These Air Fryer French Fries are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned to absolute perfection! Just as flavorful and delicious as regular french fries but so much healthier and easier to make.
If you’re looking for an easy side to serve with burgers and sliders, crispy fried chicken tenders, or even slices of savory gyro meat, these golden air fryer French fries are a guaranteed hit. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re golden on the outside, creamy on the inside, and so much healthier than deep-fried versions. This recipe is one of my favorite recipes to use with my COSORI air fryer—it’s quick, mess-free, and delivers perfect fries every time.
You can also check out my Air Fryer Frozen French Fries—a quick and effortless way to enjoy crispy, golden fries straight from the freezer in just minutes!
Seasoning Variations
These Air fryer French fries are the perfect blank canvas for all kinds of flavor combinations. For a classic finish, keep it simple with a sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt added right after cooking. To switch things up, try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite Cajun seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
For cheesy, savory fries, toss them with freshly grated Parmesan and a bit of black pepper. Craving something zesty? This Ranch seasoning mix is a fan favorite—just sprinkle it over the hot fries for that signature herby, tangy flavor. and for more of an herby touch, finish with dried oregano, rosemary, or thyme—or garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added brightness.
Tips for Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
- Soak the potatoes: After cutting the potatoes into matchsticks, soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes which results in crisper fries.
- Dry thoroughly: Pat the potatoes completely dry before tossing with oil to avoid steaming and ensure even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding leads to soggy fries since the air can’t circulate properly. Cook in batches if needed.
- You only need a little oil: Too much oil will result in greasy fries. 1-2 teaspoons is all you need.
- To serve multiple batches at the same time: If you plan to serve all of the fries at the same time, place them all back in the air fryer (don’t worry about overlapping or touching) and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will reheat and re-crisp any of the potatoes from the previous batches.
Serving Ideas
Fries are all about dipping, and there’s no shortage of flavorful sauces to choose from. Try them with tangy, sweet-and-spicy mumbo sauce, or ranch dressing for a cool and creamy option. Honey mustard sauce adds a touch of sweetness, while comeback sauce brings bold Southern flavor. For a fast food–style dip, reach for Chick-fil-A sauce, or turn up the heat with a little Nashville hot sauce or classic buffalo sauce. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!
Craving more easy air fryer recipes? Try my Super Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Shishito Peppers, Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. They’re all quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknight cooking.
RECIPE CARD
Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound russet potatoes - sliced into 1/4-inch sticks
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional garnishes - fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, or chopped chives
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes under cool running water and dry them completely. To cut potatoes or french fries, first cut them in half lengthwise. Place the two halves cut-side down onto the cutting board and cut each half lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips. Turn the strips on their side and slice each into ¼-inch sticks.
- Transfer your fries to a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow the fries to sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 380°F and spray the inside of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- After the potatoes have been soaked for 10 minutes, drain and dry the potatoes completely with paper towels. Transfer to a large bowl and drizzle with enough extra virgin olive oil to just coat the potatoes, about 1-2 teaspoons. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat, making sure the spices are evenly distributed over the fries.
- Transfer the potatoes to the basket of your air fryer. For the crispiest air fryer French fries, place the potatoes in a single layer so that none of the potatoes are overlapping or touching. For super-crispy air fryer french fries, place them in a "crowded" single layer where some of the fries may be touching or overlapping. Regardless, you will need to cook your fries in at least 2 batches.
- Cook for 6 minutes, carefully slide out the air fryer basket and flip the fries over. Continue to cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until fries are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove the fries to a clean plate and season with additional salt and black pepper, if needed. Repeat with any remaining potatoes.
Jessica’s Notes
- I love my Cosori Air Fryer.
- Remember that total cooking time varies based on the air fryer being used to cook the potatoes and how thin (or thick) the potatoes were sliced.
- You may use russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Russet potatoes will have fluffier insides whereas Yukon gold potatoes will have creamier insides.
- Storage: Transfer leftover fries to an airtight container and keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can easily reheat your fries in the air fryer preheated to 380 degrees F for 2-3 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Air fryer frozen fries turn out great. Cook at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Find full detailed instructions in my post for Air Fryer Frozen French Fries.
Russet potatoes are the best choice for classic fries because of their high starch content and low moisture. Yukon golds can also work for a creamier interior. You can learn more about the difference between the two in my post comparing waxy vs starchy potatoes.
To reheat French fries in the air fryer, preheat it to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the fries in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy to your liking.
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