Last updated on April 11th, 2024 at 02:53 am
Air-fried homemade steak fries are a classic side dish served with American Favorites like cheeseburgers and chicken fingers. Today I'm sharing the secrets of creating perfectly golden steak fries right in the comfort of your own kitchen using the Air Fryer. With their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior homemade steak fries are a healthier version of your favorite deep-fried restaurant side dish.
These homemade air fryer steak fries were inspired by these Air Fryer Homemade French Fries and pair well with Nashville Hot Chicken, Homemade Chicken Fingers, and Instant Pot Sloppy Joe's.
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What Are Steak Fries?
What are steak fries, and what sets steak fries apart from their thinner counterparts? Unlike traditional French fries, steak fries vary in size, shape, and texture. Steak fries are cut thicker, giving them a heartier bite and a more substantial potato texture. This makes them perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. While both steak fries and regular French fries are made from potatoes and cooked using similar methods, their differences in size and texture distinguish them from each other.
Equipment and Ingredients
To make steak fries successfully, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment: an air fryer like this Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a mixing bowl for seasoning.
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold work well)
- Olive oil or Avocado Oil cooking spray
- Salt
- Optional: Seaonded salt or any other seasonings of your choice
Preparation
Preparing the potatoes is the key to having homemade steak fries turn out well.
- Begin by selecting your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for steak fries due to their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also have excellent results.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thick, uniform slices, about ½ to ¾ inch wide. Aim for a steak fry shape, which is longer and thicker than traditional fries.
- Fill a medium-sized mixing bowl with cold water and add the cut potatoes to the water as you cut them.
- Once all of the potatoes have been placed in the water agitate the potatoes until the water becomes cloudy.
- Drain the cloudy water out of the bowl and re-fill the bowl with fresh cold water.
- Allow the potatoes to soak in the cold water for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 6 hours in the fridge.
- Drain the water from the potatoes and lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and blot them dry with paper towels. Alternatively, you can allow them to air dry for a few minutes before moving on.
- Place the dry potatoes in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat them thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
Counter Top Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Once preheated, place the potato slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the fries in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Cook the fries for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- After 20 minutes at 350° turn the temperature to 400° F (200°C) and air fry for 3-5 additional minutes for extra crispy fries.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
- Season with sea salt, seasoned salt or your favorite spice blend.
Air Fry Range Instructions
Using the full-size range with an air fry function is perfect when you're feeding a crowd. It's the easiest way to make a large batch of fries all at once.
Preheat your range using the Air Fry function to 350°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Once preheated, place the potato slices into the air fryer tray in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping with a spaula halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them the fries on the outside may cook faster then the center of the basket.
- Turn the heat up to 400°F (200°C) and continue to air fry for 5-8 more minutes for extra crispy seak fries.
- Season with sea salt and serve immediately.
Tips
- Ensure that the potato slices are evenly coated with a little oil and seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Don't skip soaking the potatoes, removing the excess starch helps make the french fries crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the potato slices to allow for proper hot air circulation, which is essential for achieving crispy fries.
- Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your steak fries. Garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- You may need to adjust the cooking time due to the thickness of the fries or the air fryer model you are using.
- If it's the first time making a recipe, start with a small batch and make adjustments as needed.
- Use oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil spray, or extra virgin olive oil.
What To Serve With Steak Fries
Once your steak fries are hot and crispy, it's time to enjoy them! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing, and pair them with:
- Air Fried Frozen Chicken Strips
- Homemade Chicken Strips
- Nashville Hot Chicken
- A Juicy Cheeseburger
- BBQ Flanken Cut Ribs
Equipment
Different brands and different sizes of air fryer models may alter your outcome. When air frying something for the first time watch it closely to avoid burning the food. I’m using the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 qt Air Fryer on the air fryer setting, but any countertop air fryer appliance can be used to make steak fries. Please refer to your owner’s manual for specific cooking times and directions if you are unsure. The Samsung full-size air fry range can also be used to air fry larger batches of food when you need to air fry for a large group.
Variations
Air-frying homemade fries are a healthier alternative to deep frying or even frozen steak fries from the grocery store. With just a few simple ingredients you can make the perfect side dish right at home. For different variations try cutting the potato into your favorite french fry shape.
- Thin Cut Fries
- Crinkle Cut Fies
- Shoe String Fries
- Traditional Cut Fries
Homemade Steak Fries In The AIr Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Russet Potatoes sliced
- 2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- 1 tsp. Seasoned Salt optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by selecting your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for steak fries due to their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also have excellent results.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thick, uniform slices, about ½ to ¾ inch wide. Aim for a steak fry shape, which is longer and thicker than traditional fries.
- Fill a medium-sized mixing bowl with cold water and add the cut potatoes to the water as you cut them.
- Once all of the potatoes have been placed in the water agitate the potatoes until the water becomes cloudy.
- Drain the cloudy water out of the bowl and re-fill the bowl with fresh cold water.
- Allow the potatoes to soak in the cold water for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 6 hours in the fridge.
- Drain the water from the potatoes and lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and blot them dry with paper towels. Alternatively, you can allow them to air dry for a few minutes before moving on.
- Place the dry potatoes in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat them thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
Air Frying
- Once preheated, place the potato slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the fries in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Cook the fries for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- After 20 minutes at 350° turn the temperature to 400° F (200°C) and air fry for 3-5 additional minutes for extra crispy fries.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
- Season with sea salt, seasoned salt or your favorite spice blend.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
Can I use any type of potato for making steak fries in the air fryer?
- While russet potatoes are commonly used for steak fries due to their starchy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or other varieties. Experiment with different types to find the flavor and texture you prefer.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before making steak fries?
- It's entirely up to you! Some people prefer the texture of steak fries with the skin left on, while others prefer them peeled. If you decide to leave the skin on, be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them.
How thick should I cut the potatoes for steak fries?
- Aim to cut the potatoes into slices that are about ½ to ¾ inch thick. This will give you the classic steak fry shape and texture.
Can I season the steak fries with other spices besides salt?
- Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can all add delicious flavor to your steak fries.
How do I prevent the steak fries from sticking to the air fryer basket?
- To prevent sticking, make sure the potato slices are evenly coated with oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the fries.
Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking the steak fries?
- For best results preheating the air fryer can help ensure that the fries cook evenly and become crispy. It's recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the fries.
How do I know when the steak fries are done cooking in the air fryer?
- The steak fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when they are done. You can also test for doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick into a fry – it should slide in easily with little resistance.
Can I freeze homemade steak fries for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze cooked steak fries for later use. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I make steak fries in the air fryer without oil?
- While a small amount of oil helps the fries become crispy, you can make steak fries in the air fryer with minimal oil or even without oil. Just keep in mind that they may not get as crispy without the oil.
How long do leftover steak fries last, and how should I store them?
- Leftover steak fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer or oven until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy.
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