There’s nothing quite like a pile of crispy, golden fries—especially when they’re homemade and come together with barely any oil or mess. These Air Fryer French Fries have quickly become a family staple in my kitchen. They’re quick, crunchy, and so much lighter than traditional deep-fried versions. If I’m being honest, my kids ask for these more often than fast-food fries now—and that’s saying something.
Why You’ll Love These Fries
If you’re a French fry fan (and who isn’t?), here’s why this recipe might become your go-to:
- Crispy without the grease – These air fryer fries give you that irresistible crunch without a drop of deep-frying oil.
- Kid-approved – My little ones dunk them in ketchup like it’s their job.
- Fast and easy – They’re done in under 20 minutes once cut.
- Customizable – Switch up the seasonings depending on your mood or meal.
We live in Idaho, so good potatoes are never far away—but this recipe works great with whatever you have on hand. I often use russets, but Yukon Golds make a creamier version that’s equally delicious.
My Real-Life Tips for Fry Success
I’ve learned a few things along the way to make these fries extra crispy and flavorful:
- Soak or rinse the fries – This little step makes a big difference. Rinsing off the excess starch helps the fries get golden, not soggy.
- Don’t crowd the basket – Spread them out! Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Toss halfway through – This helps them brown evenly on all sides. Give the basket a good shake.
- Season after cooking, too – I love giving them a final sprinkle of sea salt or even Parmesan cheese right when they come out of the air fryer.
Also, don’t underestimate how much better they are when the skins are left on. Not only does it save time, but it gives that perfect contrast between crispy edges and tender insides.
Seasoning Ideas to Try
The beauty of fries is that you can make them taste a little different every time. Here are some blends I’ve played with:
- Classic: Salt, garlic powder, and paprika
- Zesty: A dash of cayenne, lime zest, and chili powder
- Herby: Dried rosemary or thyme mixed into the oil before air frying
- Savory snack-style: Sprinkle with Old Bay or everything bagel seasoning
We’ve even tossed them in ranch seasoning powder for a fun twist that the kids loved.
Serving Suggestions
At our house, these fries usually show up next to burgers, grilled cheese, or crispy chicken sandwiches. But here are a few other fun ideas:
- Fries and dips night – Set out a few sauces like fry sauce (mayo + ketchup), homemade ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Loaded fries – Add shredded cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing snack or game-day treat.
- Side for brunch – Serve them with eggs and avocado for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner situation.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These fries are best hot and fresh, but you can absolutely prep them ahead:
- To prep ahead: Cut and store them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to dry them really well before air frying.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Freeze them after air frying (once cooled). They reheat nicely straight from frozen in the air fryer.
- Reheating: Toss them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until crisp. It’s honestly the best way to bring fries back to life.
Final Thoughts
Once you try homemade Air Fryer French Fries, it’s hard to go back to frozen bags or deep-fried takeout. These are light, crisp, and incredibly satisfying—plus, you can make them exactly how you like them.
Whether you’re serving them with burgers, loading them up with toppings, or just sneaking a few off the tray before they hit the table (guilty), this recipe is a keeper. And if you’re anything like me, your air fryer is about to earn a permanent spot on the counter.
Air Fryer French Fries
There’s nothing quite like a pile of crispy, golden fries—especially when they’re homemade and come together with barely any oil or mess.
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
Instructions
- Scrub and clean the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into even ¼-inch thick strips.
- Rinse the fries in cold water and thoroughly pat dry.
- Add the fries into a large bowl, drizzle with the oil, and toss. Sprinkle seasonings over the fries and toss again.
- Transfer the fries to the air fryer basket and cook at 380 for 10 minutes. Toss the French fries and cook for an additional 6-10 minutes until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make Ahead – submerge in cold water in the fridge until ready to cook and then pat dry.
- Storage – Store leftover french fries in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-5 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 141Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 307mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 3gSugar 1gProtein 3g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
