Craving restaurant-style curly fries but want to skip the deep fryer mess? This Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika Recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden spirals with a smoky paprika kick that’ll make you forget about drive-thru options.
I stumbled on this recipe during one of those late-night snack attacks when I had zero patience for heating up gallons of oil. My spiralizer was sitting in the cabinet gathering dust, and I thought, why not give it a shot with russet potatoes and my air fryer?
The first batch was a revelation. I learned the hard way that soaking the spiralized potatoes in cold water makes all the difference in getting them crispy instead of limp and disappointing.
Now I make these at least twice a week, and my kids have stopped asking for fast food fries altogether. The paprika adds this incredible depth without being spicy, and I’ve experimented with everything from smoked paprika to sweet Hungarian varieties.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
If you’re looking for more crispy air fryer favorites, check out my Air Fryer French Fries Recipe for a traditional take on this beloved side.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika Recipe
This recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into crispy, curly masterpieces without the guilt of deep frying. The air fryer cuts the oil down to just a tablespoon or two, yet the fries come out with that satisfying crunch we all crave.
The paprika isn’t just for show. It creates this gorgeous reddish-golden color and adds a subtle smokiness that elevates these fries from basic to crave-worthy.
You can have these on the table in 30 minutes flat, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. No preheating massive pots of oil, no lingering kitchen smells, and cleanup takes about two minutes.
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Healthier alternative: Uses 85% less oil than traditional deep-fried curly fries while maintaining that addictive crispiness
- Restaurant-quality texture: The cold water soak removes excess starch, creating fries with crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors
- Customizable seasoning: The paprika base works beautifully with your favorite spice additions
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters who normally turn their noses up at homemade fries ask for seconds
- Batch-friendly: Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd since you can cook multiple batches quickly
Another air fryer side that pairs wonderfully with these is my Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to create these addictive curly fries. The key is using the right potatoes and not skimping on the soaking time.
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds/900g), scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for finishing)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For even more air fryer inspiration, try my Air Fryer Onion Rings next time you’re hosting.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes spiralizing and air frying these curly fries so much easier. Here’s what worked best for me after several trial runs.
- Spiralizer (handheld or countertop model)
- Air fryer (5-quart capacity or larger recommended)
- Large mixing bowl for soaking
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towel for drying
- Medium mixing bowl for seasoning
- Tongs for tossing and serving
- Kitchen scissors (for cutting long spirals if needed)
You might also enjoy making Air Fryer Classic Zucchini Fries with the same equipment.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
After making these curly fries dozens of times, I’ve found a few products that genuinely make the process easier and deliver better results. These aren’t just random recommendations but tools I actually use.
1. Paderno World Cuisine Spiralizer
This countertop spiralizer is a workhorse that creates perfectly uniform curly fries without any hand cramping. The suction base keeps it stable while you’re spiralizing, and the different blade options let you adjust the thickness. I’ve had mine for three years and it still works like new.
2. Cosori Air Fryer (5.8 Quart)
This air fryer has been my kitchen MVP since I bought it. The square basket design fits more curly fries than round baskets, and the preheat function ensures consistent results every single time. The temperature control is precise, which matters when you’re aiming for that perfect golden crisp.
3. Simply Organic Smoked Paprika
Not all paprika is created equal, and this smoked variety adds an incredible depth of flavor that regular paprika just can’t match. A little goes a long way, and the bottle lasts forever. It’s worth spending a bit more for quality spices.
4. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
This might seem random for a fries recipe, but using a salad spinner to dry the spiralized potatoes after soaking changed everything. It removes way more water than paper towels ever could, which means crispier fries. I use mine for salads too, so it’s a multipurpose win.
My Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms also benefit from proper moisture removal.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly crispy curly fries every time. I’ve included all the little tricks I’ve learned to avoid common pitfalls.
1. Prepare and Spiralize the Potatoes
- Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt, leaving the skins on for extra fiber and texture
- Pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels (any surface moisture will interfere with the spiralizing process)
- Set up your spiralizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, securing it firmly to your counter with the suction base
- Insert the first potato into the spiralizer and turn the handle steadily, applying gentle pressure to create even curly spirals
- As each potato spiralizes, use kitchen scissors to cut any extremely long spirals into more manageable 6-8 inch (15-20cm) lengths
- Place all spiralized potato curls into a large mixing bowl as you work through all four potatoes
2. Soak the Spiralized Potatoes
- Fill the large mixing bowl with enough cold water to completely submerge all the potato spirals
- Let the potatoes soak for 15 minutes minimum (or up to 30 minutes if you have time) to remove excess starch that would otherwise make them gummy instead of crispy
- After soaking, drain the potatoes in a colander and rinse them once more under cold running water
- Transfer the rinsed spirals to a salad spinner and spin vigorously to remove as much water as possible, or spread them out on a clean kitchen towel
- Pat the spirals thoroughly dry with paper towels, getting them as moisture-free as you can (this is the single most important step for crispy fries)
3. Season the Curly Fries
- Place the dried potato spirals in a medium mixing bowl
- Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the spirals, using your hands to toss and coat every piece evenly
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using), stirring to blend the spices thoroughly
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled potato spirals
- Toss everything together with your hands, making sure each spiral gets coated with the paprika seasoning (the spirals should look uniformly reddish-brown)
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 380°F (193°C)
- Let it preheat for 3-5 minutes while you finish preparing the fries
- Preheating ensures the fries start cooking immediately when they hit the basket, giving you that perfect crispy exterior
5. Air Fry the Curly Fries (First Batch)
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place about half of the seasoned curly fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer (they can overlap slightly but shouldn’t be piled on top of each other)
- Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 15 minutes
- After 8 minutes, pull out the basket and shake it vigorously or use tongs to flip and toss the fries around, ensuring even browning on all sides
- Return the basket to the air fryer to finish cooking for the remaining 7 minutes
- Check the fries at the 15-minute mark (they should be golden brown and crispy on the edges with tender centers)
- If they need extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning
6. Finish and Serve
- Transfer the first batch of cooked curly fries to a serving plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil
- Immediately sprinkle with additional sea salt while they’re still piping hot (this helps the salt stick better)
- Repeat the air frying process with the remaining batch of seasoned curly fries
- Once all fries are cooked, pile them on a serving platter and serve immediately while they’re at peak crispiness
- Set out your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, ranch, or my Bang Bang Sauce for an extra flavor boost
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika
These tips come from plenty of trial and error in my own kitchen. Follow them for consistently perfect results every time.
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are non-negotiable for this recipe because their high starch content creates that fluffy interior and crispy exterior we’re after (waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold will give you disappointing results)
- Don’t skip the soak: That 15-minute cold water bath removes excess surface starch that would otherwise make your fries gummy and prevent proper crisping
- Dry thoroughly: This cannot be emphasized enough (water is the enemy of crispiness, so take the extra minute to pat those spirals bone-dry)
- Avoid overcrowding: Air fryers work by circulating hot air, and packed fries won’t get crispy (cook in batches even if it feels tedious)
- Shake or flip halfway: The 8-minute mark is crucial for ensuring even browning on all sides of the curly spirals
- Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, omit the cayenne altogether (the paprika provides plenty of flavor on its own)
- Serve immediately: Curly fries are at their absolute best straight from the air fryer (they’ll lose crispiness as they sit)
- Reheat properly: If you must store leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes rather than using a microwave
- Experiment with seasonings: Once you’ve mastered the basic paprika version, try adding Italian seasoning, ranch powder, or Cajun spice blends
- Cut uniform spirals: If your spiralizer produces wildly different thicknesses, the thinner ones will burn before the thicker ones cook through
For another crowd-pleasing appetizer, make my Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks alongside these fries.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika
These curly fries are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with both casual weeknight meals and special occasion spreads. Here are my favorite ways to serve them.
- Crack Burger: The ultimate burger and fries combination that’ll make you rethink fast food forever
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Sweet and tangy pork alongside smoky curly fries is perfection
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: The brightness of lemon cuts through the richness of the fries beautifully
- Healthy Sloppy Joe: A lighter take on a classic that still delivers big flavor
- Lobster Rolls: Elevate your fries to upscale status with this seafood favorite
- Dipping sauce trio: Set out bowls of ketchup, ranch, and my Alabama White Sauce for a fun variety
- Simple grilled proteins: These fries make any plain grilled chicken breast or steak feel like a complete meal
- Loaded fries bar: Top the curly fries with shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions for a fun party appetizer
Another fantastic pairing is my Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken.
Variations of Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, these variations will keep things interesting without adding complexity. I rotate through these depending on what I’m serving.
- Garlic Parmesan Curly Fries: Toss the hot fries with 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Cajun Curly Fries: Replace the paprika blend with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning for a spicier Southern kick
- Ranch Curly Fries: Mix 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning powder into the spice blend for that classic ranch flavor everyone loves
- Sweet Potato Curly Fries: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes and reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes (they cook faster and add a subtle sweetness)
- Truffle Curly Fries: Drizzle the finished fries with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan for an upscale twist
- Loaded Nacho Fries: Top the cooked fries with shredded cheddar, cooked ground beef, jalapeños, sour cream, and pico de gallo
- Herb-Crusted Fries: Add 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) to the spice blend for a Mediterranean vibe
- Buffalo Curly Fries: Toss the cooked fries with 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 2 tablespoons hot sauce, then serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Lemon Pepper Fries: Replace the paprika with 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning and 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright, citrusy alternative
- Everything Bagel Fries: Sprinkle the hot fries with everything bagel seasoning for a fun breakfast-inspired twist
You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Storage and Reheating
While these curly fries are undeniably best fresh from the air fryer, sometimes you’ll have leftovers or want to meal prep. Here’s how to handle storage and reheating without sacrificing too much of that coveted crispiness.
- Refrigerator storage: Let the fries cool completely to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container lined with paper towels (store for up to 3 days)
- Freezer storage: Spread cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 2 months
- Reheating from refrigerated: Place fries in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway through, until heated and crispy again
- Reheating from frozen: No need to thaw (cook frozen fries in the air fryer at 380°F/193°C for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway)
- Avoid the microwave: Microwaving will turn your crispy curly fries into sad, soggy disappointments (always use the air fryer or oven for reheating)
- Oven reheating alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer available, reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 8-10 minutes
- Best practices for freezing: Slightly undercook the fries before freezing (pull them at 12-13 minutes instead of 15) so they don’t overcook during reheating
- Moisture management: When storing in containers, place paper towels between layers of fries to absorb condensation that forms as they cool
For meal prep ideas that pair well with these fries, check out my Healthy Shepherds Pie Recipe.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (approximately 1 cup of curly fries):
- Calories: 185
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 595mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Potassium: 620mg
- Iron: 8% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on potato size, exact amounts of oil absorbed during cooking, and any additional toppings or seasonings you add.
Another healthy air fryer option is my Air Fryer Simple Baked Potatoes.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
These curly fries aren’t just delicious; the ingredients offer some surprising nutritional benefits when prepared this way. Here’s what makes this recipe a better choice than deep-fried alternatives.
Air frying with minimal oil dramatically reduces the calorie and fat content compared to traditional deep-fried curly fries. You’re getting the same satisfying crunch with about 85% less oil absorption.
- Russet potatoes: Excellent source of potassium (more than bananas), vitamin C, and vitamin B6 (keeping the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients)
- Olive oil: Provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health
- Smoked paprika: Contains capsaicin and antioxidants that may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation
- Garlic powder: Offers immune-boosting properties and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Onion powder: Contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that supports overall health and immune function
- Cayenne pepper: Capsaicin in cayenne can increase metabolism and has natural pain-relieving properties
- Leaving skins on: Potato skins are loaded with fiber, iron, and additional B vitamins that get lost when peeled
For more wholesome cooking ideas, explore my Healthy Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
FAQs About Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika
1. Can I make these curly fries without a spiralizer?
Yes, but you’ll need to get creative with your knife skills. You can cut the potatoes into thin matchsticks or use a crinkle cutter for a wavy effect, though you won’t get the signature spiral shape.
A handheld julienne peeler can also create thin potato strips that cook similarly. The most important thing is keeping the pieces relatively uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Why are my curly fries coming out soggy instead of crispy?
The most common culprit is excess moisture. Make sure you’re soaking the potatoes to remove starch, then drying them thoroughly before adding oil.
Also check that you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this prevents proper air circulation. Cook in batches and shake the basket halfway through for best results.
3. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely, sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe. Keep in mind they cook faster due to higher moisture content, so reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
They’ll also be slightly softer than russet fries and have a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky paprika. Check them at the 12-minute mark instead of 15.
4. How do I prevent the seasoning from burning in the air fryer?
The key is tossing the fries with oil before adding the spices, which helps the seasonings adhere without burning. If you notice darkening at the edges, reduce your temperature by 10-15 degrees.
Also, using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika helps since it’s already been processed with smoke and is less likely to char. Shake the basket at the 8-minute mark to redistribute any spices.
5. Can I prep these ahead of time for a party?
You can spiralize and soak the potatoes up to 4 hours ahead, keeping them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. Drain and dry them thoroughly right before cooking.
For the best texture, cook the fries just before serving rather than trying to keep them warm. If you must cook ahead, undercook them slightly and give them a quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer before serving.
For party appetizers that complement these fries, try my Pigs in a Blanket.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika have completely changed how I think about homemade fries. The spiralized shape makes them feel special and restaurant-quality, while the air fryer keeps them crispy without all the oil and mess of deep frying.
The paprika seasoning is simple but incredibly flavorful, and you can easily customize it to match whatever you’re serving. I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation like it has in mine.
Give these a try and let me know how they turn out! Drop a comment below with your favorite seasoning variations or dipping sauce pairings.
Recommended:
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Herb Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Air Fryer Pork Bites Recipe
- Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls Recipe
- Onion Rings Recipe
- Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Potato Salad Recipe
- Deviled Eggs Recipe
