Health and Home by Haven

If you’re craving fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with real flavor—these thick-cut garlic cilantro steak fries are it. Normally I go for a skinny fry because I love the crunch, but these might be moving into first place with the pefect balance of texture and depth of flavor.

One of my favorite things about cooking at home is finding ways to enjoy comfort foods without feeling weighed down afterward. Thanks to the air fryer, fries can easily be made at home without gallons of oil, mess, or guilt. You still get that golden crunch, but without ultraprocessed frying oils and way more control over the ingredients.

These fries are simple, flexible, and made with pantry staples. No peeling required (please don’t remove the skins!), just clean potatoes, fresh garlic, herbs, and a good olive oil. They pair perfectly with burgers, grilled meats, or your favorite dipping sauce—and honestly, they’re strong enough to stand on their own.

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What You’ll Need

• 4 medium-sized organic potatoes (skins on)
• 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
• 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Fresh lime, for finishing

Optional for serving:

• Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Avocado Oil Mayo (No, I’m not sponsored, I just love their seed-oil-free condiments!)
• Primal Kitchen Ketchup (organic & unsweetened)

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How to Cut Thick Steak Fries (The Right Way)

Start by scrubbing the potatoes really well to remove any dirt—since we’re keeping the skins on, this step matters.

1. Cut each potato lengthwise in half.
2. Take each half and cut it lengthwise in half again, giving you quarters.
3. From there, slice each quarter into thick strips (think sturdy, steakhouse-style fries—not thin matchsticks).

Uniform size helps everything cook evenly, so try to keep the pieces similar in thickness.

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Directions

1. Soak the potatoes.
   Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of cold water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them soak for 10 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and improves crispiness.
2. Dry thoroughly.
   Drain the water and pat the potatoes completely dry using a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispy fries.
3. Season.
   Add the dried potatoes back to a clean bowl. Drizzle with 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, then add the minced garlic, chopped cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well using your hands to ensure every fry is evenly coated.
4. Preheat the air fryer.
   Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
5. Air fry in batches.
   Add a single layer of fries to the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking/flipping the fries when 5 minutes remain.
6. Finish and repeat.
   Transfer cooked fries to a clean bowl and repeat with remaining batches.
7. Final flavor boost.
   Once all fries are cooked, drizzle any leftover olive oil and garlic mixture from the bowl over the hot fries. Finish with a light squeeze of fresh lime juice and toss gently.

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Final Thoughts

These thick-cut garlic cilantro steak fries prove that comfort food can still fit into a more mindful, whole-food lifestyle. The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy crispy fries with less oil, while fresh garlic, herbs, and lime bring bold, vibrant flavor. Serve them alongside burgers, dip them in a healthier mayo or ketchyp, or snack on them straight from the bowl—either way, they’re a win.