Air frying is a quick and easy way to make crispy french fries right in your oven. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to produce a crispy, fried texture without all the oil of traditional deep frying. Many Samsung ovens now come with a built-in air fry mode, making it simple to achieve perfect french fries every time. But how long should you actually air fry french fries in a Samsung oven? The air fry time can vary based on factors like the cut of potato and desired level of crispiness. Generally, air frying french fries at 400°F in a Samsung oven will take 18-22 minutes for crispy, golden results. With a few simple tips, you can easily air fry restaurant-quality french fries in your Samsung oven.
Cut and Soak Potatoes
The first step to crispy air fried french fries is proper potato prep. You’ll want to start by cutting Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into your desired french fry shape. Uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries will cook the most evenly. After cutting, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to help remove excess starch. This prevents the fries from getting soggy or breaking down too much during cooking. Drain and pat the potatoes very dry before air frying – any excess moisture will steam the fries instead of crisping them.
Toss in Oil
After soaking and thoroughly drying the potatoes, you’ll want to toss them with a small amount of oil. This helps distribute oil evenly over the surface of each fry for optimal crisping. Use about 1-2 Tbsp of a high smoke point neutral oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil per 1 lb of fries. Toss the cut fries with the oil until evenly coated. The thin coating of oil gives you that crisp, fried texture without needing to submerge the potatoes in fat like traditional deep frying.
Air Fry at 400°F
Preheat your Samsung oven’s air fry mode to 400°F. Air frying at a high temperature helps seal in moisture while crisping the exterior of the fries. Spread the oiled fries out in a single layer on the air fryer tray or oven rack. Avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.
Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 5 minutes initially. This start at a high temp helps jump start the crisping process. After 5 minutes, give the fries a good shake or stir to redistribute and ensure even cooking.
Cook 18-22 Minutes
Continue air frying at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries reach your desired level of doneness, 18-22 minutes total. Here are some guidelines for air fry times based on the thickness of your fries:
| Cut | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch fries | 17-18 |
| 1/2 inch fries | 20-22 |
For soft, thick-cut fries, air fry at the lower end of the time range. For ultra-crisp, shoestring-style fries, cook longer, towards the higher end of the range. The important thing is to shake/flip the fries during cooking for even browning.
Season and Serve
Once the fries are golden brown and crisped to your liking, remove them from the oven. Let the fries drain briefly on a paper towel lined plate to absorb any excess oil. While still warm, toss the fries with seasonings if desired. Sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, cajun seasoning, parmesan, or lemon pepper all make tasty seasonings for air fried fries. Serve the fries immediately for the crispiest texture.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Fries
Follow these tips for irresistibly crispy, tender air fried french fries every time:
– Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
– Soak cut fries in water for 30+ minutes to remove starch
– Dry potatoes very well before air frying for a crisp exterior
– Toss potatoes in a small amount of oil before air frying
– Air fry at 400°F, shaking basket periodically, for 18-22 minutes
– Avoid overcrowding the fries
– Season while still hot and serve immediately
Common Air Fryer Mistakes
It’s easy to end up with soggy or unevenly cooked fries if you make these common air frying mistakes:
Not drying potatoes well enough
Excess moisture on the surface leads to steaming instead of crisping. Always pat potatoes very dry after soaking and before air frying.
Overcrowding the air fryer basket
Too many fries can lead to uneven cooking. Leave space to allow for air circulation.
Using too much oil
Excess oil causes fries to turn out greasy. Lightly coat potatoes with just 1-2 Tbsp oil before air frying.
Not shaking halfway through
Redistributing fries mid-cook prevents burnt edges and uncooked centers. Shake basket 5-10 minutes in.
Undercooking
Don’t pull fries too early. Air fry for at least 17-18 minutes for crispiness.
How Long Do Air Fried Fries Last?
Properly stored, air fried french fries will stay fresh and crunchy for 3-4 days after cooking. To maximize freshness:
– Let fries cool completely before storing
– Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag
– Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
The crispiness of the fries will start to deteriorate after about 3 days. Reheat leftover air fried fries in a 400 degree F oven for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Don’t microwave fries as this makes them soggy.
More Air Fryer French Fry Recipe Ideas
Take your air fried fries up a notch with these fun flavor twists:
garlic parmesan
Toss hot fries with minced garlic, grated parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper
cajun spice
Season air fried fries with Cajun seasoning blend and serve with Cajun mayo dipping sauce
chili cheese
Top fries with melty cheese sauce, chili, bacon bits, and pickled jalapeños
buffalo chicken
Toss fries in Buffalo hot sauce then top with crispy breaded chicken and blue cheese crumbles
loaded fries
Pile fries with cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions, and tomatoes
pizza fries
Cover fries with marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni then finish with Italian seasoning
Conclusion
Air frying at 400°F for 18-22 minutes delivers perfectly crisp, golden french fries without the mess and excess oil of deep frying. Cut potatoes evenly, soak, and dry well before misting with oil and air frying in your Samsung oven. Shake the basket during cooking, season while hot, and serve immediately for the ultimate crisp texture. Follow proper storage and reheating guidelines, and experiment with fun flavored air fried fry recipes for a quick and tasty snack or side.