Craving something crispy, golden, and irresistibly satisfying? Discover the magic of Air Fryer French Fries – a healthier twist on the classic comfort food that sacrifices none of the flavor.

With just a handful of pantry staples and a powerful air fryer, you’ll achieve fries that are tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect batch of air fryer French fries is all about the right balance of texture and flavor. Here’s everything you need to make fries that rival your favorite takeout spot.

Potato Ingredients

1 lb russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium-sized), scrubbed and cleaned
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt, or to taste
⅛ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
⅛ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp paprika

These simple ingredients transform into magic once air-fried — crispy edges, tender centers, and a flavor profile that lets the natural sweetness of the potato shine, enhanced by warm spices.

Required Kitchen Tools

The right tools can transform your French fry game from basic to restaurant-worthy. Here’s what you’ll need to pull off the crispiest fries at home:

Air Fryer – The star of the show, delivering crunch with little to no oil. Any basket-style or oven-style air fryer works well.
Sharp Knife or Mandoline Slicer – To cut your fries uniformly, ensuring they cook evenly.
Cutting Board – A stable surface for slicing the potatoes safely.
Mixing Bowl – For tossing the potatoes with oil and seasonings.
Tongs or Spatula – Helpful for turning fries during cooking to achieve even crispness.
Paper Towels or Clean Kitchen Towel – For thoroughly drying potatoes, which is key to making them crispy.

Prep and Seasoning Steps

Preparing your fries before they hit the air fryer is crucial for achieving that signature crunch. Follow these steps carefully to take your fries from ordinary to exceptional perfection.

Cutting the Potatoes

Scrub and Clean:
Begin by thoroughly scrubbing your russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother finish.
Cut into Strips:
Slice the potatoes lengthwise into even ¼-inch thick strips. To ensure even cooking, try to keep the fries uniform in size. A mandoline slicer can help with consistency, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Rinsing and Drying

Rinse in Cold Water:
Once cut, rinse the potato strips in a large bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps the fries become crispy rather than soggy during cooking.
Pat Dry:
Drain and spread the fries out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly — moisture is the enemy of crispiness in the air fryer.

Seasoning the Fries

Season and Oil:
Toss the dried fries in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in your seasonings — salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika — then toss again to distribute the flavors uniformly.

Air Frying the Fries

This is where the magic happens. Air frying gives your French fries an irresistibly crisp texture without deep-frying — healthier and faster, with minimal mess.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Preheat the Air Fryer (if needed):
Some air fryers benefit from a 2–3 minute preheat at 380°F (193°C). If your model requires it, go ahead and preheat now.
Load the Basket:
Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure all fries cook evenly and crisp up properly.
Initial Air Frying:
Cook the fries at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes. Pause at the halfway mark to give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the fries — this helps them brown evenly on all sides.
Final Crisping:
Continue cooking for an additional 6–10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and fry thickness. Fries should be deeply golden and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Optional Garnishing:
Once done, remove fries and transfer them to a plate. For an added pop of freshness and color, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or extra seasoning while they’re still hot.

These air-fried French fries deliver everything you love about the classic snack — minus the grease. Crispy, golden, perfectly seasoned — all ready in under 30 minutes.

Serving and Storage

Now that your fries are crispy, hot, and bursting with flavor, it’s time to serve them up in style. Here’s how to make your air fryer French fries shine, plus some handy storage tips if you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt you will!).

Suggested Toppings and Dipping Sauces

French fries are endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a classic ketchup dipper or a sauce sampler, here are some ideas to elevate your fries:

Classic Ketchup and Mayo – A timeless duo for dipping.
Garlic Aioli – Creamy and flavorful with a garlicky punch.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo – Add heat with a creamy kick.
Truffle Oil & Parmesan – Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan for upscale snacking.
Chili Lime Seasoning – Toss with a bit of chili powder and lime zest for a tangy, spicy twist.

For a more indulgent experience, turn them into loaded fries by topping with cheese, bacon bits, scallions, and a drizzle of ranch or creamy cheese sauce.

Storage Instructions

Air fryer fries are best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep the crisp alive.

Short-Term Storage

Refrigerating:
Place cooled fries in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes until crispy again.

Long-Term Storage

Freezing (Not recommended for previously cooked fries):
If you’re prepping raw fries ahead of time, freeze the cut and dried (but unseasoned) potato sticks in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Avoid reheating fries in the microwave, as it tends to make them soft and soggy.

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