Nothing beats a batch of crispy, golden fries during a summer cookout or family gathering. With the Ninja XL Air Fryer, you can achieve restaurant-quality fries quickly and healthily, without deep-frying in oil.
Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to making delicious, crispy fries at home using your Ninja XL Air Fryer, perfect for summer snacking or side dishes.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja XL Air Fryer
- ✔ Color: Grey
- ✔ Weight: 15 lbs
- ✔ Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 12 inches
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt, 6-in-1, Grey, AF181
- Max Crisp Technology: Up to 450°F for crispy results
- 6-in-1 Cooking Functions: Multiple cooking modes including bake and dehydrate
- XL Capacity: 6.5-quart basket, holds large meals
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Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by selecting fresh or frozen potatoes. For the crispiest results, cut your potatoes into even sticks or wedges. Rinsing the cut potatoes under cold water helps remove excess starch, leading to crisper fries.
Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Toss them in a small amount of oil—about a tablespoon for a batch—along with your favorite seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
Cooking the Fries in the Ninja XL Air Fryer
- Place the seasoned potatoes into the nonstick basket of the Ninja XL Air Fryer, spreading them out evenly for optimal air circulation.
- Set the air fryer to Max Crisp at 450°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Check for doneness; if they need more crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Thanks to the MaxCrisp technology, your fries will develop a golden, crispy exterior with minimal oil, perfect for a healthier summer snack.
Serving and Tips for Perfect Fries
Serve your freshly cooked fries immediately with your favorite summer dips—ketchup, aioli, or spicy mayo work well. For extra flavor, sprinkle herbs like parsley or toss with grated Parmesan.
For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake or toss the fries halfway through cooking. Using the crisper plate can enhance airflow and crunch.
Leftover fries can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, making them perfect for next-day snacks.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja XL Air Fryer
The Ninja XL Air Fryer makes summer snacking healthier and easier with quick, crispy fries that require little to no oil. Its large capacity and versatile functions make it a must-have for summer gatherings.
Pros:
- Up to 75% less fat than deep frying
- Large 6.5-quart capacity
- Fast cooking with MaxCrisp technology
- Easy to clean nonstick parts
Cons:
- Takes up counter space due to size
- Requires some shaking for even cooking
- Limited to 450°F max temperature
Best for: Families and summer gatherers wanting quick, healthy fried snacks
Not ideal for: Those seeking ultra-precise temperature control or very small kitchens
Bottom line: A versatile, large-capacity air fryer perfect for quick, healthier summer fries and snacks.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
