Homemade Air Fryer French Fries

Craving crispy French fries without the excess oil? I make Homemade Air Fryer French Fries whenever I want that perfect balance of crunch on the outside and fluffy tenderness on the inside. Using simple pantry staples and an air fryer, I can recreate restaurant-style fries right at home with significantly less oil. These air fryer French fries are seasoned to perfection, cook evenly, and make an irresistible side dish or snack for any occasion.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy and customizable it is. Whether I’m serving them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying them on their own with dipping sauces, these homemade air fryer fries always hit the spot. Plus, using russet potatoes ensures that classic French fry texture we all crave.

Ingredients List

French Fry Ingredients

• 1 lb russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium potatoes)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

• ⅛ teaspoon paprika

These ingredients create perfectly seasoned air fryer French fries with a subtle garlic flavor and a hint of smokiness from the paprika.

Required Kitchen Tools

When I prepare homemade air fryer French fries, having the right tools makes the process quick and stress-free. Here’s what I use:

1. Air Fryer
   A reliable air fryer is essential for achieving crispy fries with minimal oil. Any standard basket-style air fryer works well for this recipe.

2. Sharp Knife or Mandoline
   I use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into evenly sized sticks, ensuring uniform cooking. A mandoline also works great for precision.

3. Large Mixing Bowl
   This helps me toss the potatoes evenly with olive oil and seasonings before air frying.

4. Kitchen Tongs or Spatula
   I use tongs to shake or turn the fries halfway through cooking for even crisping.

Having these tools ready sets me up for perfectly cooked air fryer French fries every time.

Proper potato preparation is the key to making crispy, golden air fryer French fries at home. I never skip this step because it directly affects the texture and overall flavor of the fries.

Washing and Cutting the Potatoes

I start by thoroughly washing the russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. If the skins are clean and smooth, I usually leave them on for extra texture and nutrients, but peeling is optional.

Next, I cut the potatoes into evenly sized sticks, about ¼-inch thick. Keeping the fries uniform in size helps them cook evenly in the air fryer and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.

Soaking for Extra Crispiness

For the crispiest air fryer French fries, I soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess surface starch, which allows the fries to crisp up beautifully during cooking.

After soaking, I drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is essential for achieving that classic French fry crunch.

Seasoning the French Fries

Once the potatoes are dry, I transfer them to a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. I toss them gently to ensure each fry is evenly coated.

Then, I add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I mix everything well so the seasonings stick evenly to the fries. This simple spice blend enhances the natural potato flavor while giving the fries a subtle savory kick.

At this stage, the fries are perfectly prepped and ready for the air fryer.

This is where the magic happens. Air frying transforms seasoned potatoes into crispy, golden homemade air fryer French fries with very little oil.

Air Fryer Temperature and Cooking Time

I start by preheating my air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the fries cook evenly and develop a crisp exterior right from the start.

Once preheated, I arrange the seasoned potato sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. I make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as proper air circulation is essential for crispy results. If needed, I cook the fries in batches.

I air fry the potatoes for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through cooking. Around the 10-minute mark, I check on them and adjust the time slightly depending on how thick the fries are and how crispy I want them.

Achieving Perfect Crispiness

For extra crispy air fryer French fries, I increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. This final blast of heat gives the fries a golden brown finish while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Once done, I immediately remove the fries from the air fryer and give them a quick taste. If needed, I sprinkle a pinch of extra salt while they’re still hot so it sticks perfectly.

At this point, the fries are hot, crispy, and ready to serve.

Serving and Storage Instructions