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    Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Shoestring Fries

    Air Fryer Shoestring Fries

    Posted On August 5, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated October 13, 2022 14 Comments

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    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. 

    air fryer shoestring fries on parchment paper

    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. 

    air fryer and deep fryer shoestring fries
    • 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

    shoestring fries with fried herbs in the air fryer and deep fryer

    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. 

    air fryer crispy shoestring fries

    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. 

    Shoestring fries both air fried and deep fried

    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

    Skin On Mashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

    Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes 

    Southern Mashed Potatoes

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Breakfast Potatoes

    Yucca Fries

    More Fries Recipes You’ll Love

    After trying these air fryer shoestring fries, try one of these air fryer fries next. 

    Fried Yam Fries

    Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Yuca Fries

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    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!

    shoestring fries with fried herbs in the air fryer and deep fryer

    Air Fryer Shoestring Fries

    Savory Thoughts
    These crispy Shoestring French Fries are so good and delicious. They can be prepared in the air fryer and in the deep fryer. are a healthier alternative to the traditional French fries.
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 18 mins
    Total Time 23 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Sides
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 Serving
    Calories 335 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Air Fryer
    • 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.
      SHOESTRING FRIES 1-4
    • 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.
      Air Fryer Shoestring fries seasoned and fried on a platter with ketchup.

    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.
      SHOESTRING FRIES STEP 1-6
    • 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.
      shoestring fries with fried herbs in the air fryer and deep fryer

    Notes

    Letting the fresh potatoes sit in water will allow the starch to be removed from the potatoes and will ensure you have crispy fries.
    The ideal temperature to deep fry your fries is between 350°F to 400°F.Air Frying tips: 
    If you have not used the air fryer, it is best to pre-heat the air fryer for maximum result. 
    You can add a little heat to the fries seasoning by adding ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. 
    You can use olive oil instead of Canola oil to air fry the potatoes. 
    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
    Calories are estimated per serving. 
    This post may contain affiliate links, please read our full disclosure here!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4PeopleCalories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 323mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.8mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rachel

      April 19, 2020 at 11:43 pm

      4 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        April 21, 2020 at 1:40 pm

        Hi Rachel,
        Thanks for trying the recipe!

        Reply
    2. Sue

      January 08, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      Should I use fresh cut potatoes for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 11, 2020 at 4:06 am

        Hi Sue,
        Yes, you can use fresh cut potatoes for this recipe.

        Reply
    3. Natalie

      June 14, 2019 at 9:46 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 17, 2019 at 3:48 pm

        Thank you, Natalie. Yes, it’s very addictive.

        Reply
    4. Swathi

      June 14, 2019 at 4:06 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 23, 2019 at 1:04 am

        Thank you, Swathi!

        Reply
      • sydney

        August 12, 2021 at 7:00 pm

        5 stars
        This recipe is amazing! Will definitely be making this again!!

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          August 13, 2021 at 11:42 am

          Thank you very much, Sydney.

          Reply
    5. Heidy L. McCallum

      June 13, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    6. Danielle

      June 13, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 17, 2019 at 3:49 pm

        hhahahah grab away! thanks.

        Reply
    7. Jo

      June 13, 2019 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

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