Air Fryer French Fries

If you love crispy French fries but do not want to deep-fry them, these air fryer French fries are an easy solution. They come out golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender and fluffy inside, with much less oil than traditional fried fries.

The secret is simple: cut the potatoes evenly, rinse away excess starch, dry them really well, and give them enough room in the air fryer basket. In about 20 minutes, you can have hot, crispy fries ready for burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or a quick snack.

Ingredient Notes

Russet potato: Russet potatoes are a great choice for French fries because they are naturally high in starch and low in moisture. This helps create crisp fries with fluffy centers. Choose a firm potato without soft spots, green areas, or deep bruises.

Olive oil: A small amount of extra-virgin olive oil helps the fries brown and crisp in the air fryer. You can substitute avocado oil, canola oil, or another neutral cooking oil if preferred.

Kosher salt: Salt brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes. Season the fries lightly before cooking and add a little more immediately after they come out of the air fryer.

Cold water: Although it is not included in the ingredient list, cold water is important for rinsing the cut potatoes. It removes some surface starch and helps the fries develop a better texture.

How to Make Air Fryer French Fries

Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the russet potato. Cut it lengthwise into even 1/4-inch sticks. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook at about the same rate.

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and rinse them well. This removes excess surface starch, which can make fries stick together or become less crisp.

Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly

Drain the potatoes and pat them very dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is important. Excess moisture creates steam in the air fryer and can prevent the fries from getting properly crisp.

For the best results, make sure the potato pieces feel dry before adding the oil.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. If your model does not require preheating, you can begin cooking right away, although preheating can help the fries start cooking evenly.

Season and Air Fry

Toss the dry potato sticks with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they are lightly coated. Place them in the air fryer basket in as close to a single layer as possible.

Season with a little kosher salt and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, carefully toss the fries using tongs or shake the basket. Spread them back into an even layer and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Because air fryers vary, your fries may need a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl or plate and immediately season with additional kosher salt to taste.

Serve them while they are hot and crispy. They are especially delicious with ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving; actual values may vary depending on potato size, oil amount, and seasoning.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Carbohydrates	26 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	220 mg