Name: Easy Air Fryer French Fries (Extra Crispy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium potatoes); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); ⅛ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste); ⅛ tsp garlic powder; ⅛ tsp paprika

Jump to Recipe

Making crispy, golden French fries at home doesn’t have to be a complicated or messy process. With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy French fries with far less oil than traditional frying methods. This easy Air Fryer French Fries recipe gives you the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—without all the extra calories. Whether you’re craving a side dish for dinner or just looking for a quick snack, these homemade fries will become your go-to recipe. They’re ready in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or even a weekend treat.

Air frying the potatoes ensures they’re evenly cooked, with just the right amount of crispiness. Plus, the seasoning is simple yet flavorful, adding a savory touch to each bite. Whether you use fresh russet potatoes or frozen ones, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fries right at home with this easy and delicious recipe. With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, these Air Fryer French Fries will quickly become your favorite way to prepare fries!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these easy Air Fryer French Fries. First and foremost, they are extra crispy on the outside, with a soft, fluffy interior—exactly how fries should be! The best part is that they are much healthier than deep-fried fries because you only need a small amount of olive oil to achieve that perfect texture. The air fryer also cuts down on the mess and time that traditional frying requires.

Moreover, this recipe is super customizable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes, and the fries cook quickly—ready in less than 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, and it’s great for serving with burgers, chicken, or just as a tasty snack on its own. Simple, healthy, and delicious—this recipe has it all.

Ingredients

Russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium)
Olive oil
Salt
Ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika

Variations

There are endless ways to customize these Air Fryer French Fries to match your flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

Cheese Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top after cooking.
Spicy Fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning for an extra kick.
Herb Fries: Use dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a more savory taste.
Sweet Potato Fries: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter, healthier alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes (optional) and cut them into thin strips or your desired thickness. To get the crispiest fries, try to make the strips as even as possible.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the potato strips in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over the fries and toss again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Fries

Arrange the seasoned potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for your desired level of crispiness and add additional time if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Evenly: Try to cut the potato strips as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making a large batch, cook the fries in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking.
Soak the Potatoes: For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potato strips in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries.
Shake the Basket: Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference, whether it’s adding more garlic, salt, or pepper.

How to Serve

Air Fryer French Fries are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Pair them with burgers, fried chicken, or any of your favorite main dishes. You can also enjoy them as a quick and easy snack with a side of dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or even aioli. These fries make the perfect accompaniment to any casual meal, or they can stand alone as a delicious appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the fries to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) to regain their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover fries by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, air fry the frozen fries at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fries, simply place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will bring back their crispy texture and heat them through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these fries with sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes. They will need a slightly different cooking time but will yield delicious fries as well.

2. How do I make the fries extra crispy?

Soaking the potato strips in water for 30 minutes before cooking helps to remove excess starch, which results in crispier fries. Also, be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.

3. Can I use frozen French fries in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen French fries in the air fryer. Just cook them at the same temperature, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

4. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the potatoes is optional. You can leave the skins on for a rustic feel and added texture, or peel them for a smoother fry.

5. Can I make these fries without oil?

Yes, you can make oil-free fries by skipping the olive oil. The air fryer will still cook them, but they may not be as crispy or golden.

6. How long will these fries stay crispy?

These fries are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, as they lose their crispiness over time. Reheat them in the air fryer for best results.

7. What dipping sauces go well with these fries?

Classic ketchup, ranch dressing, or aioli are all great options for dipping. You can also experiment with spicy mayo or cheese sauces.

8. Can I cook other types of fries in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook any type of fries in the air fryer, including curly fries, crinkle-cut fries, or waffle fries. Cooking times may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fries.

9. How can I make these fries spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix to give the fries a spicy kick.

10. Can I double the recipe?

If you want to make more fries, cook them in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in unevenly cooked fries.

Conclusion

These Easy Air Fryer French Fries (Extra Crispy) are a must-try for anyone craving a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. With minimal oil and a simple seasoning mix, you can enjoy crispy, golden fries in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re pairing them with a meal or enjoying them as a snack, these fries are sure to satisfy. Plus, they’re so customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors and textures to suit your tastes. Try making them today and discover how easy and delicious homemade French fries can be!