Craving the crispy, golden goodness of French fries without the guilt of deep frying? Look no further! This Air Fryer French Fries recipe is the perfect solution for satisfying your fry cravings with a healthier twist. Using just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy delicious, crispy fries that are quick to prepare and easy to cook. Read on to discover how to make the perfect batch of Air Fryer French Fries, along with tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Are Air Fryer French Fries?
Air Fryer French Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries, made using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the fries, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior without the need for excessive oil. These fries are perfect for anyone looking to reduce their oil intake while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients List for Air Fryer French Fries
To make Air Fryer French Fries, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes (russets or Yukon gold)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Equipment Needed
- GoWISE USA Air Fryer or any air fryer model
- Knife and cutting board
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and potato varieties to make your Air Fryer French Fries uniquely yours. Here are a few ideas:
- Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrients. Keep in mind that sweet potatoes may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Oil: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point, or use a flavored oil for added taste.
- Seasonings: Customize your fries with various spices and herbs. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and parsley for a gourmet touch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Air Fryer French Fries: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly and patting them dry. You can choose to peel them if you prefer, or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Slice the potatoes into ½-inch sticks for even cooking.
- Soak the Potatoes (Optional): For extra crispy fries, soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. After soaking, drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potato sticks with olive oil, seasoned salt, and pepper until evenly coated. If you're using additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder, add them now and mix well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the fries start cooking immediately and evenly.
- Arrange the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potato sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the fries from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Cook the fries for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use tongs to gently toss the fries if needed. For extra crispy fries, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- Serve: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite condiment. Enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many fries in the air fryer basket at once can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each fry gets crispy.
- Skipping the Soak: Soaking the potato sticks in water before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggier. While it's an optional step, it can significantly improve the texture of your fries.
- Not Shaking the Basket: Shaking the basket or tossing the fries halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Using Too Much Oil: While you need a little oil to help the fries crisp up, using too much can make them greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer French Fries are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Style: Serve the fries with classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
- Loaded Fries: Top the fries with melted cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded fries experience.
- Seasoned Fries: Sprinkle fries with additional seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Air Fryer French Fries
- Cone or Basket: Serve the fries in a paper cone or a wire basket lined with parchment paper for a fun and casual presentation.
- Platter: Arrange the fries on a large platter with various dipping sauces in small bowls around the edges.
- Garnish: Add a touch of color and freshness by garnishing the fries with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives.
Air Fryer French Fries Recipe Tips
- Consistency in Slicing: Ensure that all potato sticks are cut to the same thickness to promote even cooking.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to ensure the fries start cooking immediately and evenly.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Batch Cooking: If making a large quantity, cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen potatoes, but fresh potatoes will give you better texture and flavor. If using frozen fries, adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: How do I store leftover fries? A: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy again.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil? A: Yes, you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
Q: How can I make my fries crispier? A: Soaking the potato sticks in cold water before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make the fries crispier. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and shake the fries halfway through cooking.
Q: Can I add other seasonings to the fries? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Conclusion
Making Air Fryer French Fries is a simple and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, delicious fries that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow the step-by-step instructions, experiment with different seasonings, and avoid common mistakes to make the perfect batch every time. Whether you're serving them as a snack, side dish, or part of a loaded fries platter, Air Fryer French Fries are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy goodness with your favorite condiments and dips!
PrintAir Fryer French Fries Recipe
Discover the best Air Fryer French Fries recipe! Learn how to make crispy, golden fries with russet or Yukon gold potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthier snack or side dish. Easy, quick, and flavorful with optional garlic powder, paprika, and fresh herbs. Ideal for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes (russets or Yukon gold)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and cut the potatoes into thin fries.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, seasoned salt, and pepper. Add optional seasonings if desired.
- Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking and pat dry.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
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