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+ servings

Air Fryer Copycat Free Fries McDonald's Wendy's Style

Crave crispy fast-food fries without leaving home? This easy copycat recipe delivers golden, seasoned fries using your air fryer.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Air Fryer, Copycat Recipes, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons California olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Method
 

  1. Scrub and peel the Russet potatoes. Slice them into uniform sticks about 1/4-inch thick. Blot dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
  2. Submerge the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step pulls out excess starch for extra crispiness.
  3. Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry again with fresh paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.
  5. Place the dried potato sticks in a large resealable bag or mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat each fry lightly.
  6. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the oiled fries. Seal the bag or toss in the bowl to distribute the coating evenly.
  7. Spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  9. Air fry at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Adjust time for your preferred doneness.
  10. Let the fries rest in the basket for a minute or two after cooking, then transfer to a serving plate.
  11. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

Soaking the potatoes is key for crispiness—don't skip it. For extra crunch, you can add a second tablespoon of cornstarch. Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. These fries pair perfectly with ranch, ketchup, or a chipotle aioli. If you like them spicy, add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix. Make-ahead: soak and dry the fries up to a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

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