Super easy to make and wonderfully crispy, these Air Fryer French Fries are a must-try. Using an air fryer delivers golden, crunchy fries with far less oil than traditional deep frying. They’re simple to prepare from scratch and taste even better than store-bought fries.
Making homemade fries is easier than you think. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a batch of crispy fries in about 30 minutes. These air-fried fries are crisp on the outside and tender inside while being a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer French Fries
- Simple ingredients. You only need potatoes and basic seasonings, so it’s easy to make with what you have on hand.
- Kid-friendly and easy. The recipe is straightforward enough to involve kids in rinsing, cutting, and seasoning the potatoes.
- Delicious and customizable. They turn out crispy and flavorful, and you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need
- Russet potatoes
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Olive oil spray
How To Make French Fries in the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the potatoes: Slice potatoes into fry shapes about 1/4 inch thick. Place the cut potatoes in ice-cold water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Season: Toss the dried potato slices in a bowl with salt, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces so air can circulate. Work in batches if needed. Lightly spray with olive oil and air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Shake or flip halfway through if your air fryer model recommends it.
- Serve: Remove fries, garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite dry seasoning, and enjoy hot.
Tips and Notes
- Scrub potatoes well if leaving the skin on, then dry thoroughly. Excess moisture prevents crisping.
- Air fryer models vary; check doneness around the 12-minute mark and adjust time as needed.
- If russets aren’t available, Yukon Golds make a good substitute.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate and crisp each fry. Cook in batches if required.
- Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, garlic sauce, or spicy mayo—fries pair well with most sauces.
FAQs
Soaking removes surface starch, which helps fries crisp more effectively in the air fryer. You can soak longer if you have the time.
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes or until hot; this restores crispness better than a microwave.
Try cajun seasoning, dried herbs, Italian seasoning, truffle salt, grated Parmesan, flavored salts, or nutritional yeast. Get creative—fries take many flavor profiles well.
You can blanch and freeze raw-cut fries, but these are best freshly made for optimal texture and flavor.
More Delicious Side Dishes
- Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Cheesy Potato Stacks
I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer French Fries recipe. If you make it, share it with friends and family—these fries are an easy crowd-pleaser.
Crispy Air fryer French Fries
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed well, skin on
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika (for color)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice potatoes into fries about 1/4 inch thick.
- Soak the cut potatoes in ice-cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Toss potatoes with salt, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Work in batches if necessary.
- Spray lightly with olive oil and air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Remove, garnish if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking to ensure crispiness.
- Check fries a few minutes before the end of the cook time, as air fryer performance varies.
- Yukon Gold potatoes can be used if russets are not available.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so the fries crisp evenly.
- Pair with ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, garlic sauce, or spicy mayo.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 40 g |
Protein: 5 g |
Fat: 1 g |
Sodium: 490 mg |
Potassium: 914 mg |
Fiber: 3 g