Easy Air Fryer Homemade Crispy French Fries is a quick and easy, fresh recipe that resembles potato wedges. The skin is left on the fries and salted to perfection! Serve these crunchy fries alongside all of your favorite main dishes or dipping sauce.
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This post was originally published in June 2018. It has since been updated.
Are air fried fries healthy? Absolutely! This recipe cuts down on the fat and calories from standard fries.
What Type of Potatoes to Use
I like to use russet potatoes. I also like to pick out potatoes that are larger in length. I like long fries, so larger potatoes work well.
How to Slice the Potatoes
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.
Sizing is really important. You want even sized fries so that the fries cook at a consistent temperature. Otherwise you will risk burning the smaller, thinner fries.
The best way to ensure even sizing is to use a mandolin. I use this mandolin from Amazon and it comes with a blade for fries.
If you wind up with smaller thinner fries, separate those and cook them separately.
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries
- 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 You Soak the Potatoes
Soaking the potatoes in water will remove the excess starch from the potatoes. This will allow them to firm and crisp perfectly.
Air Fryer Temperature
I like to use 380 degrees for French fries.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
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 Fries
Frozen fries will need 5-10 minutes of additional cook time.
Different Spices and Seasonings
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Cajun Seasoning
- Creole Seasoning
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.
Pair These Fries With These Recipes
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
Air Fryer Brats
More Air Fryer Appetizers
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Easy Air Fryer Homemade Crispy French Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound large russet potatoes peeled and cut lengthwise See recipe notes below.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
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
Erica Martinez
Sunday 26th of September 2021
Such a good and classic recipe! Love being able to enjoy fries without all the calories/ fat from the typical fast food fries.
staysnatched
Sunday 26th of September 2021
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Sara
Monday 20th of September 2021
First, thank you, Brandi, for your thoroughness in your recipes. I didn’t have the opportunity to learn to cook-cook from my Granny or Mom once I got the interest. You’ve taught me and helped give me confidence through sharing your knowledge. I used your potato wedge recipe - didn’t even measure which is 🤯 for me - but cut them into fries and following the cooking instructions. My husband, who normally adds additional seasoning to what I fix because our tastes are very different, LOVED these and so did I!! Thanks for building my confidence to “throw” something together.
staysnatched
Tuesday 21st of September 2021
Yay! I'm so happy you have the confidence.
Raven
Saturday 28th of August 2021
This RECIPE is amazing! Made it for the first time earlier this week and made it again along with Stay Snatched Chick Fil A Copycat! Followed instructions exactly and it came out perfect! Who needs take out when you can make it at home?
staysnatched
Tuesday 31st of August 2021
Yes! Take out right at home.
EKS
Tuesday 24th of August 2021
Stop scrolling and make these! They are so good! Even better with Brandi's ranch seasoning recipe :) I usually end up having to do them in two batches so the fries don't overlap. They are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I'll usually throw the first batch on a sheet pan in the oven at 250 degrees to keep them warm and crispy while I cook the second batch, then throw all the fries in together for another minute at the end to crisp everything back up.
staysnatched
Thursday 26th of August 2021
haha! I love that.
Betsy C
Wednesday 7th of July 2021
These fries are really great, very easy and quick to make! I love that Cajun seasoning too, I bought it for your wing recipe then also threw a little on the fries (a little goes a long way!) As always, thank you!!
staysnatched
Sunday 18th of July 2021
You're welcome!