These air fryer paprika fries are a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful treat. Perfectly crispy and deliciously seasoned—they are tasty both as a side dish or a satisfying snack on their own. This is a recipe that’s a serious testament to how simple things can be oh so good.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With five ingredients and easy prep, you can go from raw ingredients to a delightful dish in under half an hour. The process is seriously straightforward: potatoes are cut into fries, tossed with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika, and then air-fried until golden brown and crispy.
The result? A batch of fries that are perfectly cooked and seasoned, boasting a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. And, boy, do they look good, too. As well, since these are air-fried, they are much healthier than standard fries. Less oil is used, leading to less fat and fewer calories than normal fries.
Let’s talk about the paprika for a moment. You can go a lot of different directions here. If you’re a fan of heat, opt for a hot paprika to add a spicy kick to your fries. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, a sweet paprika (the common paprika on your spice rack) might be more your speed. Or, if you’d like a touch of earthy smokiness, opt for smoked paprika. The choice is yours, and each type of paprika gives the fries a different, but equally delicious, flavor profile.
Want to learn more? Read our post “Is Paprika Spicy?” as well as our comparison piece between Hungarian and Spanish paprikas.
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Spicy Fried Pickles: The combo of spicy and tangy is so good. This is a party favorite.
- Curry Ketchup: Looking for a unique dipper to pair with these fries? Curry and ketchup are a perfect duo.
- Pan-Fried Calamari With Rich Chili Jelly: This appetizer takes some planning, but it’s a show-stopper for special occasions.
Air Fryer Paprika Fries
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes medium size
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized fries, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, combine the potato fries, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss well to ensure all the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Carefully place a single layer of seasoned potato fries into the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Cook the fries in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries and the air fryer model you are using.
- Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
- Serve the crispy seasoned air fryer potato fries immediately as a delicious side dish or snack. They pair perfectly with ketchup, mayonnaise, or your favorite dipping sauce.