Ripple Fries – Sweetgreen Copycat

If you’ve seen the viral ripple fries from Sweetgreen all over TikTok, you definitely already know how much everyone is loving them. But what if I told you that you could make them at home in your air fryer with just a few pantry staples and no deep frying? So you can skip the trip to Sweetgreen and stay in. Theyre’ super crispy, golden, and seasoned just right—there’s no way you can stop at one. These fries are homemade, extra crispy, and even better than the original. Once you try them, you’re going to want to make a batch every week.

The Tool That Makes the Magic: Crinkle Cutter 101

To get that signature ripple look, you need a crinkle cutter. It’s the key to achieving those ridges that not only look so satisfying but also make the fries crispier. The waves give more surface area to brown and hold onto seasonings, so every bite has flavor and crunch.

If you don’t have one already, they’re super easy to find. Just search for “crinkle cutter” or “wavy knife” online or check your local kitchen store. Make sure to grab one with a sturdy handle and a sharp blade. You don’t want it slipping around while you’re cutting. Some versions are even designed with a wider blade for slicing larger vegetables, which works great for fries.

Option #1: Crinkle Cutter Tool

This is the tool that I used and the link is below! It works so well and cuts easily. It comes in a set of two so one for you and one for a friend!

• Link: https://rstyle.me/+80nNnpJnqmTNtHjZokCJYg

Option #2: Mandollin with Crinkle Blade

If you already have a mandollin at home, a lot of them come with 2 to 3 different blade options, one of them being a crinkle cutter. Just pop that on and you don’t need to purcahse any extra tools for this. This is the mandollin I own and love!

• Link: https://rstyle.me/+BeJUEwb0T3yXShG_fjjO1w

Prepping the Potatoes for Maximum Crispiness

Start with russet potatoes—they’re starchy, cook up fluffy on the inside, and perfect for fries. You’ll need about 1.5 pounds, which is usually two medium-large potatoes. First, wash them well and then slice each one using your crinkle cutter. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick or slightly less. If they’re too thick, they’ll take longer. Too thin, and they might burn before the insides cook through or turn out too crispy that now you made potato chips. Still delicious but not what we’re going for!

Once they’re all cut, place the fries into a big bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This step is so important. It pulls out the extra starch, which helps them get that amazing crisp in the air fryer.

After soaking, drain the water and dry the fries really well. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat each one dry. Moisture is the enemy here. If they’re even a little wet, they’ll steam instead of crisp.

Seasoning and Tossing: The Secret Ingredient

Once your fries are dry, toss them in a bowl with avocado oil, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch is the secret that takes the crispiness to another level. It lightly coats the fries and gives them that crunchy exterior without needing to deep fry. Avocado oil works great for high-heat cooking but you can use any neutral oil you like such as peanut oil, vegetable, canola, etc.

Feel free to add any other seasonings you like whether it’s paprika or maybe garlic and onion powder. I personally like to keep fries simple so I’m just addding salt and black pepper.

Make sure the fries are fully coated and nothing’s clumping. Ising your hands works best to get every piece evenly seasoned. Ensure there are no dry bits of cornstarch clinging to any parts of the fries. You can also spray them lightly with more avocado oil once they’re in the air fryer if they look a little dry partway through.

Cooking in the Air Fryer: Basket or Oven Style

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F. Depending on your air fryer, you may need a lower or higher temp. I have two types of air-fryers and have noticed timing and temp differs between the two so let’s get into it.

Basket-Style Air Fryer:

• Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket, with a little space between them.
• If your basket tends to stick, spray the basket with avocado oil as well before adding the potatoes in.
• Don’t overcrowd—if you have to do it in batches, it’s worth it! Two potatoes will most likely need 2 batches minimum. For only 1 batch, half the recipe for one potato only.
• Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spray with more oil if they look dry at any point.
• 375°F works better in basket-style as it tends to run stronger and hotter.

Oven-Style Air Fryer:

• Lay the fries out on a wire rack with a tray underneath in a single layer.
• Spray the wire rack with avocado oil to prevent any sticking before adding potatoes in.
• Pop the tray in and rotate it halfway through cooking and flip over each fry.
• Keep an eye on them toward the end—some spots might cook faster than others.
• I found 400°F worked better than 375°F in my Our Place oven-style air fryer as it tends to not run as strong.

In both cases, they’re done when the edges are golden brown and rippled, and the insides are tender. If you like them extra crispy, leave them in for a couple more minutes but watch closely so they don’t burn.

Serve and Snack Away

As soon as they come out of the air fryer, sprinkle a little extra salt and black pepper if you like. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional, chopped chives. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup, garlic mayo, chipotle aioli, ranch… whatever you’re into. Or honestly? Just eat them straight from the tray while they’re still warm and crispy. They’re that good.

Whether you’re making them as a snack, a side, or just because you’re craving fries, this Sweetgreen-inspired version will hit every time. And the best part? No deep frying, no greasy mess—just crispy perfection straight from your air fryer.

Craving More Potatoes? Try These Recipes Out!

• Twice Baked Breakfast Potatoes
• Extra Crispy Sweet Potato French Fries
• The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Potato Tacos
• KFC Bowl Style Loaded Baked Potato
• Homemade Potato Chips

If you tried this recipe and loved it, drop by down below and let me know how you liked it with a rating and comment! Feel free to also leave a question there about this recipe and I’ll get right back to it.

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