Homemade Air Fryer Fries with Garlic are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of comforting flavor. This easy recipe uses just potatoes, a little oil or coconut fat, salt, and fresh garlic to create a delicious side dish that works for family dinners, cozy weekends, or casual meals. The double-cook method ensures the fries are perfectly cooked and golden, with a crispiness that lasts through the meal.
Why These Garlic Fries Are So Delicious
I first tasted garlicky homemade fries when a family member made them using coconut fat in a traditional pot. The flavor was unforgettable — soft, rich, and perfectly seasoned, with garlic giving them a subtle but memorable punch. That memory stayed with me, and when I got my air fryer, I wanted to recreate the same delicious result in an easier way and using less fat.
My air fryer even had a preset program for fries, but the first attempt was slightly undercooked and lacked crispiness. That led me to experiment: adjusting cooking times, temperatures, and trying different potato varieties. Eventually, I discovered that cooking the fries twice, first at a lower temperature to cook them through, then at a higher temperature to crisp them. That gives them the ideal texture: soft and fluffy inside, golden and crunchy outside.
In my family, we like our fries reasonably browned, just enough to get that golden color and extra flavor without burning them. Tossing them carefully with thinly sliced garlic at the end ensures each fry carries that signature garlicky taste. This method has worked for our family for years. The only downside is the waiting time between the two cooking stages, but the results are well worth it.
How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Garlic Fries
Peel and cut starchy potatoes such as Rosamunda, Russet, Maris Piper, or Yukon Gold into evenly sized fries. Soak them in cold water for an hour to remove excess starch, then rinse, dry thoroughly, and toss with a little oil or slightly warmed coconut fat and salt.
Air fry at a lower temperature first until tender, then cool for 30–60 minutes. Finish at a higher temperature until golden and crispy, just enough to get that reasonably browned look my family loves. Toss with the remaining salt and thinly sliced raw garlic, then serve immediately. This double-cook technique guarantees fries that are flavorful, perfectly textured, and full of garlic goodness.
Whether served as a snack, a side for burgers, or a comforting accompaniment to dinner, these Homemade Air Fryer Fries with Garlic are sure to become a favorite. For more delicious ways to enjoy potatoes, try Crispy Hasselback Potatoes or Finnish New Potatoes.
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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries – Easy Homemade French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 8-10 starchy potatoes Rosamunda, Russet, Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or similar
- 1-1,5 tbsp canola oil or coconut fat (slightly warmed to liquefy)
- 1 tsp salt divided
- 3-4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the potatoes:
- Peel, wash, and cut the potatoes into even-sized fries.
- Soak them in cold water for about 1 hour to remove excess starch.
Rinse and dry:
- After soaking, rinse the potatoes once more under cold water to wash away any remaining starch.
- Dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Season:
- Toss the dried potatoes with canola oil or coconut fat and ½ teaspoon of salt.
First cook:
- Place the fries in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 140°C (285°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket once about halfway through (after 7 minutes). Cook until the fries are tender but not browned.
Cool:
- Remove the fries and let them cool for 30–60 minutes to help set the texture.
Final cook:
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 180°C (355°F) and cook the fries for 12–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Finish and serve:
- Toss the fries with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and add the thinly sliced raw garlic. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
