Our significant other gifted us with an airfryer for Christmas. She knows that we dig kitchen gadgets. Like really dig kitchen gadgets. Like have an entire bookshelf in our basement devoted to storing kitchen gadgets.

We, though, defiantly have refused to buy a deep fryer. Of course, we love fried food. Who doesn’t love fried food? The problem is that we love fried food too much. Being able to deep fry at home is a recipe for terrible life decisions and pants that never fit. But, an airfryer, that sounds almost healthy. Everybody talks about the healing power of fresh air. What about fresh air that makes chicken tenders?

We admittedly had skepticism about the airfryer. How could air, which isn’t even visible, impersonate the black magic of blazing hot oil that seals moisture inside while forming a crispy shell? It just couldn’t, we thought. Truth is, an airfryer can’t do everything that a deep fryer can. It takes a few extra steps, a little ingenuity, some patience, a willingness to fail, but it can produce a worthy impersonation.

This rings especially true with French fries. The airfryer makes damn good French fries. And, honestly, if it could do nothing else, that would be enough because healthier French fries change the game.

To cut our potatoes, we use this Culina French Fry Potato Cutter. You could use a knife, but we prefer the uniformity. And, this Joe’s Kansas City French Fry Seasoning is sheer perfection.

Here’s our gentlemanly recipe for Seasoned Airfryer French Fries.

Seasoned Airfryer French Fries

Ingredients

• Three potatoes, medium-sized
• One teaspoon of vegetable oil
• Two teaspoons of seasoning

Directions

Cut the fries. We prefer to leave the skin intact, but you can peel the potatoes if desired. Soak the fries for an hour or so. Strain them and shake dry. Toss them in oil. Heat the airfryer to 350°F. Cook fries at 350°F for 15 minutes. Every five minutes remove the basket and toss fries. If they appear dry, lightly spritz fries with additional oil. After 15 minutes, increase the heat to 400°F until fries achieve desired shade of golden brown—about five minutes.

Pour fries into a serving bowl. Toss fries in seasoning. Serve with ketchup or aioli.