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Air Fryer Carolina Reaper Fries with Sweet Heat Honey

Cornstarch-coated russet fries air fried crisp, dusted with Carolina Reaper powder after cooking, and drizzled with a light sweet-heat honey.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the fries
  • 2 large russet potatoes cut into 1/4 to 1/3-inch fries
  • 1.5 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to finish
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp Carolina Reaper powder added after cooking
  • black pepper
For the sweet heat honey
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp melted butter optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Soak the cut fries in cold water 20 to 30 minutes, then drain and pat very dry.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Toss the fries with the oil, then the cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper until faintly dusty.
  3. Cook in batches in a snug single layer 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until deep golden.
  4. Toss the hot fries with the Reaper powder and a pinch of salt — never during the cook, it scorches.
  5. Warm the honey with the lemon juice and butter and drizzle lightly over the fries.

Notes

Start with 1/8 teaspoon Reaper powder — you can add, you can't take away.
Spice after cooking: high heat scorches superhot chili powder into bitterness.
Glaze light — a shimmer, not a syrup bath.