Since I started using my air fryer, I’ve been experimenting to make healthier versions of my favourite deep-fried dishes. One irresistible classic is fried potatoes. Paired with vegan cheese, they become the ultimate comfort food. These cheesy air fryer fries are crispy, satisfying, and easy to make.
I tend to reserve deep frying for special occasions because it demands constant attention, precise oil temperature, and produces the best results — but uses a lot of oil. The air fryer is a great alternative for everyday cooking. It uses just a little oil, doesn’t need constant supervision, and still yields crisp, golden fries. While the fries cook you can prep a side or two, saving valuable time.
How to make crispy air fryer fries
The key to extra-crispy air fryer fries is soaking the cut potatoes first. Soaking removes surface starch, reducing stickiness and helping the fries crisp up. You can do this ahead of time — soak them in cold water for about an hour (or longer if you have time) and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, rinse and thoroughly dry the potato sticks. Any moisture left on them will steam the fries and make them soft instead of crisp.
Use a small amount of oil for coating. An oil spray works well for even distribution and maximum crisp with minimal oil. Toss the dried fries with oil and your seasonings, then spread them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. They can overlap slightly, but leave enough space for hot air to circulate — you might need to cook in batches. When all batches are crisp, you can quickly return them to the fryer for a minute to reheat everything together.
For the cheese, sprinkle it on in the last minute of cooking so it melts without releasing too much moisture. Vegan cheese adds flavor and creaminess but can soften the fries if left too long, so serve immediately. I used Violife for these fries, but you can skip the cheese or use your preferred vegan variety.
Another tip: give the basket a shake about halfway through cooking to promote even browning. I used a smart air fryer from Princess for these fries (not sponsored) and was pleased with the results.
Turn cheesy fries into rainbow fries
If you like colourful food, you can easily turn these into rainbow fries. I often add vibrant touches to recipes — here I coloured mayo with blue spirulina and acai powder to make blue and purple sauces, and added sliced colourful chillies for contrast. These additions are optional but make for a playful presentation.
Fresh herbs and vegetables also brighten the dish: cilantro, spring onion, microgreens, or pickles add texture and flavour. A squeeze of lime brings freshness and balances the richness of cheese and sauce.
Follow me on Instagram for daily vegan updates and short recipe videos in my story highlights. I also share inspiration on Pinterest. One love, Jason.
Cheesy Air Fryer Fries – Loaded Cheese Fries
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 600 gram potatoes
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 50 gram vegan cheese I used Violife
- 10 gram cilantro
- 1 chili pepper cut in rings
- salt to taste
- 30 gram vegan bacon optional
Instructions
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Cut the potatoes into matchstick-sized fries. Place them in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 60 minutes. Halfway through, rinse the potatoes and replace the water.
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Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly on a clean towel or paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, cayenne, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; they can overlap slightly but need room for air circulation.
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Air fry at 200°C (about 390°F) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket after 15 minutes to ensure even browning. In the final minute, sprinkle the vegan cheese over the fries to melt. Serve immediately with your favourite sauce and toppings — here I used garlic mayo, sliced chili peppers, and cilantro. To make rainbow fries, colour your sauces and add colourful toppings as desired. Enjoy!
