Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

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Honestly, there are few things better than salty, steaming, crispy french fries from scratch. And these are the best air fryer french fries. They’re crispy outside and fluffy inside and my entire family just loves them. Yours will too!

Making fresh homemade fries in the air fryer is my new favorite obsession.

During testing, I made all kinds of fries using various methods: Soaking and not soaking, Double frying and single frying. And after numerous tests (and a lot of ketchup) I’ve figured out exactly how to air fry french fries so that they’re crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

There’s minimal prep work, and this recipe doesn’t require hours of soaking or planning ahead. The results are deliciously crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside spuds.

These air fryer fries are the perfect solution for when you’re looking for a side dish that are kid (and potato loving husband approved)! They’re a healthier option to deep frying or store bought frozen fries, and I know exactly what’s in these: potatoes, a little oil, and salt.

You’re going to be as obsessed as I am with this easy and delicious air fryer french fry recipe. Thankfully, french fries go with everything!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Air Fryer French Fries

• It’s a ridiculously easy recipe
• Perfect fries that are crispy on the outside fluffy on the inside
• Healthier fries with a fraction of the oil than deep fried
• No messy cleanup like with a deep fryer
• Perfect side dish that goes with so many options
• Everyone loves french fries!

Ingredients

This simple recipe requires only 3 basic ingredients.

• Russet potatoes – Russet potatoes are the best for this recipe
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil– I like using avocado oil or olive oil here because they can handle the higher heat and longer cook time needed to get these fries nice and crisp in the air fryer. They also have the best flavor, without leaving the fries tasting heavy or greasy.
• Salt – I use coarse Kosher salt for this recipe, but you can use table salt if that’s what you have on hand. After frying, you can add more salt if needed.
• Air Fryer – I have a 6qt Instant Vortex basket style air fryer, which will hold this size batch of french fries. Air fryer models are all different, so you may need to cook in batches depending on what size air fryer you have.

How to Make Fries In The Air Fryer

Follow these instructions for the best air fryer french fries.

Step 1

Wash and scrub the potatoes really well and cut them into ¼” thick french fries. 

Step 2

Soak the fries in water for 30 minutes to remove the starch.

After soaking, rinse the potatoes until the water runs clear. Lay out fries on a towel and dry really well.

Tip: Removing the starch will allow the fries to brown evenly and crisp up evenly on the outside.

Step 3

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Add the fries to a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil, and toss to coat.

Pour the fries into the hot air fryer. Do not wash the mixing bowl.

Cook the fries for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, shaking halfway through cooking.

Step 4

Remove the fries from the air fryer basket and add back to the mixing bowl.

Gently toss the fries in 2 tablespoons of oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Turn the air fryer up to 400 degrees F.

Add the fries back to the air fryer and fry for another 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F. Shake every 5 minutes for even browning. Cook until all the fries are golden brown and crispy.

Pour the cooked fries onto a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle with additional salt if needed. Serve hot.

The Best Potatoes For Air Fryer French Fries

Russet or Idaho potatoes are great options to use for french fries. Russet potatoes are dense, high in starch, and low in moisture. A good second is Yukon gold potatoes, which will give the fries as creamy texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes.

I also like to use medium potatoes, about 5” long, that are roughly even in size so I get even-sized fries.

Variations

You can use this same recipe for air fryer sweet potato fries. Cook time may be slightly longer.

Sprinkle some onion powder and garlic powder or your favorite seasoning blend on the potatoes. I like the “Complete Seasoning” from Badia.

Tips & Tricks

These are my top tips and tricks for the best results with this air fryer french fries recipe.

• Soak the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to remove the excess starch, this will give you evenly browned, crispy fries.
• Cut potatoes evenly so they cook evenly.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to avoid soggy fries. It’s ok if a few fries overlap.
• After the first cook, toss in a little oil again for extra crispiness and flavor and cook on the salt. At this point, you can add fry seasoning.
• Shake the basket every now and again for even browning and cooking.

How to Serve

These easy air fryer fries go with just about everything. These are a few of my favorite ways to serve them.

• Air Fried Fish, and creamy coleslaw for a healthier take on classic fish and chips
• Alongside New England Lobster Rolls or a fish sandwich for that summer in Maine feel.
• For a healthier, kid friendly meal, serve these with some homemade air fryer chicken nuggets.
• As a side with this Black Bean Burger and baked beans with bacon
• With these Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs
• Instant Pot Chili – makes for great chili fries too
• Next to some Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls for a great lunch
• Dip these crispy french fries in guacamole, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce (like my blueberry BBQ sauce).

How to Store

How Long To Reheat French Fries In The Air Fryer?

Reheat leftover french fries in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-5 minutes until crisp.

How Long Do You Cook Fries In An Air Fryer?

I like to cook fries for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes. Then I’ll take them out to add seasoning, turn the air fryer up to 400 degrees F, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Recipe

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