French fries are my family’s ultimate comfort food, and these Air Fryer French Fries make them guilt-free and just as crispy as the ones we love at restaurants. I still remember when I first got my air fryer — the very first thing I tried was fries, and I never looked back! If you love easy air fryer recipes, this one’s a keeper. Pair them with something hearty like air fryer salmon for a quick dinner, or just enjoy them with a side of ketchup for snack time.
What You’ll Need
Making fries at home is simple, and you don’t need a long list of ingredients. Here’s what I use:
- Russet potatoes — These make the best fries because they’re starchy and crisp up beautifully.
- Olive oil — Just a little goes a long way; I like the flavor it adds.
- Salt & black pepper — Keep it classic!
- Garlic powder or paprika (optional) — For extra flavor.
- Fresh parsley — I love sprinkling this on at the end.
- Air fryer basket — Essential, of course!
Whenever I make fries, I remember how my kids love to “steal” them right off the basket before they even reach the plate. For a full meal, you can serve these alongside something hearty like my spaghetti carbonara.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer French Fries
This method gives you crispy fries every single time. They’re golden, delicious, and honestly hard to resist. (Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I kept taste-testing before dinner!) You could even pair these fries with easy instant pot pulled pork for a fun sandwich night.
Step 1 — Slice the potatoes
Scrub the potatoes well and cut into even sticks. I like mine a little thicker for a soft inside, but you can go thin if you want extra crisp.
Step 2 — Soak and pat dry
Place potato sticks in cold water for 20–30 minutes. This removes starch and makes them crispier. Don’t skip patting them dry — wet potatoes = soggy fries.
Step 3 — Season
Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any extras like garlic powder. I like using my hands to coat them evenly.
Step 4 — Air fry
Arrange fries in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway. I sometimes go a few minutes longer if I want them super crunchy.
Step 5 — Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips & Easy Swaps
- Use Russet potatoes for best results, but Yukon Golds work too.
- Don’t skip the soak step — it really makes a difference.
- Pat potatoes completely dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; fries need space to crisp.
- For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or Cajun spice.
- Toss fries with Parmesan at the end for a cheesy kick.
- Make them loaded fries with melted cheese and jalapeños.
- Leftovers? Reheat them in the air fryer for 3 minutes — they come back to life.
Serving Ideas & Variations
I serve these Air Fryer French Fries with just ketchup most days, but sometimes we get creative:
- Garlic Parmesan fries — Toss with garlic butter and Parmesan.
- Spicy fries — Add cayenne or chili powder before air frying.
- Cheese fries — Top with shredded cheddar and broil for a minute.
- Greek style — Sprinkle with feta and oregano.
- Poutine — Smother in gravy and cheese curds (a Canadian favorite).
- Classic side — Perfect with burgers or grilled chicken.
- Fun dip night — Try with ranch, honey mustard, or aioli.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Overcrowding the basket → Cook in batches so fries crisp properly.
- Skipping the soak → Fries turn soft; soaking removes starch.
- Not drying well → Moisture leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Too much oil → Makes fries soggy. Just a tablespoon is enough.
- Cooking uneven sizes → Cut fries evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, leaving the skin on gives a rustic feel and adds fiber. I only peel them if I want a smoother texture.
Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up instead of steaming in the basket.
Yes! Just par-cook them for 10 minutes, let them cool, and freeze. Reheat directly in the air fryer until golden and crispy.
Olive oil works great for flavor, but avocado oil also crisps nicely and handles high heat well.
You’ll Also Love
- Air Fryer Salmon — Crispy outside, tender inside, and so easy.
If you’re craving more crispy goodness, check out my full collection of air fryer recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients
Method
- crub potatoes and cut into sticks.
- Soak in cold water for 20–30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
