Learn how to make crispy Instant Pot french fries using the air fryer lid. While a pressure cooker thoroughly cooks the potatoes, it leaves them soft and steamed, not crispy. The air fryer lid adds the golden crunch you want, making the fries perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside. This quick and easy recipe is a family favorite and a fun way to enjoy homemade fries with less oil.
🥔 Instant Pot French Fries Ingredients
To make french fries in the Instant Pot you need:
- 1 potato (about 9 ounces/255 grams after peeling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Seasoning salt, to taste (I used 1 teaspoon of Adobo light)
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Which type of potato is best for French fries? I used russet potatoes, but Yukon Gold also works well. Waxy varieties like red potatoes are not ideal for fries, as they don’t crisp up as nicely.
You can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado or canola oil.
To make these fries, you’ll need an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid, like the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL or Instant Pot Duo Crisp. You can also purchase a separate air fryer lid, such as the Mealthy CrispLid. Cooking times may vary depending on the multicooker you use.
🍟 How to Make Instant Pot Fries
Cut the potatoes into fries about ¼-½ inch (0.64-1.27 cm) thick. You can adjust the size if you prefer, but keep in mind that thicker or thinner fries may require different cooking times.
There’s no need to soak the fries in water first. While soaking can reduce starch for extra crispiness, I found it didn’t make a big difference here and you can skip it to save time.
Place the cut fries in a medium bowl. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle on your seasoning of choice. Stir well to evenly coat the fries.
Transfer the fries to the Instant Pot. Air fry at 400F (200C) for 10 minutes. Shake or flip the fries, then air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes. If any fries are still too soft, cook a bit longer until they reach your desired crispness.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. (I sprinkled on some pizza seasoning too.)
Storage Directions
Leftover fries can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat leftover fries using the oven broiler to get them crispy again. You can also air fry leftover fries in an air fryer preheated to 400F (200C) for 3-5 minutes.
🍅 French Fries Dipping Sauces
Ketchup is my all-time favorite dip for fries. Here are a few more ideas:
Instant Pot French Fries Recipe
Learn how to make crispy Instant Pot french fries using the air fryer lid. They’re perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 138 kcal
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Peel and cut the potatoes into fries about ¼-½ inch (0.64-1.27 cm) thick. You can adjust the size if you prefer, but keep in mind that thicker or thinner fries may require different cooking times.
Place the cut fries in a medium bowl. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle on your seasoning of choice. Stir well to evenly coat the fries.
Transfer the fries to the Instant Pot. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Shake or flip the fries, then air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes. If any fries are still too soft, cook a bit longer until they reach your desired crispness.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). While baked fries are a tasty option, they may not be the most filling choice if you’re trying to lose weight, since they combine carbs and fat with relatively little protein. Many people find they need to eat a large portion of fries to feel satisfied.
That said, potatoes still count toward your vegetable intake. They provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and even picky eaters tend to love them!
Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 17.8gProtein: 1.9gFat: 7.1gSaturated Fat: 1gPotassium: 461.5mgFiber: 2.7gVitamin C: 17% DVIron: 2.3% DV
Keywords instant pot french fries, instant pot fries
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
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