Crispy and delicious, these air fryer fries are quick and easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a healthier version that tastes better than restaurant french fries in your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes!
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✔️ Quick Recipe Overview
Why This French Fries Recipe Is So Good: These fries are incredibly savory and delicious! It requires minimal effort or mess to make and they contain a lot less fat than the fast food and restaurant version.
How Long It Takes: 28 minutes
Equipment You'll Need: air fryer, knife or mandoline
These french fries that are made in the air fryer are hands down "better than french fries at a restaurant". Those are my son's words, not mine. But he's not wrong. I was honestly shocked at how good these turned out. When you make air fryer french fries, it takes the texture and flavor to a whole new level. They have a crispy texture and are soft and velvety on the inside. And these french fries are simple to make!
ℹ️ Here's Exactly Why This Recipe Works
1. This air fryer french fries recipe is loaded with incredible savory flavors.
2. Made with hardly any oil, this is a healthy recipe. And these french fries are irresistible!
3. They are simple to prep, quick to make, and great for leftovers. You can even freeze this french fry recipe and air fry them when you are ready to enjoy!
📢 What You Need To Know
When was the last time you looked at the ingredients on the back of a bag of frozen french fries? They are made with potatoes and some type of not-so-healthy oil. But you'll also see ingredients such as dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and annatto color. Those are all chemical additives. Fast food restaurant french fries are even worse containing at least 4 different types of unhealthy oils, beef flavor, hydrolyzed wheat and milk, citric acid, dextrose, dimethylpolysiloxane, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and so many other ingredients I can't pronounce.
I absolutely love french fries but if I can't pronounce the ingredient or am not sure of what it is, I'm not eating it. Food tastes way too good on its own without a bunch of added chemicals. When I learned just how unhealthy processed french fries are, I started making my own version. And these air fryer french fries are so much healthier when made using this cooking method!
The air fryer is an amped up convection oven that works by circulating hot air around food. From there, it transforms the food into crispy yumminess. It delivers the results of deep frying with only hot air and a tiny amount of oil. For example, the crispiness of these air fryer breaded chicken thighs are unbelievable. One would never think this type of texture could be obtained unless a deep fryer was used. When I make this pecan crusted chicken in the air fryer, the breading turns golden brown and crispy without all the grease! And these fries are no different. Crunchy and crisp, these are the best french fries!
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
The french fries ingredients are simple and contain spices and seasonings that are probably already in your spice rack. Using a healthy oil that has a high smoke point is key to getting that crispy texture. Avocado oil is a heart healthy oil and works well with this recipe. All it takes is 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to cover 4 cut potatoes. And, the oil helps to evenly spread the seasoning across the fries. The french fry seasoning recipe consists of garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, and ground pepper. If you link a hint of onion, add in some onion powder for extra flavor. A few simple ingredients will go a long way when making the best air fries without the mess and grease of the classic deep fried version.
📋 How To Make Air Fryer French Fries
Learning how to make french fries is so easy when you are using an air fryer. It's even easier than making them in the oven! Start by peeling the potatoes.
Expert Tip: Some prefer all the peelings removed while others like a small amount of peeling left on the potato. And then some like all the peelings left on. The air fryer french fries will turn out great regardless of how you peel them or don't peel them. Although, they will turn out slightly more crispy if the peeling is left on.
Using either a sharp knife or a mandoline, cut the potatoes into strips, about ¼ inch-thick. Put the cut potatoes in a colander and thoroughly rinse for 1-2 minutes.
Important Note! Some like to soak the cut potatoes in water before air frying. I've tested both methods of just rinsing the potatoes and soaking them for 30 minutes and I can't tell a big difference either way. If you're in a hurry, rinse them for 1-2 minutes under running water. If you want to soak them, do it. Excess starch is being removed regardless of the method you use.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, ground pepper, seasoning salt, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
Next, put the cut potatoes, avocado oil, and seasoning mixture in a gallon size plastic bag. Seal and shake the bag well until the cut potatoes are well coated and evenly combined.
From there, place the seasoned cut potatoes into the basket ensuring they are spread evenly and not overlapping. Work in batches if needed. If they are too close together, air can't circulate and they won't get crispy. Put the air fryer basket back in and close.
Set the temperature to 400°F. Then, set the timer to 18 minutes and press the power button. Open the basket a couple of times during the cooking process to stir the fries around with a pair of tongs or spatula. This helps ensure the air fryer french fries crisp up evenly on both sides. It's also good to check the fries often near the end of the cooking cycle to see how brown they’re getting. When the timer goes off, remove the basket. Wait 5 minutes before serving and then top with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.
These are crispy and crunchy just like you get at your favorite restaurant without all the oil, additives, and preservatives. Absolutely irresistible, you'll find yourself making these over and over again!
🥔 Best Potatoes To Use
Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, make the best baked potatoes and they also work extremely well when making these fries. They have a rich flavor and do a great job expanding just enough on the inside while leaving the outside of the fries perfectly crisp. They are high in starch and perfect when baking potatoes or when you want to make homemade mashed potatoes.
Yukon Golds have more of a waxy surface and work well for roasting and mashing. They are my go-to potato when making these roasted potatoes with Italian dressing. While they hold up ok, russets do better!
New potatoes are too small and way too creamy in texture for making air fryer french fries. They work best for boiling, roasting, or smoking. They work really well when making roasted potatoes in the crock pot and they also work exceptionally well when making smoked new potatoes.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
While the instructions advise to air fry for 18 minutes, it's important to adjust the cooking time as needed. Not all machines are the same. Some prefer them done at the 14 minute mark. I like them done at 18 minutes. My husband likes them done at the 20 minute mark so they become extra crispy. Don't be afraid to adjust the cooking time to get the texture you prefer.
You'll know they are done when they are a light golden brown in color. The texture should be crispy on the outside and the center should be soft and velvety.
You can cut and season the potatoes ahead of time and freeze until you're ready to make them! Set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket and gently turn the fries. Cook until desired crispiness is reached.
Set the temperature to 350°F. Place the leftover fries in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until they reach the desired crispiness.
💭 Expert Tips
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer when making this recipe.
- The type of oil used matters. I use avocado oil because not only is it extremely healthy, but it does well in high heat. Olive oil and grape seed oil also work well. A good quality oil will produce the best results. If you have a flavor infused oil, use it to help intensify the flavors.
- For average size fries, cut them ¼ inch thick. For steak fries, cut them ½ inch thick. The thicker the cut, the longer it will take to cook.
- Keep the seasoned fries warm until ready to serve. Set the oven to 200°F to keep them warm and crisp on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- The most simple way to top these fries is with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. We also like to turn these into chili cheese fries using this southwest chili. My daughter likes to melt mozzarella cheese on top with diced green peppers. The variations are endless!
- These can be made ahead of time by cutting the potatoes, soaking the potatoes, and then storing them in water in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. When you're ready to make them, drain the water, rinse, and dry them well with paper towels. From there, continue with the recipe as written.
- You can also freeze the uncooked seasoned fries for up to 3 months. When ready to make, put the frozen french fries in the basket and cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
🍽️ More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
When it comes to making crispy and healthy "fried foods", I immediately get out this amazing kitchen gadget. Crispy chickpeas made in the air fryer are my favorite snack! These are flavorful, delicious, and done in less than 30 minutes. This gluten free cornflake chicken is golden brown, crispy, and full of flavor. With this recipe, dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes! If you're looking for even more options, check out these 13 air fryer recipes that are easy!
Dipping Sauces: Serve these fries with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, bbq sauce, and ketchup. If you like french fries dipped in mayonnaise, try dipping them in this homemade aioli I use when making this chicken baguette recipe. We're talking amazingly delicious!
Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Idaho potatoes, (also called russet)
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and then cut the potato lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Rinse the cut potatoes under running water in a colander for 1-2 minutes. Dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, ground pepper, seasoning salt, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
- Next, put the cut potatoes, avocado oil, and seasoning mixture in a gallon size plastic bag or large bowl. Seal and shake the bag until the cut potatoes are well coated and evenly combined.
- Place the seasoned cut potatoes into the basket ensuring they are spread evenly and not overlapping. Work in batches if needed. Put the basket back in the air fryer and close.
- Manually set the temperature to 400°F. Then, set the cook time to 18 minutes and press the power button.
- Open the basket a couple of times during the cooking process to stir the fries around with a pair of tongs. This helps ensure the fries crispy evenly on both sides.
- When the timer goes off, remove the pan. Wait 5 minutes before serving and then top with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer when making this recipe.
- The type of oil used matters. I use avocado oil because not only is it extremely healthy, but it does well in high heat. Olive oil and grape seed oil also work well. A good quality oil will produce the best results. If you have a flavor infused oil, use it to help intensify the flavors.
- Can you skip soaking the potatoes? Yes. Some prefer to soak the freshly cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes or longer. This helps remove some of the starch which will result in a crispier texture. However, thoroughly rinsing them in cold water for 1-2 minutes also helps reduce some of the starch.
- For average size fries, cut them ¼ inch thick. For steak fries, cut them ½ inch thick. The thicker the cut, the longer it will take to cook.
- Keep the seasoned fries warm until ready to serve. Set the oven to 200°F to keep them warm and crisp on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- The most simple way to top these fries is with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- These can be made ahead of time by cutting the potatoes, soaking the potatoes, and then storing them in the water in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. When you're ready to make them, drain the water, rinse, and dry them well with paper towels. From there, continue with the recipe as written.
- You can also freeze the uncooked seasoned fries for up to 3 months. When ready to make, put the frozen french fries in the basket and cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in April 2019, but was republished with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and tips in August, 2022.
Tammy
I'm obsessed with my air fryer and making fresh fries without the guilt! These look delicious 😀
Amanda Mason
Yep - guiltless and restaurant quality! These are so amazing!!
Kayla DiMaggio
These air fryer french fries are perfect! So delicious!
Marie
These fries come out so perfectly golden and crispy, they really hit the spot! Loved that sprinkle of parmesan on top.
Amanda Mason
Glad you love them! They do come out amazing every time!!