Air Fryer French Fries
Updated Aug 10, 2026
It's easy to make crispy air fryer French fries from scratch with just potatoes, olive oil, and a few simple seasonings.
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Air Fryer French Fries are what I make when I’m craving crispy fries. I’ve actually never deep-fried French fries in my life!! It’s just not something my mom ever made. Now, my kids will always ask for French fries, and these air fryer French fries are what I make most often (sometimes I will do baked fries). They come out of the air fryer all crispy with just a tablespoon of oil, so they are a lot lighter than the drive-thru version but still scratch the same itch for my kiddos!
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Recipe testing notes
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe before sharing it with you! These notes give you a peek into the process of developing this air fryer french fries recipe.
Getting the French fries dry was the single biggest thing that mattered when I was trying to get crispy, but not “rock” fries, by trying to air-fry the moisture out. That surface moisture is the enemy of a crispy fry.
Cutting the fries evenly also mattered a lot. When my sticks were even a little uneven in thickness, some burned. Keeping them to about a quarter inch across the board got them cooking at the same rate so the whole batch came out right.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer French Fries Ingredients
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes make the best air fryer French fries because their high starch content yields crispy fries with fluffy centers. You could substitute another starchy potato like Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes. Cut the potatoes into even ¼-inch sticks, so they all finish cooking at the same time. Here are my tips on how to cut potatoes. I leave the skins on for a more homemade feel!
- Oil: Olive oil has a high smoke point and crisps up the French fries well. You can use any high-heat oil, like avocado oil.
- Seasonings: Paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also toss the potatoes with Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, ranch seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning.
How to Make Homemade Air Fryer French Fries
These photos show each step for making air fryer French fries from scratch. For the complete ingredient list and full instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below, or jump straight to the → Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
1. SLICE THE POTATOES
Cut the potatoes into thin sticks that are about the same thickness. Evenly sized fries cook more consistently, so take a little extra time here if needed.
2. SEASON THE POTATOES
Add the potato sticks to a large bowl with the olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until every fry is lightly coated.
3. ARRANGE IN THE AIR FRYER
Spread the fries into a single layer inside the air fryer basket with a little space between each one. If your basket is small, cook them in batches instead of overcrowding.
4. COOK fries UNTIL CRISPy
Cook until crispy with golden brown edges. Shake the basket about halfway through so the fries brown more evenly.
Full Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Ketchup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 380ºF.
- Wash the potatoes very well and keep the skin on. Use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into thin sticks, about ¼-inch in thickness. Pat them dry with paper towels to soak up any moisture.
- Place the potato sticks in a large bowl along with the olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer and arrange in a single layer. You may need to cook in two batches. Cook until crispy with golden brown edges, shaking the basket halfway through, 15-18 minutes total.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese fries: Top with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese during the last minute of cooking, then finish with 1 tablespoon sliced green onions.
- Garlic Parmesan fries: Toss the hot fries with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Herby fries: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley over the fries just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each French fry. If the fries overlap, you may create a steaming effect instead of a crisping effect. Cook in batches if needed!
- Shake the basket halfway through. For crispy air fryer French fries, toss them in the basket at least once while cooking. This helps the potatoes get crispy all over.
- Serve them right away. Air fryer French fries are at their crispiest during the first few minutes after cooking.
Serving Ideas
- Add a dipping sauce: Ketchup is traditional, but these fries are also great with spicy mayo, homemade ranch, and garlic aioli.
- Serve alongside burgers: Burgers and fries are a classic combo. I like making these with turkey burgers, black bean burgers, or chicken burgers.
- Pair with sandwiches: Try the fries with my turkey salad sandwich, chickpea ‘tuna’ salad, or grilled cheese dippers.
Troubleshooting
This usually happens if you didn’t dry the potatoes well before cooking or the air fryer basket is overcrowded. Air needs room to circulate, so cook in batches if necessary and pat the potatoes dry before adding the oil. And don’t forget to toss the fries halfway through. You may have also used too much oil to coat the potatoes.
A light coating of oil usually prevents sticking. It’s also helpful to let the fries cook for a few minutes before shaking the basket instead of moving them immediately.
They’re probably cut too thick or weren’t all the same size. Try cutting the fries into evenly sized ¼-inch sticks so they cook at the same rate.
No! My method skips the soak and instead allows the potatoes to dry. You can layer them between paper towels to help soak up any extra moisture.
Comments
Awesome..May I have your recipe for the Sauce,thank you
Hi Zouhair! I just serve them with ketchup that I purchase from my local grocery store. Hope you enjoy!