Air-Fryer Duck Fat French Fries

There’s nothing quite like golden, crisp French fries — but when they’re air-fried and kissed with duck fat, they become something a little extra. In the video, Chef Megan Mitchell shows how you can coax crispiness and depth from Yukon Gold potatoes using only melted duck fat, salt, and air fryer technique.

This recipe is elegantly simple. Potatoes are cut into matchsticks, soaked to remove excess starch, dried, then tossed in duck fat and salt before being air-fried in batches until perfect. The duck fat lends a richer mouthfeel and extra flavor that elevates what might otherwise feel like a humble side.

Even though this dish doesn’t attempt to be “diet food,” it comes with a few built-in advantages: it doesn’t use breading or flour, so there’s no hidden gluten, and because it’s air-fried rather than deep-fried, it uses much less fat overall. That makes it a more thoughtful indulgence — perfect as a side, snack, or crowd-pleaser that feels elevated.

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Air-Fryer French Fries using Duck Fat

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Active time: 10 min
Total time: 1 hr 20 min

Duck Fat French Fries Ingredients

• 5 medium Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and peeled
• 2 tablespoons duck fat, melted, divided
• Flaky sea salt
• Minced parsley, for garnish

How to Make Duck Fat French Fries in an Air Fryer

1. Cut potatoes lengthwise into ¼-inch thick matchsticks. Add to a large bowl and cover with cold water; let sit 30 minutes. Drain potatoes and pat dry.
2. Place half the potatoes in a shallow bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon duck fat; liberally sprinkle with flaky salt.
3. Set air fryer to 370°F. Place potatoes in basket in a flat, even layer and fry 10 minutes.
4. Flip potatoes and fry 8 to 10 minutes more, or until golden and crisp.
5. Repeat process with remaining potatoes. Serve immediately with parsley sprinkled on top.

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Air-Fried Duck Fat French Fries Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 6 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1/6 of recipe
Calories	≈ 115 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 17 g
Sugar	≈ 3 g
Fiber	≈ 2 g
Fat	≈ 5 g

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Variations & Tips for French Fries

• Cut size variation: Try thicker steak-cut fries or wedges instead of matchsticks and adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Herb finish: Toss fries with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley after cooking for aromatic lift.
• Spice it up: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, or truffle salt to the seasoning for extra complexity.
• Double-fry trick (air fryer hack): Do a short “pre-fry” at lower temperature, then finish at higher heat to maximize crispiness.
• Alternate fats: Use goose fat or chicken schmaltz for a different poultry-rendered flavor if duck fat isn’t available.
• Batch keeping: Keep cooked fries warm in a 200 °F oven while finishing the second batch so everything arrives crisp together.
• Serve immediately: They’ll lose crispness over time, so serve right off the fryer for best texture.

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Best French Fry Pairings

• Steak or grilled meats: Duck fat fries are a showy side to hearty proteins like ribeye, pork chop, or lamb.
• Classic dipping sauces: Try aioli, garlic mayo, ketchup, or spicy mustard as companions.
• Burgers and sandwiches: Especially juicy or gourmet burgers — these fries match the high end with flavor.
• Salads or slaws: A crisp, tangy salad (coleslaw, cabbage, or green mix) brings balance.
• Roasted vegetables: A vegetable side (e.g. Brussels sprouts, asparagus) complements the richness.
• Craft beer or robust red wine: A drink that can stand up to the richness of duck fat fries.

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When to Make French Fries

• Game nights & casual entertaining: These fries are elevated but familiar — perfect finger food.
• Gourmet burger nights: Swap regular fries for these as a step up in flavor.
• Holiday leftovers or side dish upgrades: Serve alongside roast meats for an elevated touch.
• Chef demo or cooking classes: A fun recipe to show how simple techniques and key ingredients make a difference.
• Outdoor grilling parties: Pair with barbecued meats, grilled vegetables, and laid-back flavors.
• Comfort food nights: When you want something crispy, indulgent, and flavorful alongside your main dish.

Recipe by Megan Mitchell