Air fryer matchstick fries are thin, crisp potato sticks with a golden outside and a fluffy middle, made with just one tablespoon of olive oil. A short soak in cold water removes surface starch, and a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper gives them plenty of flavor.
Cutting the potatoes into thin matchsticks means they cook quickly and crisp up all the way through. In about 20 minutes of air frying you get a snack or side that tastes like fast food fries, without a pot of hot oil on the stove.
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Why This Air Fryer Matchstick Fries Recipe Works
Russet potatoes have a high starch content and a dry, fluffy interior, which is exactly what you want for fries. Soaking the cut potatoes pulls off extra surface starch so the outsides can dry out and turn crisp instead of gummy.
Thin sticks also give you more crisp edges per bite. The key is drying the potatoes completely before adding oil, because water on the surface creates steam and keeps the fries soft.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
1. Cut the potatoes.
Scrub the potatoes and peel them if you like. Cut them into thin, even matchsticks about 1/4 inch wide. Even pieces cook at the same speed, so take a little time with this step.
2. Soak the fries.
Place the sticks in a bowl of cold water and soak for 25 to 30 minutes. The water will turn cloudy as the starch comes off.
3. Dry thoroughly.
Drain the potatoes and spread them on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat them completely dry, since any leftover moisture will keep them from crisping.
4. Season the fries.
Toss the dry potatoes with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until every stick has a light coating.
5. Preheat and load the basket.
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket with a little space between them. If your basket is small, cook the fries in two batches rather than crowding them.
6. Air fry until crisp.
Cook for 14 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy. Thin sticks can finish earlier, so start checking near the lower end of that range.
7. Season and serve.
Tip the fries into a bowl, sprinkle with a little extra salt, and serve right away while they are at their crispiest.
How to Serve Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
Serve these fries with ketchup, ranch, or a spicy mayo for dipping. They are a natural side for burgers, so pair them with the juicy beef and pork burgers or a golden crispy fried chicken sandwich.
If you want more crispy air fryer ideas, try the air fryer green bean fries, and keep the air fryer frozen french fries in mind for nights when you do not have time to cut potatoes.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
Fries are best eaten right away, but leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking.
To reheat, return the fries to the air fryer at 380 degrees F for a few minutes until they are hot and crisp again. The microwave will make them soft, so use it only if you are in a hurry. You can also cut and soak the potatoes up to a day ahead and keep them covered in water in the refrigerator, then drain and dry them well before cooking.
Tips and Variations for Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
Preheating the air fryer helps the fries start crisping right away. Check the Oklahoma State University Extension air fryer recipe for a good reminder to preheat, use a single layer, and shake the basket during cooking.
Season the fries with chili powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for a different flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan right after cooking adds a salty finish. Keep the cut size consistent, because thicker sticks need a little more time and thinner ones need less.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
Do I have to soak Air Fryer Matchstick Fries?
Soaking is not required, but it gives crispier results because it removes surface starch. If you are short on time, skip it and make sure the potatoes are very dry.
How do I keep Air Fryer Matchstick Fries from sticking together?
Dry the potatoes well, toss them evenly in oil, and shake the basket halfway through cooking. Avoid piling the fries too high.
Can I use sweet potatoes for Air Fryer Matchstick Fries?
You can, but sweet potatoes have more sugar and less starch, so they brown faster and turn softer. Watch them closely and expect a different texture.
Why are my fries soggy?
The most common causes are wet potatoes, crowding the basket, or skipping the preheat. Fix those three things and the fries should crisp up.
What temperature works best?
380 degrees F gives crisp fries without burning the seasoning. Air fryers vary, so adjust the time slightly based on how your machine cooks.
Air Fryer Matchstick Fries
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes cut into 1/4 inch matchsticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cooking
- Cut the potatoes into even matchsticks about 1/4 inch wide.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for 25 to 30 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry.
- Toss the potatoes with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F and arrange the fries in a single layer. Work in two batches if the basket is small.
- Cook for 14 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Season with a little extra salt and serve right away.
