Name: Easy Air Fryer French Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium potatoes); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Jump to Recipe

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish enjoyed by many, but they can be time-consuming and messy to make using traditional frying methods. Enter the air fryer—a game-changer for anyone craving crispy, golden fries without the need for excessive oil or deep frying. This recipe for Easy Air Fryer French Fries delivers perfectly crispy and delicious fries in a fraction of the time it takes to make them traditionally. The air fryer cooks the fries to a crisp, golden brown with just a small amount of olive oil, allowing you to indulge without the guilt of deep-frying. Whether you’re serving them alongside a burger, chicken, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these air fryer fries will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Simple to prepare with only a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The result? Fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor—just like the ones you’d get at your favorite fast-food restaurant, but healthier and homemade!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Texture with Less Oil

The air fryer creates fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, all while using significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.

2. Quick and Easy

With minimal prep and cooking time, these fries are a fast and easy option for a satisfying snack or side dish.

3. Healthier Option

By using only a tablespoon of olive oil, you can enjoy crispy fries without the added fat and calories from deep-frying.

4. Customizable Seasoning

You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding extra spices or herbs to make the fries your own.

5. Minimal Clean-up

Air frying requires less mess than deep frying, making clean-up a breeze after preparing these tasty fries.

Ingredients

Russet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika

Variations

Sweet Potato Fries: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more colorful version of fries.
Cheese Fries: After air frying, top with shredded cheese and return to the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
Spicy Fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Herb Fries: Sprinkle with dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Loaded Fries: Top with bacon, sour cream, chives, and cheese for a loaded French fry experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the russet potatoes (if desired). Cut them into even-sized fries, making sure they are not too thick to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

To remove excess starch and help achieve a crispy texture, soak the cut fries in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and pat the fries dry with a towel.

Step 3: Season the Fries

In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure all the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot when you add the fries.

Step 5: Air Fry the Fries

Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the fries from the air fryer and serve immediately. Feel free to add additional salt or seasoning to taste.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the fries are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Shake the Basket: Shake or toss the fries halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of your fries and the model of your air fryer, cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning.
For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer your fries extra crispy, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired crispness.

How to Serve

These air fryer French fries are perfect on their own as a quick snack, or as a side dish alongside burgers, sandwiches, chicken, or grilled meats. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

Freezing

To freeze, place the uncooked fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, simply air fry them from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fries, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I make air fryer French fries with skin on?

Yes, you can leave the skin on for extra texture and flavor, just be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting.

2. How do I make fries crispier in the air fryer?

To make fries extra crispy, ensure they are well-coated in oil, don’t overcrowd the basket, and shake the fries halfway through cooking.

3. Can I use other types of potatoes?

While russet potatoes work best for fries due to their starch content, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture.

4. Can I cook frozen fries in the air fryer?

Yes, frozen fries can be cooked in the air fryer. Just cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

5. Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?

Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which leads to crispier fries, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

6. How long does it take to cook French fries in the air fryer?

Cooking time typically ranges from 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but it depends on the size and thickness of your fries.

7. Can I make these fries without olive oil?

You can use another oil like vegetable or canola oil, but olive oil gives a nice flavor to the fries.

8. Can I season the fries after cooking?

Yes, you can season the fries after they’re cooked if you prefer a lighter seasoning or want to experiment with different flavors.

9. How can I make the fries spicier?

To make the fries spicier, add more paprika, garlic powder, or even cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

10. Can I cook other items in the air fryer at the same time?

You can cook other items in the air fryer, but be sure to consider the cooking times and avoid overcrowding to ensure all food items cook evenly.

Conclusion

These Easy Air Fryer French Fries are the perfect way to enjoy crispy, golden fries without the mess and excess oil of traditional frying. Simple to make and customizable with your favorite seasonings, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for any meal or snack. With minimal effort and a quick cook time, you can enjoy a healthier and just-as-delicious version of everyone’s favorite comfort food!