Air Fryer Seasoned Steak Fries are crispy on the outside, tender and creamy inside, and seasoned just right. Cooked in the air fryer with very little oil, they make a lighter alternative to deep-fried fries while still delivering great texture and flavor. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or a snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
A short list of pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to make these air fryer steak fries. Quantities are shown in the recipe card below.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work especially well for steak fries because they crisp on the outside and stay creamy inside. Russets also work but may be drier.
- Olive oil: A small amount helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crisping.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne for heat, and sea salt.
The full ingredient list with exact amounts appears lower in the recipe card.
Seasoning for Steak Fries
The spice mix for these fries is simple but flavorful: paprika adds color and mild sweetness, garlic and onion powder bring savory depth, cayenne adds a subtle kick, and sea salt ties everything together. You can use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Make a double batch of the dry mix and store it in a jar to save time the next time you make fries.
When Are Potatoes In Season
Potatoes are typically harvested in the fall and remain available and fresh through winter thanks to good storage life. That said, you can find potatoes year-round in most grocery stores. For the best flavor and texture, choose firm potatoes without soft spots and with dry, intact skins.
How to Make Steak Fries
These seasoned steak fries are straightforward to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 380°F (about 193°C).
- Prepare the potatoes. Wash and dry the potatoes; peeling is optional. Cut each potato lengthwise into thick wedges (about 1/2″ thick). Place the wedges in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and sea salt over the wedges and toss again until evenly seasoned.
- Air fry in batches. Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping once about halfway through, until the edges are golden and the insides are tender.
- Finish and reheat all fries. Once all batches are cooked, return the fries to the basket and cook for another 1–2 minutes to re-crisp everything together.
- Serve. Taste and add more sea salt if needed. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
How Long to Cook Steak Fries in the Air Fryer
Cooking time varies by model and basket size. This recipe checks for doneness at about 16 minutes at 380°F, but thicker wedges or a crowded basket can add a few minutes. Look for golden, crispy edges and tender centers as your cue that they are done.
Variations
These steak fries are great as written, but here are a few simple ways to change them up:
- Oven-baked: If you don’t have an air fryer, spread the wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 425°F for about 35–40 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, Pecorino, or Cotija over hot fries for an instant cheesy finish.
- Loaded: Top with melted cheese, chopped tomatoes or pico-style salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and crisp bacon for loaded steak fries.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh herbs: Finish with chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme for brightness and aroma.
Dipping sauces: These thick-cut fries pair well with ketchup, aioli, sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or a simple mayo mixed with lemon juice and chopped parsley.
More Recipes
If you enjoy these steak fries, try other comforting side dishes and air fryer recipes such as garlic rosemary roasted potatoes, air fryer chicken tenders, baked chicken nuggets, or crispy zucchini chips with sriracha aioli.
Equipment: An air fryer, a large mixing bowl, and measuring spoons are all you need to make this recipe. A sturdy baking sheet is useful if you choose the oven method.
Notes: You don’t need to peel the potatoes — the skins help them crisp. Check fries around the 16-minute mark and continue cooking as needed for your preferred level of crispness. Nutritional values provided in recipe cards are approximate.
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- 4–5 Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- dash of cayenne
- pinch of sea salt, plus more for serving
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Cut into thick wedges (about 1/2″ thick). Toss with olive oil and the spices until evenly coated.
- Place wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 16–18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Return all fries to the basket and cook 1–2 minutes more to re-crisp.
- Season to taste with additional sea salt and serve hot.