Let’s talk about one of the easiest and tastiest snacks ever—French fries! But we’re not talking about the deep-fried kind. Nope, we’re making air fried French fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and soooo much healthier. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate air fryer potato recipes, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re new to the world of air fryers or a pro looking for the best homemade fries in an air fryer, this recipe is a must-try. From air fry French fries fresh to homemade French fries that taste like they’re from a restaurant, you’ll love how easy it is to make perfect potato fries in an air fryer.
This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about how to make French fries in an air fryer—including tips for getting them extra crispy. It’s one of my all-time favorite airfryer recipes, and trust me, you’ll be hooked!
So, whether you call them fried potatoes in an air fryer, homemade fries in an air fryer, or just the best air fryer French fries ever, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!). Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 medium-sized russet potatoes (you can use other types, but these work best!)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more, if you love salty fries like me!)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (totally optional, but it adds a little zing)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor—it’s optional too)
- A pinch of black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
First, peel your potatoes—or don’t! Leaving the skin on gives them that rustic vibe, and honestly, I’m too lazy to peel sometimes. Slice the potatoes into sticks about ¼ inch thick. Try to make them all the same size so they cook evenly. Nobody likes half-burnt, half-soggy fries.
Step 2: Soak ‘Em
Here’s a little trick I learned: soak the potato sticks in a big bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Why? It helps get rid of the starch, which makes your fries crispier. If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-minute soak is better than nothing.
Step 3: Dry, Dry, Dry
Drain the potatoes and pat them super dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Don’t skip this step, okay? Wet potatoes = sad, soggy fries.
Step 4: Season the Fries
Now for the fun part. Toss the potato sticks in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and a little black pepper. Make sure every fry gets coated in that deliciousness.
Step 5: Air Fry Like a Pro
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Some models don’t need preheating, so check your manual. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! If you have a lot of fries, cook them in batches.
Step 6: Cook ‘Em Up
Air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they cook evenly. If you want them extra crispy, let them go for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Devour
When the fries are golden and crispy, take them out and sprinkle a little more salt on top if you like. Serve them hot with ketchup, mayo, or whatever dip you’re obsessed with. (For me, it’s garlic mayo all the way!)
A Few Tips From My Kitchen:
- Double Fry = Double Crispy: If you’re feeling fancy, you can double-cook the fries. Start at 320°F (160°C) for 10 minutes, then crank it up to 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes. They’ll be next-level crispy!
- Customize Your Flavor: After cooking, toss the fries in fun seasonings like chili lime, parmesan, or even ranch powder. Get creative!
- Reheat Like a Champ: Got leftovers? (Unlikely, I know.) Pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes, and they’ll taste fresh again.
FAQs About Air Fried French Fries
Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?
Yes! Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which makes the fries crispier. If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-minute soak will make a difference.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes are the best for crispy fries, but Yukon Gold potatoes also work great if you like a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes are another delicious option!
Why aren’t my fries crispy?
There are a few possible reasons:
The potatoes weren’t dried thoroughly after soaking.
The air fryer basket was overcrowded. Cook in batches to allow proper air circulation.
The temperature wasn’t high enough. Make sure your air fryer is set to at least 375°F (190°C).
How do I reheat leftover fries?
Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. They’ll come out hot and crispy again!
Do air fryer French fries taste the same as deep-fried ones?
They’re super close! Air fryer fries are crispy and delicious without the heavy grease. If you season them well, you might not even notice the difference.
Air Fryer Classic French Fries Recipe Card
Air Fryer Classic French Fries
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Potatoes
- Peel (or don’t!) and slice potatoes into ¼-inch sticks. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
Soak the Potatoes
- Soak the potato sticks in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them completely dry.
Season the Fries
- Toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper until well coated.
Air Fry the Fries
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Serve
- Once crispy and golden, remove the fries and sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dips!
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches for best results.
- To reheat leftovers, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
And there you have it—perfectly golden, crispy air fried French fries made right at home! This recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for simple and delicious air fryer potato recipes that deliver on both flavor and texture. Whether you’re making homemade air fryer French fries for a family snack, a game-night treat, or a side dish for dinner, this is one of the easiest airfryer recipes to keep in your back pocket.
The beauty of this method is how versatile it is. From classic fried potatoes in an air fryer to more creative takes like seasoned wedges or sweet potato fries, the possibilities with air fryer recipes are endless. Plus, with just a little oil, you can make the best homemade fries in an air fryer—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.
So, the next time you’re craving potato fries in an air fryer, give this French fries recipe air fryer style a go. Trust me, you’ll love the simplicity of air fry potatoes recipes, and your taste buds will thank you for the freshness of air fry French fries fresh. Once you know how to make French fries in an air fryer, you’ll never look at frozen fries the same way again!
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with crispy, delicious air fryer French fries!
