you can have it anytime you want. Best of all, homemade fries are guaranteed fresh and pure, not made in a factory with preservatives, and frozen for lengths of time.

What’s the best part of having french fries? The dip! Sriracha mayo is cool, creamy, and spicy, with only 2 ingredients, and a perfect match for masala fries. Ketchup, of course, is a classic accompaniment but check out the dips section below for even more finger-licking suggestions.

Jump to:
  • Tips
  • The Best Potatoes For Fries
  • How To Make Masala French Fries
  • Storing and Freezing
  • FAQ
  • Related Recipes
  • Recipe
Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (2)

Tips

  1. Rinse and pat dry the potatoes really well before you slice them. This will remove any dirt or other residue they might have on them already. Since peeling the potatoes is optional I like to buy organic potatoes.
  2. Try to slice the potatoes the same size each time. I try to slice them all about 4 inches long so that they don't break as they cook. Uniformity in size is very important. If one slice is much thicker than the others, it won't cook as fast and might even be raw when the rest of them are crispy.
  3. Soak the potatoes in water to take out the excess starch, prevent them from sticking and make crispy fries
  4. When you make them in the air fryer, remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps the fries cook evenly on all sides and prevents them from burning on one side.
  5. Cook in batches. In the Cosori Air Fryer, I am able to cook 2 medium-sized potatoes at a time. Depending on the size and type of your fryer you may want to cook in batches. If you are cooking only half the batch the cooking time will be much less too.

The Best Potatoes For Fries

Potatoes that have the most starch in them will crisp up the best for French fries. Use Idaho (also called Russet) potatoes every time. They are dense and have the least amount of moisture in them.

Do not use waxy potatoes, and avoid red potatoes when you are making fries. They have so much water in them that they will hollow out because the water will evaporate as you fry them.

How To Make Masala French Fries

  • Rinse and pat dry the potatoes before you slice them (photo 1).
  • Cut the potatoes into 4-inch long and ⅓-inch thick sticks that are all the same size (photos 2 and 3).
  • Soak the cut potato in a bowl of water for at least 15 minutes (photo 4).
Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (3)
  • After 15 minutes, drain the potatoes, wipe them dry, and place them in a large mixing bowl (photos 5 and 6).
  • Add the spices on top of the potato slices and stir to combine evenly over them (photos 7 and 8).
Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (4)
  • Bake the fries in the air fryer at 380°F or 190°C for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking (photos 9 and 10).
Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (5)

Enjoy the fries hot! Here are some of my favorite dips to serve with:

  1. Sriracha Mayo (see below in the recipe card)
  2. Ginger Garlic Mayo (mix ½ teaspoon each of ginger paste + garlic paste in mayo)
  3. Ketchup
  4. Drizzled with honey while hot for that sweet-salty spicy combo
  5. Serve with cilantro-mint chutney
Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (6)

Storing and Freezing

Store a bag of ready-to-cook French fries that you can just toss in the air fryer later to save yourself precious prep time in the kitchen.

Here's how to freeze your homemade french fries:

  1. Follow the same steps in this recipe for preparing the potato sticks, stopping before you fry them.
  2. Place the seasoned french fries in a single layer on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper.
  3. Put the entire baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the french fries.
  4. After they are frozen, take the baking sheet out of the freezer.
  5. Store all of the French fries in a resealable plastic freezer bag.

They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

If you have leftover cooked french fries, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days this way. To reheat cook them in the air fryer at lower heat (300 degrees F) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQ

Why do you soak the fries before you fry them?

Soaking the potato slices draws out the starch, which makes them more rigid and less likely to stick together.

How do I make my fries crispier?

If you want your fries crispier, let them cook in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

How do you store leftover fries?

The best way to store fries is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days if you store them this way.

How do you reheat fries so they are crispy again?

Do not use the microwave. When you microwave leftover French fries, it makes them really soft and soggy. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer at a lower heat (300 degrees F) for about 5-10 minutes.

How to bake fries in the oven?

Don’t have an air fryer? You can also make these fries in the oven, although they may not come out as crisp. Preheat the oven at 425 F. Line the fries in a parchment paper-lined baking tray in a single layer. Bake them at 425 for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

This is the perfect recipe to make when you are craving something fun and different or you want to share some finger foods at a party.

Here are some more of my favorite air fryer recipes so you can enjoy making a lot of different recipes. It's amazing what this gadget can do.

  • Air Fryer Donuts
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
  • Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
  • Air Fryer Fish Sticks
  • Chicken Tikka Kebab
  • Tandoori Chicken Wings
  • Crispy Okra

Recipe

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Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (7)

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5 from 10 votes

AIRFRYER FRENCH FRIES

Love french fries? These crunchy air-fried masala fries are perfectly spiced with red chili, turmeric, and aromatic garam masala. Optionally sprinkle with some chat masala just before serving for a delicious chatpata snack.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Soaking15 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Indian

Servings: 4

Calories: 151kcal

Author: Archana Mundhe

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Scrub and rinse the potatoes well under running water. Wipe well with paper towels. Peeling is optional and I would recommend making these fries with potato skin.

  • Cut the potatoes into long ⅓ inch thick sticks. Ideally, they should be about 4 inches long, to prevent them from breaking. Place the cut potatoes in a medium-sized bowl and add water to the bowl. Allow the cut potatoes to soak for 15 mins.

  • After 15 minutes, drain all the water out and place the potatoes on a kitchen towel and wipe them dry.

  • Add dried potatoes to a clean and dry bowl. Add oil, garlic powder, salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Toss so that the potatoes evenly coated with all the spices.

  • Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with oil. Place the fries in the air fryer basket, evenly spreading and crisscrossing the overlapped fries. If your air fryer basket is small you may want to cook the fries in 2 batches.

  • Air Fry at 380°F or 190°C for 25 mins. Shake the basket halfway through. If you like more crunchy fries, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Video

Notes

In the Cosori Air Fryer, I am able to cook 2 medium-sized potatoes at a time. Depending on the size and type of your fryer you may want to air fry in batches. If you are making only half the batch, reduce the time to 14 to 15 minutes.

Oven Instructions:

You can make these fries in the oven, although they may not come out as crisp. Preheat the oven at 425 F. Line the fries in a parchment paper-lined baking tray in a single layer. Bake them at 425 for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 607mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

Author: Archana

Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.

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Masala Fries - Easy Air Fryer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn t my fries get crispy in air fryer? ›

It's essential that you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that you leave a little space between each one. If they're too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won't get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you'll likely need to work in batches.

Why soak fries before air frying? ›

Soaking the potatoes does something magical with the starches—it helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together. This is what I did for the air fryer, too. I soaked these potatoes for about an hour or so, but I've also soaked them for up to 24 hours with no ill effect.

Do you season fries before or after air frying? ›

In order for the seasoning to stick well to the fries, you need to toss the dried fries in some oil first (very small amount) and then toss in seasoning. This way the oil and spices create a nice coat on the fries. There is no need to preheat the air fryer.

What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer? ›

2. Make Sure Your Food Is Dry. Especially if you're frying a recipe with a marinade, make sure you pat your food dry before putting it in the fryer. The drier your food is when it goes in, the crispier it'll be when it comes out.

How do you crisp fries in an air fryer? ›

Simply set your air fryer to 350 degrees, then place your leftover fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. Heat them for three to five minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness.

What happens if you don't soak potatoes for fries? ›

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

Do I need oil to cook fries in an air fryer? ›

The top contains a heating element and fan, which blows hot air down and around the food on a rack below, cooking it quickly and making it crispy. Air fryers are healthy. Just 2 teaspoons of oil per large potato is all you need to make crispy fries (go ahead, have them for a snack!).

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

What does McDonald's fry their fries in? ›

Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them. Want to hear more about our fry ingredients? Get the down low on how we flavor our fries.

Are Chick Fil A fries fried? ›

Crispy potatoes fried in 100% canola oil and sprinkled with our house seasoning blend.

Are McDonald's fries made from powder? ›

Much like the myth of pink slime Chicken McNuggets, there's no potato paste in McDonald's fries. They're made from real, whole potatoes and shipped to the stores. Sure, McDonald's french fries have other added ingredients, but at their core is are real potatoes.

Why are my fries not crispy in air fryer? ›

Cook the fries at a low heat to start and then turn the air fryer temperature up to give them that crispy texture. Dry your potatoes completely before adding oil. This allows the oil to stick to the potato whereas if it's still wet, it will repel it and they could turn soggy.

Is it better to bake or air fry fries? ›

Sarah, Content Manager: “The oven fries are limp and undercooked, while the air-fried fries are like actual fries — crisp, crunchy, and crave-worthy. ” Belle, Test Kitchen Chef: “The baked ones still taste like the freezer.”

Why are my potatoes not crispy in the air fryer? ›

Arrange the potato pieces in a single layer to allow proper air circulation, promoting even cooking and crispiness. While the air fryer uses less oil than deep frying, using a bit of oil is still essential for achieving crispy results. Toss the potatoes in a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil before air frying.

Why are my fries not crisping? ›

Old, oxidated, and irregularly filtered frying oil can really affect the quality and taste of your fries. A well-used fryer oil should be filtered at least once a day, making sure any free-floating bits and slivers are removed completely.

Why are my air fryer potato chips not crispy? ›

To ensure your chips are crispy, be sure to completely dry your potatoes before you start cooking. Also, make sure you rinse them long enough for crispy air fryer potato chips.

Why are my frozen french fries soggy in the air fryer? ›

To ensure that your frozen French fries cook evenly and become crispy, it's important to spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the fries to cook unevenly and become soggy.

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