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
Gloria says
This is such a great way to make fries. Much healthier than regular deep fried ones. I actually like the taste and texture when they are made this way. I always have a hard time to let them cool....most times I want to dig right in and enjoy!!
Aimee says
I tried this today, cut my own potatoes, soaked them in water and patted dry per the instructions. I also had the olive oil spray and they were amazing. My air fryer temp didn't go to the degrees listed so I was up 10 degrees, but I watched them as suggested in the instructions! They were delicious and hubby approved! Thank you for this!!!
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing!
Aimee says
I am using this recipe and instructions again! Reading everything on the page helps my fries be fool proof everytime! Had to come and drop some more love on this page, because all the recipes are AMAZING!!??
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Wow, healthy french fries? Amazing. This might be the thing that puts me over the top on getting the air fryer -- I've been avoiding the peer pressure to this point. Those fries look amazing and I can almost hear the crunch from first bite.
Anna says
I've been meaning to make French fries in my air fryer for ever! These look so tasty and crispy, I need to make a batch. I am off to check out the sweet potato fries recipe too!
Sarah says
I haven't tried an air fryer yet, but I absolutely LOVE the idea. Maybe you should give me one of your THREE!!! Lol! I'm a french fry addict- I'm not sure if this would save my waistline, or make it grow faster, but I really really want some of those fries!
Tracy Koslicki says
Gosh I've never used an air fryer. How big are they? Do they take up a lot of space? These fries look good enough to make it worth having another kitchen gadget!
staysnatched says
There are several different sizes the average is the size of a toaster oven.
Teresa says
@staysnatched, they now make an oven.
singdong says
I Like the french fries, This is is the nice way to make french fries easily and fast.
Amanda says
These fries look amazing! We got an airfryer around Christmas, and crispy, healthier french fries have been my favorite thing to make in it so far! You really can't tell the difference and it's so nice to not have to deep fry them. I love how you've served these in that bistro-style ceramic cone as well. Just like in a restaurant! How fun!
Leah says
These fries sound so easy and so much better for you than the fried version. I think I need to get an air fryer now, they sound so great to use and I think so tasty! What a great side dish or snack! Thanks for the inspiration.
Marisa Franca says
Oooh!! They look so good and crunchy. We do like our French Fries but don't make them often because of the calories. You're inspiring me to get an air fryer just to make this recipe. Would be so much tastier than baked. And truffle fries. Oh! Wow!! Would love to make those.
Sean@Diversivore says
I've got a lot of kitchen gear and gadgets, but I tend to be pretty picky about what I'm willing to add to my already over-crowded counter/pantry. But man, these air fryers are realllllly starting to tempt me. I'm impressed with their capabilities, and I've seen a lot of really talented bloggers (present company included) do some truly wonderful things with them. And man oh man could I go for some perfectly crisp, not-too-salty, homemade french fries right now. Cheers!
Carmy says
i absolutely LOVE making fries in my airfryer. I have the Philips one and love it so much! I wish we didn't have to soak it but those extra steps just make the recipes perfect!
Sues says
Every day, I'm more and more tempted to get an air fryer... These are tempting me even more; they look so delicious!
Megan Marlowe says
We just got an air fryer and I've been loving experimenting. We just love fries in this house, I mean who doesn't, but I love that I don't have to fry them to get them crispy. I look forward to trying your recipe so I can make them more crispy than I have been.
sha sha says
This is an easy technique to make the potato and sauce.
Brenda says
I finally broke down and bought a lower end air fryer. This is going to be my first recipe in about 30 - 60 min, depending on how long I can let the fries soak! LOL. Do you have an article published about your experience with the different air-fryers and which is your favorite for special recipes or all-purpose?
staysnatched says
Hi there! You are going to love it. I actually have an air fryer chart in my cookbook that breaks down the features, pros and cons of each brand. https://www.amazon.com/Super-Easy-Air-Fryer-Cookbook/dp/1641520493/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538675821&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=super+easy+air+fryer+cookbook&psc=1
Adele Aiken says
I couldn't find the temperature that you used for these fries - what is it??
staysnatched says
Hi. It's in Step 5. 380 degrees.
Tripletmom says
I have a batch in the air fryer now!!!!
staysnatched says
Let me know how it goes!
Ann Brooks says
can you prep the potatoes ahead of time? like morning night before?
staysnatched says
You can, but they will turn brown. I personally would not.
LaLaV says
I didn’t soak them but “oh my gracious” amazing and super crunchy with a warm soft texture in the center! So super yummy! Love this air fryer!!! ????
Shawn says
These are the healthiest fresh cut fries ever!!! After I sliced the potatoes, I sprayed them with Pam or similar type sprays which are 0 fat grams. I then added the seasonings while shaking them in a bowl.
Turned out great and they are Fat Free!!!!
Thanks for posting the recipe!!!
Marie says
I tried your french fry recipe and completely followed the directions. They came out perfect. and evenly golden brown. I tried another online recipe where they said soak fries overnight. They did not turn out as well. They took longer to cook and I had to turn and shake them more often to get them to evenly brown. They were good too but I think soaking them for an hour will be my preferred method. Thanks for sharing and boy do I love the air fryer.
staysnatched says
You are so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the fries! I hope you try more of my air fryer recipes!
Erin Pinkard says
I have a 4 in 1 fryer that someone GAVE me. I came across this recipe in a search and thought, why not. The first batch didn't come out too hot, but I also cut mine like steak fries. The only thing I had to do was extend the cooking time by 10 minutes. The second batch I had to fight people off them. Fantastic recipe, thanks for sharing!
Desiree S. Tucker says
I received a Ninja Air Fryer for Christmas. This is the first recipe I've use it for. The fries came out perfect!! My kids and I all loved them. Thanks for sharing!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed them and happy air frying!
Donna Low says
I have the recipe book for this air fryer AF240, it calls for 2 potatoes, but we used 3 instead. We also increased the time to 25 minutes. The potatoes were still raw. Could it be because we never soaked then as recipe called for and what time should we have for3 potatoes.? We still love the air fryer and after the fries, we did chicken legs and they turned out perfectly, crisp and done!!! Thank you very much for the opportunity to ask questions and in receiving answers.
Adairea says
Love love lobe this recipe! Every since she first shared it this is how I make my french fries now. So much better then buying frozen french fries! And cheaper might I add!
staysnatched says
Yay! And I agree. So much cheaper.
Orvina says
I have a bag of potatoes that I’m trying to get rid of so I decided to try this recipe today. Oh-em-gee!! The secret is definitely soaking the potatoes after cutting them. I added season salt and they were sooo good! I love having some fries really crispy and some a little soft. I followed the directions to a T and they came out perfect! Another Stay Snatched hit!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad they were a hit!
Dia says
Just bought an air fryer and these fries were the first thing I cooked in it! They are AMAZING! Thanks for the simple, yet delicious recipe!
staysnatched says
That's awesome news! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Cuponism Singapore says
This blog was exactly what I was looking for thanks for sharing your point of view.
Dot says
I usually think potatoes are generally pointless, but I bought some specifically to try this recipe (quarantine has us all doing things we normally wouldn’t, right?).
I’ve made these fries 4 times in the last week because they are so delicious. Which is not surprising because everything Brandi cooks up is definitely something you’ll add to the recipe rotation ?
staysnatched says
I love that! Glad you enjoy them.
Shana says
This is my ABSOLUTE favorite way to make homemade fries. I’ve made this recipe at least 3-4 and have to stop myself from eating them right out the air fryer. Thanks Brandi for always giving us healthier options 🙂
staysnatched says
haha! I do that, too! You're welcome.
Jasmyn Elaine says
LOVE! Used this recipe because I was out of frozen fries. I will likely never go back to using frozen fries again! YUM! and super easy
staysnatched says
Ha! Yes. Homemade for the win!
Kia C says
First thing I made in my air fryer. Brandi once again has a hit maker and who doesn’t miss a fish stick throwback from childhood, but with real ingredients!?
Carrie Patterson says
Can’t wait to make these! ?
staysnatched says
Let me know what you think!
Stephanie says
Just bought the air fryer attachment for my Instant Pot and was excited to try this recipe. They came out SO good! I added about 10 extra minutes for preference but I also used yellow and not Russett potatoes. For sure using this recipe from now on for air fryer French fries!
staysnatched says
Gotta love air fryer fries!
Eralia says
Made these last night and they were amazing! I even had extra that I reheated this morning and added eggs, bell pepper, and onion to make a scramble. Two thumbs up!
staysnatched says
That sounds amazing!
Lila says
I absolutely loved this recipe. So easy to follow and great tips. It was my first time making fries In the air fryer and im sure It won’t be the last! My bf loved them!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Karri says
Made these last night for my kids (Because my olive oil sprayer you recommended just arrived!) and they loved them!!
staysnatched says
I love when I can impress the kids!
Shunta says
BEST AIR FRYER FIES I'VE EVER MADE!! No one told me the soak in water trick. I let some soak overnight and they were the most crispy yummy fries I've ever made in the air fryer. So easy and simple and so much better for my body than those I used to make in my deep fryer. Don't skip the soaking step ya'll! Bye bye flabby fries!
staysnatched says
You are right. The longer you soak, the better they turn out.
Nikki says
I have followed multiple recipes for air fryer French fries- this one nailed it... best I’ve ever had!! Super easy and highly recommend making this, will be my new go to!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Marsha Patrick says
These are so yummy! Perfect crispy fries way better than any store bought or fast food. I am working my way through your recipes here on your web page and your book. I highly recommend everyone to buy the book on Amazon! All these recipes are straight fire! Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
Aw thank you so much!
Cuponism Singapore says
This blog was exactly what I was looking for thanks for sharing your point of view.
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoyed the French fries!
Giselle Hernandez says
I’ve attempted air fryer fries before but they’ve never turned out good, following this recipe was the first time I had a WHOLE batch of edible fries. I cut mine into small wedge form, cooked them at 400 degrees and after they were fully cooked added Cajun seasoning
staysnatched says
I LOVE adding Cajun seasoning to these!
Karla says
I just made these and they turned out great. I was really curious about the need to soak the potatoes in water, so I experimented. I did a small batch without soaking and a second batch with soaked potatoes.
Honestly both are tasty but the soaked ones turned out better. They were more tender and didn’t get as limp (not sure if that’s the right word to describe it).
Either way, great all around and super easy! As Brandi and many have said...Don’t skip the soaking!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Maggie says
These are so good! I have incorporated this recipe into my weekly line up and usually make it twice per week. They are easy to make, delicious and come out perfectly crisp!
staysnatched says
This is a great one to have in the line up!
Kimberly Smith says
By far the best way to make crispy french fries! I love how easy it is to use the air fryer. Soaking the potatoes is a game changer! Amazing and delicious!
staysnatched says
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
Felicia says
These are DELICIOUS! Make sure you salt and taste. I took screenshots of your IG Costco haul and got the jumbo potatoes. I got some nice beautiful fries. Crispy on the outside and sift inside. I just need some tips on that mandolin because my potato kept getting stuck lol!
We ate it with your air fryer hot dog recipe. Perfect quick meal. My daughter (3 years old) devoured it. Thank you!
staysnatched says
I just push harder. You can also place the potatoes in the microwave to soften them first.
Annie says
The BEST!!! I have tried for years to make the “perfect” homemade fries in the oven. Nothing comes close to these, they are so simple and easy to make any time of the day! Perfect side dish or even Just an afternoon snack! My kids eat them up like crazy!! I’ve made them twice in the last week if that says anything about how much we love this recipe.
staysnatched says
Awesome! That's so good to hear!
Kimberly says
Hands down the best air fryer fries I have ever made! Soaking them made all the difference compared to other recipes I’ve tried. Perfectly crisp and so enjoyable! Thank you.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Tiffany says
Thanks, looks like a great recipe.
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Lisa says
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 says
I'm glad you enjoyed them!