Perfect French Fries in Air Fryer

Name: Perfect French Fries in Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 medium potatoes or 4 large (scrubbed and cut into ¼ inch fries); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt

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Simply the best side, no matter the meal; these air fryer french fries are a healthier alternative to fast food and are so easy to make. Just don’t forget the ketchup!

Perfect French Fries in Air Fryer featured

You can’t go wrong with french fries. They’re by far the best side and, when I’m at a restaurant, you know that they take priority over a side salad. I won’t apologize for my love of fries, but I am painfully aware that they aren’t all that good for you. All of the greasy oil from the deep fryer means I can’t enjoy them as often as I’d like, which is why I decided it was time to find a healthier option. Enter: the best air fryer french fries.

They’re so easy to make, need very few ingredients, and they’re so much healthier than your local fast food spot, or frozen fries. They’re guilt-free and the kids love these fries just as much as I do. Just chop, drizzle, and fry them up!

Why You Will Love This Recipe //

Air frying the fries reduces the amount of oil used, making them a healthier option compared to deep-fried ones.
Using the air fryer makes fries turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Whole family-approved.
The perfect side for burgers, sandwiches, fish, or steak. You can just as easily have them on their own, too.

Ingredients //

Seriously, just three ingredients are needed. This is a great way to use up any leftover potatoes, too.

6 medium potatoes or 4 large, scrubbed and cut into ¼ inch fries
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

Perfect French Fries in Air Fryer ingredients

How to Make Air Fryer French Fries // The Steps

Step 1: Heat the air fryer to 380°F

Step 2: Drizzle olive oil and a sprinkle of salt over the fries, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Give them a toss to distribute the oil and salt evenly.

Step 3: Carefully arrange some of the fries in a single layer at the base of the air fryer basket, making sure that they are spaced apart and have room to cook on all sides. Pop the basket back into the air fryer and set the timer for 15 minutes, allowing the fries to cook to golden perfection.

Step 4: Once done, remove the crispy fries and repeat the process for the remaining batches. Be sure to test the biggest fry to make sure it is cooked.

Step 5: Once all the batches have been cooked, put all the fries back into the air fryer basket together. Give them a final fry for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to get hot and crispy again.

Variations //

Fries are incredibly versatile, so feel free to amend this recipe and see what incredible flavors you can come up with!

Sweet potato fries: Swap out your potatoes with their sweeter and healthier cousin, the sweet potato.
Garlic Parmesan fries: Toss your finished fries in garlic, grated Parmesan, and parsley for a fragrant and savory twist on average french fries.
Loaded fries: Once your french fries are finished in the air fryer, pile on some tasty toppings like melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, jalapeños, or anything else you like!
Chili cheese fries: A classic hearty dish. Load up your fries with chili and melted cheese and dig in!
Poutine: This Canadian recipe is a staple up north and adds a richness to your fries. Simply fry up your potatoes and top with cheese curds then smother them in gravy.

Serving Suggestions //

You can’t go wrong with serving french fries on the side of any meal. I’ve included some of my favorite recipes to accompany this side dish.

The Best Hamburger Ever: No, that’s not an exaggeration. You can’t have fries without wishing you had a burger to go with them. This one boasts of high-quality beef, thick-cut bacon cooked crisp, aged cheddar, and a brioche bun.
Italian Drip Beef Sandwiches: Regardless of if you’re prepping lunch or dinner, these moist and tender sandwiches are sure to please. Add some air fryer french fries on the side and you have yourself an easy meal fit for the whole gang.
Delicious Roast Pork Loin: This is an easy recipe, but the flavors are to die for. You can’t go wrong with a juicy cut of meat and some crispy fries.
Perfect Grilled Salmon: Light, fresh, and full of flavor. Salmon and potatoes go together like peanut butter and jelly, so prepping some fries with this meal should be a no-brainer.
Black Bean Cakes with Corn Salsa and Avocado Sauce: There’s a lot of meat on this list, but you can enjoy fries just as easily with a vegetarian option. Great on their own or in a sandwich, these fresh and zesty black bean cakes are just what your fries need.

FAQs //

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable or canola oil. I used olive oil because I think it’s the tastiest but it’s up to you.

Could I use frozen fries in the air fryer instead of cutting my own?

Definitely. Simply follow the instructions on the bag.

Do I need to soak the potatoes before cooking?

I find that cooking them in the air fryer doesn’t require the excess starch to be drained off. They get really crispy all on their own.

How to Store Air Fryer French Fries //

If you’ve ever had fast food french fries go cold, you know that it’s difficult to revive them. These fries are definitely best eaten fresh, but that said, there’s no need to throw out any leftovers. Simply let them cool and then store them in a plastic bag or food storage container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, simply place them back in the air fryer or on a baking tray in the oven (in a single layer, don’t let them touch). Heat them back up for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway, until they are warmed through and crispy.