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.
Table of Contents
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 ½-3/4 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 ½ 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 tablespoon 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
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Melis says
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 says
haha yay! So glad you enjoy them.
Jill says
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 says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the fries.
Christiane DeSalvo says
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 says
Thank you for recommending the fries!
Patti says
Made these tonight to go with our chicken sandwiches. We're never buying frozen fries again! Perfect recipe for delicious crisp fries.
staysnatched says
Yes no need for frozen fries!
Dot says
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. These fries are delicious, easy, and cheap. Soaking the potatoes is something I never knew would make such a huge difference!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoy them.
Kelsee says
Heck yes, these fries are delicious. And so easy! What I love most about Brandi’s recipes is how I can depend on them. Even on my first try they turn out perfect!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear this.
Mallory says
My new favorite way to make fries! I have a Ninja Foodi so next time I’ll likely do 3 batches so they crisp up faster, but still a really tasty recipe!
staysnatched says
Yes! You really have to cook in batches.
Tianna says
These are restaurant quality fries - really delicious with a dash of salt. The soaking is so important - don't skip it! Will make these again and again.
staysnatched says
Yes! That's so important.
Jess Campise says
The perfect French Fries. Never buying frozen again. My daughter and I were fighting over the last batch!
staysnatched says
I can't go back to frozen!
Noelle Kitzke says
These are so easy to make and they are perfect for any side dish! I love making them with sandwiches or even as a snack! Sooo good!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Sabrina says
Made these tonight with sweet potatoes!! They came out awesome 🙌🏻 Crispy and delicious! Thank you. Can’t wait to try other recipes.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Gina says
So delicious! I let them soak for an hour and they came out perfectly. Made with Brandi’s chicken sandwich and it was so good!
staysnatched says
That's such a great pairing!
Ashley says
Brandi's recipe is giving my favorite restaurant french fries a run for their money and is now my favorite way to prep/eat them! Top it off with her Easy, Instant Pot White Chicken Chili and you are in absolute heaven and have been a staple for watching baseball games at home.
staysnatched says
I love that!
Emma says
Another FABULOUS recipe!! No idea why it took me so long to make! Thank you, Brandi!!
staysnatched says
haha! Yes. Glad you enjoyed them.
Kathryn says
These fries turned out delicious, and will definitely be in regular rotation!! Thank you for this recipe!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Ford Fanisha says
Made sweet potato version on 6/24/21 and they were Ah-making!! Yip for keeping them crispy was on point!! Thanks for an awesome recipe!!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed these!
Tiffany says
While I don't have a mandolin, I just need to give you credit for the reason I make my own fries now. My kids even prefer homemade to store bought. I have even tried lots of different seasoning blends for my fries thanks to you. Buying potatoes 10lbs at a time here. Thanks for the fries and all of the other potato recipes you offer on your site.
Tiffany says
The fry recipe is 5 stars hands down! I seriously did not mean to give it 4
staysnatched says
Thank you!
Ashley says
Absolutely the best air fryer fries hands down!
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed them.
Nicole says
Made these last night! So yummy and easy! I love all the directions you give to make a full proof recipe!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it.
Jessica says
Made this on the 4th, and they were amazing!! Delicious and healthy - can’t beat that! Will definitely have these on the menu rotation in our home. Thank you!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Betsy C says
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 says
You're welcome!
EKS says
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 says
haha! I love that.
Raven says
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 says
Yes! Take out right at home.
Sara says
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 says
Yay! I'm so happy you have the confidence.
Erica Martinez says
Such a good and classic recipe! Love being able to enjoy fries without all the calories/ fat from the typical fast food fries.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Adairea says
Having these tonight with the Crispy Ranch Wings!! Super easy recipe! I will never buy frozen fries again! Thank you for bomb recipes!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear it.
Chasity says
Easiest recipe I’ve made and cured my French fry craving. Thanks for such a delicious recipe.
staysnatched says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Ashley says
Such a great way to make delicious fries! Don’t skip the soak - makes the fries perfectly crispy on the outside! Looking forward to making more batches and playing around with the flavors in the future!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Grace Bailey says
French Fries made in the Airfryer are the best. They are better than fast food and way less fatty than actual frying. For any one who is not familiar with this appliance-there are millions of recipes( with out fat) to try. The Airfryer is one of the best investment to purchase. Once you get use to it, you might just want more than one! Try adding a little cornstarch to the potatoes. It helps to crisp up more.
staysnatched says
So true!
Sydney says
These are perfect with the lemon pepper cat fish excellent and quick week night meal
staysnatched says
Sounds like such a great pairing!
AMBER says
Circled back to this recipe after a few years and so glad I did! So crispy and flavorful while keeping my waistline snatched. A WIN!
staysnatched says
Haha! Love it.