Learn the secret to make the best air fryer shoestring fries in the comfort of your home, as well as deep fry option! They are easy to make ahead of time and can also be baked in the oven for a quick snack, school lunch, or to serve as a side dish.
These crispy Shoestring Fries are so good and a healthier alternative to the traditional crispy deep fried French fries.
These seasoned fries are flavored to perfection, fried in the air fryer, and complete any burger meal!
Extra Crispy Shoestring Fries
Seasoning is the number one secret to transform these fries from bland to amazing. Here’s a quick list of the ingredients we used to make these fries.
Potatoes: You can surely use fresh potatoes. if using fresh potatoes, be sure to peel your potatoes, slice them to ½ inch thick (best to use a French fry cutter), then let your potatoes soak in water for a minimum of 30 minutes, or you can soak them overnight.
Soaking the potatoes will allow your fries to be extra crispy, and will of course, remove the starch from the potatoes. After soaking, drain the water season the potatoes.
Ingredients: For this recipe instead of using fresh potatoes, especially if you are short on time, feel free to use the pre-cut and frozen fries from your local grocery store. They work just as great as the fresh potatoes.
- Paprika – Paprika is made from sweeter peppers such as red bell peppers or other sweet peppers alike. It ranges from sweet, mild, smoky, to hot. Depending on the dish and the flavor you are going for will determine the flavor of paprika you use. For this recipe, we opt in for the Hungarian paprika which will add a slight heat to the fries. However, any flavor will work.
- Kosher Salt – Is used to season the fries. This salt is often used because it will help draw out moisture from meat because of the larger crystals and it is iodine-free. Because of this reason, it also does the same to the potatoes. aside from seasoning it to add additional flavor, it is also removing “moisture” from the potatoes – hence helping your fries to remain crispy.
- Ground Black Pepper or White Pepper – Alongside the paprika, the pepper will add flavor and heat to the fries. A small amount will go a long way. This ingredient is completely optional.
- Oil – Because you air frying these shoestring fries, we recommend you use olive oil to coat the fries. Other oils you may opt in for are canola oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil.
Optional Ingredients: This recipe is adaptable. Add the spices you love to create your own flavor. Listed below are a few suggestions on spices and herbs to add to further enhance the flavor of your fries.
- Garlic and onion powder to add an earthy depth of flavor.
- Rosemary, parsley, basil, and or oregano will add flavor and can also be used as a garnishment.
- Grated parmesan cheese will provide additional texture to the fries.
- Ground Meat (optional) can be used as a topping over your fries.
Using Fresh Potatoes – Which Potatoes To Use?
If you are using fresh potatoes, we recommend you use russet potatoes as they are the most versatile. They are great for frying, baking, stews, etc.
Best Oil and Temperature for Frying
If you are air frying these potatoes, we recommend using extra virgin olive oil, grape-seed oil, avocado oil.
If you are deep frying the potatoes, it is best to use canola oil. This oil is a low saturated fat oil whereas vegetable oil is not.
The ideal temperature to deep fry your fries is between 350°F to 400°F.
How to make frozen shoestring fries in air fryer?
These Air fryer fries are the simplest things you can make in the air fryer.
As mentioned above, we used the frozen shoestring potatoes.
No need to let them thaw as you can seasoning them after they cook. However, if you find that using fresh potatoes fits your need, then, please do so.
To make these fries in the air fryer, follow our steps below to make them perfectly each time.
Season the potatoes: In a large bowl, add the potatoes. Then add the salt, pepper, and paprika, along with the oil. See notes for additional seasoning options.
Mix well: Toss to combine. Transfer to the air fryer basket.
Air Fry To Perfection: Cook fries on 400 degrees for 18 minutes; tossing and turning the fries a couple times in between cooking to make sure the fries are cooked evenly.
Do not cook no more than 20 minutes to avoid over-cooking. Serve warm with your favorite burger and dip or ketchup!
You can make them as crispy as you would like in the air fryer. No need to worry about using lots of oil, as this recipe only requires only 2 tablespoons of oil.
How To Deep Fry Your Shoe String Fries?
Peel then cut the potatoes into ½ inch thickness. Soak them in cold water; if you are short on time, let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, but best at 2 hours or longer.
Use a Mandolin to cut your fries. This will help the fries remain the same size.
Drain the water and season the fries.
Heat canola oil or preferred oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer.
When the temperature reaches 350°F (no more than 400°F), fry the fries in small batches.
Transfer the cooked fries on a paper toweled plate and repeat the process with the remaining potatoes.
Baking Option
If you prefer to skip the air frying and deep fry option, your third option is to bake the fries.
To do so, preheat the oven to 400°F.
Season the fries and add the oil (2 tablespoons), mix well to combine.
Transfer the fries in a single layer on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake for no more than 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Toss and turn and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
How To Store Leftovers & Reheating Process
Below are the steps you’ll need to store and reheat your shoe string fries.
Refrigerating Option: It is best to allow any leftover air fryer shoestring fries cool completely before transferring them to a refrigerator safe container or bag.
Be sure to remove as much as air possible if using a bag. This will allow your fries to remain fresh.
Freezing Option: Place your left-over fries in a single layer on a baking tray. Best to make sure that the fries are not overlapping or touching. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until frozen.
When you are ready to reheat your refrigerated or frozen leftover fries, it is best to reheat them in the oven at 350° F until heated thru.
Homemade Shoestring Potatoes – Dehydrate Them
Frozen shoestring fries are absolutely readily available at the super market, but think of the amount of money you can save by dehydrating them.
Dehydrating Potatoes prolong the shelf-life of the potatoes, they are perfect for meal prep, and can be used for baking and creating those au gratin recipes.
More Potato Recipe You’ll Love
For more delicious potatoes, listed below are a few more potato recipes you’ll love.
Air Fryer Sausage and Potatoes
Instant Pot Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
More Fries Recipes You’ll Love
After trying these air fryer shoestring fries, try one of these air fryer fries next.
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer
Serve the fries warm with your favorite mushroom burger (or any burger of your choice), dip or ketchup!
It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site, and we’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe.
Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.
Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!
Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
Equipment
- 1 Deep fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shoestring French fries or 2 fresh potatoes
- 3 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. Canola Oil
- 4 Cups Canola Oil deep frying option
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- In a large bowl, add the potatoes. Then add the salt, pepper, paprika, and canola oil. Toss to combine. Transfer to the air fryer basket.
- Cook on 400 degrees for 18 minutes; tossing and turning the fries a couple times in between cooking to make sure the fries are cooked evenly. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with your favorite burger and enjoy. Adjust the time if needed base on your air fryer.
Deep Fry Option
- Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes. Rinse the potatoes with cold water and drain the water. Top the potatoes with about 2 cups of water and allow it to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes but best to let rest longer. (See notes below).In a large bowl, add the potatoes. Then add the salt, pepper, paprika, and canola oil. Mix well to combine.
- Heat the oil to 350°F. Deep fry the potatoes in small batches until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked potatoes on a paper toweled plate and repeat the process with the remaining potatoes.
Rachel says
My only critique is that my fries needed significantly less time to cook. They were very thin, and they only needed about 10 minutes. Just an fyi for others so they don’t have burnt fries. Thanks for the recipe!
Mirlene says
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for trying the recipe!
Sue says
Should I use fresh cut potatoes for this recipe?
Mirlene says
Hi Sue,
Yes, you can use fresh cut potatoes for this recipe.
Natalie says
I love my new air fryer. And I love this recipe. It’s easy and looks delicious. My kiddo will love this. Need to make it asap.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Natalie. Yes, it’s very addictive.
Swathi says
This air fryer shoestring fries are die for I love the addition of paprika it gives color and flavor. I need to get a airfryer.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Swathi!
sydney says
This recipe is amazing! Will definitely be making this again!!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Sydney.
Heidy L. McCallum says
Our air-fryer has to be one of the best gifts we have gotten to date. In the last two years, I have made countless wonderful recipes. Super excited to make yours tonight!
Danielle says
As I was reading through this delicious recipe I felt a strong need to grab a fry and dip it into my favorite sauce – now I’ve got to make it happen because there is no way I can get rid of that feeling otherwise!
Mirlene says
hhahahah grab away! thanks.
Jo says
I definitely need to gift myself an air fryer. So I could enjoy my most favorite – fries! I could eat the entire bowl of that shoestring fries. It looks very tempting.