How to Make Crispy Air Fryer French Fries at Home

Crispy air fryer french fries are the ultimate side dish or snack that delivers all the crunch of deep-fried without the extra grease. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or satisfying salty cravings in no time. Thanks to the air fryer, you can whip up a batch of golden, perfectly crisp fries in under 30 minutes—no deep fryer required!

When I first tried making homemade french fries in my air fryer, I was hooked. Not only did they come out healthier than traditional frying, but the process was ridiculously simple. Since then, I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe to make sure every batch comes out evenly cooked, crispy, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you won’t miss takeout once you taste how incredible homemade air fryer fries can be!

What You’ll Need to Make Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

This recipe keeps things simple, using pantry staples and fresh russet potatoes to create irresistible fries. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch sticks (pro tip: keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking!)
• 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Sea salt, to taste
• Optional seasonings: fresh herbs, chili powder, or chipotle powder for extra flavor
• Optional dips: ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce—whatever you love!

Tools: To make these fries, you’ll, of course, need an air fryer. I typically use a basket-style air fryer, but any type will work as long as the fries have enough room to cook in a single layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’re wondering how to make these healthy air fryer french fries perfectly golden and crispy, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down:

1. Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F while you prep your potatoes. Preheating ensures even results from the start.
2. Slice the potatoes. Cut your potatoes into even 1/4-inch sticks. Soak them in cold water for 15–30 minutes to remove excess starch—this step helps achieve that extra crunch!
3. Dry and season. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and salt to coat evenly. Add optional seasonings here if desired.
4. Air fry in batches. Arrange the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket so they don’t overlap. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes, as different air fryer models may cook faster or slower.
5. Reheat and crisp. Once all batches are done, toss all fries back into the air fryer for another 1–2 minutes to reheat and crisp up together.
6. Serve and enjoy. Sprinkle with extra salt or herbs and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Here are my tried-and-true tips to make sure your easy air fryer fries come out fantastic every time:

• Don’t skip soaking the potatoes! While it’s tempting to skip, soaking removes starch and gives the fries that crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture you’re craving.
• Cook in single layers. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in unevenly cooked fries. Work in batches for the best crunch!
• Experiment with seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even Parmesan cheese can take your fries to the next level. Sprinkle halfway through cooking so the flavors stick.
• Customize your size. Want thicker wedges instead of classic fries? Slice the potatoes a little larger and adjust the cooking time to ensure even doneness.

Common Questions About Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Here are a few FAQs to help make your fry-making experience foolproof:

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While I love russet potatoes for their starch content and crispy texture, Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes work wonderfully, too. Just note the cooking time may vary slightly.

Why aren’t my fries crispy?

If your fries came out soggy, check two things: Did you soak and dry them before cooking? Were they arranged in a single layer in the air fryer? Both are key to achieving that crunch!

How do I reheat leftover fries?

Pop the fries back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully and taste as good as fresh!

Can I freeze uncooked fries?

Yes! After slicing and soaking, drain and dry the potatoes, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, follow the same instructions and add 2–3 minutes of cooking time.

How can I make them extra flavorful?

Aside from seasonings, consider drizzling with truffle oil right after cooking or serving with spicy sauces for a gourmet twist!

Wrap-Up: Try This Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe!

These crispy air fryer french fries are a game-changer when you’re craving something quick, crunchy, and homemade. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have healthier fries that rival any restaurant version. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze!

I’d love to hear how your fries turn out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations. And if you’re looking for more air fryer goodness, check out some of my other recipes—you’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep your air fryer busy. Happy cooking!