Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly crunchy, Air Fryer French Fries deliver all the indulgence of classic fries with a fraction of the oil. These fries come out perfectly cooked every time, ideal for snacking, sides, or party platters.
Using just a few simple ingredients, Air Fryer French Fries are easy to customize with herbs, spices, and sauces. Whether you prefer them salted and simple or boldly seasoned, they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
Must-Have Ingredients for the Crispiest Air Fryer French Fries
- Russet potatoes – Their starchy texture guarantees fries that are fluffy inside and golden crisp outside.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – A light drizzle ensures even browning and that irresistible crunch without excessive grease.
- Sea salt – Essential for enhancing the natural flavors and giving the fries their classic, savory taste.
Optional flavor boosts:
- Fresh herbs or chili powder – Perfect for adding a pop of color and extra layers of flavor.
- Ketchup, mustard, or chipotle sauce – Dip-ready options to suit any craving.
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries: A Quick Look
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. While it heats, slice your russet potatoes into thin, even sticks, about ¼-inch thick.
Toss the sliced potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a good sprinkle of sea salt, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, keeping space between each fry for the ultimate crispiness.
Air fry the fries for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. If they need a bit more crunch, simply add a few extra minutes until they reach golden perfection.
Once all batches are cooked, toss them back into the air fryer for a quick final warm-up and crisp session, just 1 to 2 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite dips and seasonings.
Tips & Tricks for Fry Perfection
For the best Air Fryer French Fries, slice your potatoes as evenly as possible. Thinner fries will cook faster and become crispier, while thicker ones stay softer inside.
Avoid overcrowding the basket; this small step makes a huge difference in achieving even crispiness. Work in batches if necessary—it’s worth it!
Experiment with flavor combinations! Toss finished fries with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even Parmesan cheese for a delicious twist.
Different air fryer models vary in cooking times, so keep a close eye on your first batch and adjust as needed for your specific machine.
Storing & Reheating Your Fries Like a Pro
To keep your Air Fryer French Fries fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 380°F for about 3 to 5 minutes, which revives their original crispiness much better than a microwave.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the fries can lose their signature texture. It’s best to enjoy them fresh whenever possible!
Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients
- Sea salt to taste
- Ketchup mustard, mayonnaise, or chipotle sauce, for serving (optional)
- Fresh herbs chili powder, or chipotle powder, for seasoning (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 2 russet potatoes cut into 1/4-inch sticks
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly drizzle the potato sticks with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle them generously with sea salt, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single, non-overlapping layer, preparing to cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they achieve a crisp and golden texture. If the fries are not sufficiently crisp at 15 minutes, continue cooking in short increments until the desired doneness is reached. After all batches are cooked, return all the fries to the air fryer basket together and air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to rewarm and crisp any fries that have cooled. Garnish with your choice of fresh herbs, spices, and serve alongside preferred dips.
Notes
To prepare in an oven, roast the potato sticks at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Note that oven-baked fries will not be as crispy as those prepared in an air fryer. For an alternative, you might enjoy trying a roasted potatoes recipe.