Easy Air Fryer Homemade Crispy French Fries is a quick, fresh recipe that resembles potato wedges. Healthy air fried French fries are made using little to no oil, making them low in calories. You can make fries using the Power Air Fryer, Nuwave, or any air fryer brand.

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This post was originally published in June 2018. It has since been updated.
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This weekend I made one of the most basic things you can make in the air fryer….FRENCH FRIES. There are a few steps that you will need to make sure you follow to create crispy fries, but outside of that, this is a very simple recipe.

Are air fried fries healthy? Absolutely! This recipe cuts down on the fat and calories from standard fries.
I have made fries in the air fryer quite a few times prior to this. Be sure to check out my Truffle Oil Fries , Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Onion Rings and Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipes.


How Do I Cook and Make French Fries in an Air Fryer
- Slice russet potatoes to create fries about 1/2-3/4 inch thick.
- Soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch.
- Dry the potatoes and spray with olive oil.
- Air Fry.
Why Do You Soak Potatoes in Water Before Frying?
Soaking the potatoes in water will remove the excess starch from the potatoes. This will allow them to firm and crisp perfectly.

Air Fryer French Fries Temperature
I like to use 380 degrees for French fries.

How Long to Cook Fries in Air Fryer
Your cook time will vary depending on how crispy you like your fries. Every air fryer brand and model also cooks differently using varied watts. I cook mine for about 20 minutes total. Definitely check in on your fries as they cook.

Frozen Air Fryer French Fries
Frozen fries will need 5-10 minutes of additional cook time.

How to Slice Potatoes for Homemade French Fries
I sliced the potatoes lengthwise in half first. From there, I repeated this (my potatoes were pretty thick). This results in 8 pieces of sliced potato (4 from each potato). Slice lengthwise to create ½ – ¾ inch fries.

Air Fryer French Fries Recipe Tips
- Be sure to take into account the weight of the potatoes used in this recipe. I used 2 large russet potatoes that weighed about 1/2 pound each, for a total of one pound. The potatoes were long in length and perfect for slicing and creating fries. These 2 potatoes made enough fries for 4 servings.
- I like my fries salted, but not too salty. Be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the fries. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more, but it’s almost impossible to go back if you have added too much. Potatoes are also naturally very bland. You will need salt.
- This recipe will work well with any air fryer brand.
These fries will pair wonderfully with
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwiches
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Chicken Wings Air Fryer Panko Breaded Bang Bang Shrimp
More Air Fryer Recipes:
Air Fryer Homestyle French Fries
Air Fryer Homemade Pop Tarts
Air Fryer Southern Style Pork Chops
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Po Boy
Air Fryer Old Bay Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Truffle Aioli
Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish
Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas
Air Fryer Beef Taco Fried Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Easy Air Fryer Homemade Crispy French Fries
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pound each, 1 pound total large russet potatoes peeled and cut lengthwise See recipe notes below.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- seasoning salt to taste optional
Instructions
- Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl with cold water.
- Allow the potatoes to soak in the water for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour.
- Drain the water from the bowl. Dry the fries completely with paper towels.
- Coat the fries with olive oil. You can toss them in a large bowl or spread the fries onto a flat surface and coat them. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and optional seasoning salt.
- Add half of the fries to the Air Fryer basket. Adjust the temperature to 380 degrees and cook for 15-20 minutes. Set a timer for 10 minutes and stop and shake the basket at the 10-minute mark (once).
- Use your judgment. If the fries need to be crisper, allow to cook for additional time. If the fries look crisp prior to 15 minutes, remove them. I cooked both of my batches for almost 20 minutes. Also, use your judgment to determine if the fries will need to be cooked in batches. This will vary based on the size of your air fryer. You do not want to overfill the basket.
- When the first half finishes, cook the remaining half (if necessary).
- Cool before serving.
Christiane DeSalvo
Monday 11th of January 2021
I attempted air fryer fries on my own last week and failed. Why wouldn’t I just come to my favorite spot and trust in Brandi’s good work? Because I am a dummy. I will not make that mistake again.
Read her instructions BEFORE the final recipe ingredients and directions. You will be so happy you didn’t make the simple mistakes that are easily & frequently done.
Brandi has done the research for you. Trust her! She nails it with all recipes I have tried and this one is no different. The fries come out perfectly crisp and enjoyable. Soaking beforehand is key! Thank you Brandi!
Also, all air fryers are not created equal with temps but 380 degrees and checking after 10 then 15 mins gave me a great idea on length for each batch. Great recipe and one I will be recommending to friends!
staysnatched
Wednesday 13th of January 2021
Thank you for recommending the fries!
Jill
Sunday 10th of January 2021
Best method I’ve tried so far. Crispy and delish! I think I overfilled my basket so about half way through I spit them into two batches. The spritz bottle with the oil made all the difference. Thanks for creating such fab recipes.
staysnatched
Wednesday 13th of January 2021
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the fries.
Melis
Thursday 7th of January 2021
Super easy and delicious! Thank you! Making them for 3rd time this week because I have a huge bag of potatoes and they are so easy to prepare!
staysnatched
Friday 8th of January 2021
haha yay! So glad you enjoy them.
Lisa
Saturday 19th of December 2020
Yum! I soaked them for 30 minutes ( I was too hungry to wait the full hour.) so freaking delicious. Next time I’ll wait the full hour to see what a difference it makes, but can I just say, you don’t even miss the fact they’re not deep-fried! Will be making these again.
staysnatched
Saturday 19th of December 2020
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Tiffany
Friday 27th of November 2020
Thanks, looks like a great recipe.
staysnatched
Sunday 29th of November 2020
I hope you enjoy the recipe!