Looking for a super easy and tasty side? Try these Air Fryer French Fries! It's easy, tasty, and way healthier than deep fried fries (like those you get from fast food places or restaurants!)
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Air Fryer French Fries vs Oven French Fries
Air fryer creates a crispier French fry with a softer interior than ovens. It also takes a lot less time. You don't need to use a lot of oil compared to oven baked. However, depending on the size of your air fryer you may not be ale to make as much quantity as you would be in an oven. The other pro to oven is if you are cooking multiple things in the oven, then you can just cook everything together at once.
Seasoning Ideas
This french fry recipe is super customizeable. I'm showing you how to make it with just salt, but during the seasoning step, you can totally switch it up! Here are some ideas:
- Salt and pepper - This is the most basic, if dipping sauce is your main point, try this so it doesn't distract the flavor from the dipping sauce. Another thing I love doing is adding white pepper instead of black pepper - this gives it a different type of flavor also!
- Garlic powder - I pretty much always use garlic salt so garlic powder is built in to my salt. What can I say I love the taste of garlic. I do recommend adding this if you aren't using garlic salt like me.
- Onion powder - If you're more of an onion fan you can add onion powder also. OR why not all of the above!
- Paprika - Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers. It'll add a slight sweetness and smokiness, I do add this quite often also.
- Italian seasoning - Let's go for a theme by using this blend of herbs! This usually entails oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
- Cajun seasoning - LOVE this idea. Cajun food is so flavorful! This blend usually includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and more. And if you like your fries with a kick, this is great option too. My favorite is Tony Chachere's! You can find this mix in most grocery stores and also on Amazon.
- Five spice seasoning - Five spice is a Chinese blend, and it consists of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds. You can buy this as ONE spice. I buy mine in my local Asian supermarket but you can find it often in other places now too like Whole Foods and maybe even Publix, and definitely on Amazon.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Let's not forget the dipping sauce! Obviously you don't NEED it, for example, my mom and my boyfriend both do not like their fries with ketchup. HOWEVER, I love a good dipping sauce with my fries. Here are some ideas:
- Ketchup - standard but always a winner.
- Ranch - I absolutely love dipping my fries in ranch. However, wow homemade or restaurant made ranch is soooo much better than store bought!
- Garlic Aioli - Mayonnaise flavored with garlic! As I already mentioned, I LOVE GARLIC, so yes, this sounds delightful.
- Chipotle Mayo - Mayonnaise with added chipotle peppers for a smoky and spicy kick.
- Sriracha Ketchup - I do this all the time! I add sriracha to my ketchup, and MAN it gives it such a delicious boost!
- Sriracha Mayo: If mayo is your thing, you can also try mayo mixed with sriracha sauce for a sweet, tangy, and spicy combination. They actually also sell Sriracha mayo in a bottle pre made too!
- Cheese Sauce: Melted cheese of your choice (for example, cheddar) for cheese lovers.
How to make Air Fryer French Fries (Step by Step)
First, gather your ingredients:
- 2 Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt, to taste
- Other seasonings (optional, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
Wash and dry your potatoes. You can remove the potato skin with a peeler if you prefer. Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks. I do this by slicing them first, and then lay them down and slice again. Aim for around ¼-inch thickness for fries.
If you want it to be crispier, you will want to soak the fries (optional). Soak the fries in cold water for 15-30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which can help them crisp up more. Pat to dry. (I usually am lazy and skip this step LOL.)
Now add olive oil, and season the fries with salt, and any other seasonings you may want. Toss to coat evenly.
Try to spread the fries out in a single layer with some space between each one in air fryer.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them and cook until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from air fryer and serve! Perhaps with your favorite fries dipping sauce!
Storage & Reheat
- Storage: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing: You can also freeze them! Lay fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for about 1 month.
- Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp again. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can-it makes the fries soft.
FAQ
Do I have to soak the fries in water?
Nope! Soaking helps remove excess starch so the fries get crispier, but it's optional. If you're short on time (or lazy like me sometimes), you can skip it and still get tasty results.
What type of potato is best?
Russet potatoes are the classic choice because they crisp up well. Yukon Gold works too if you like a creamier interior.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes, dry them really well, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket-give them space to crisp up.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you'll need to cook in batches so the fries aren't overcrowded. That way, they crisp up instead of steaming.
Air Fryer French Fries
Crispy, golden Air Fryer French Fries made with just potatoes, oil, and seasoning! A healthier and quicker alternative to deep-fried or oven-baked fries. Perfect as a side or snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, five spice
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Wash and dry potatoes. Peel if preferred. Slice into ¼-inch thick fries.
- (Optional) Soak fries in cold water for 15–30 minutes to remove starch. Drain and pat dry.
- Toss fries with olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are best for crispiness, but Yukon Golds work too.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crispiness, don’t skip soaking and drying well.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity, & High Gloss Finish, Grey -
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly, Kosher Cooking Spray for Baking, High-Heat Cooking and Frying (6 oz, 2 Pack)
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ZOE Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 Liter Tin (Pack Of 2)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: ½ of plateAmount Per Serving: Calories: 308Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1952mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
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