I really love french fries, but deep frying can be such a hassle. On busy weeknights when I’m craving a crispy side, I make these Air Fryer French Fries, and all my troubles just melt away! Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic and onion powder, and salt, these fries pack a punch and are mess-free! This air fryer french fry recipe is the kind of easy side dish I’m serving up every week because it’s just so simple.
Why Make French Fries in the Air Fryer
I don’t know about you, but I love my air fryer. It’s the perfect little hero appliance for all types of fried foods. If you hate a mess in the kitchen as much as I do, you need this air fryer french fries recipe in your life! These fries are just as crispy as if they came fresh from the fryer but without the hassle and burning eyes! This is the perfect recipe to use up those last few potatoes from that 5-pound bag in the pantry before they start sprouting.
Ingredients for Air Fryer French Fries
You’re just 5 simple ingredients away from crispy, crunchy french fries! Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer french fries:
- Russet Potatoes: Just one pound of potatoes, or approximately 2 medium Russet potatoes, is all you need to make air fryer french fries. Russet are creamy on the inside and a classic fry potato, but Yukon Gold are a great choice if you like firmer fries.
- Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice– vegetable or canola can help cut costs) to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes and help the potatoes to brown evenly while cooking.
- Seasoning: A combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt is simple but oh-so flavorful!
What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer French Fries?
This simple seasoning blend is quick, easy, and delicious, but you can also get creative with seasonings. Try:
- Cajun Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Garlic Herb Seasoning
- Tony Chachere’s
- Parmesan Cheese
Tips for Making Air Fryer French Fries
To get the crispiest french fries in the air fryer, follow these tips:
- Soak the cut potatoes to remove excess starch.
- Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy.
- Work in batches to ensure every fry is crisp. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries, so cook in a single layer with space in between.
- Test each batch of fries to ensure they are properly cooked.
- When in doubt, keep cooking! Every air fryer is a little different, so your fries may need more time.
- Recrisp all of the fries together for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at the end so everything is hot and ready for serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Once cooked and cooled, these air fryer french fries can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Air Fryer French Fries
Servings 2Ingredients
- 1 lb. russet potatoes ($1.39)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.24)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.
- Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.
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Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
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how to make Air Fryer French Fries – step by step photos
Wash and dry 1 lb. of Russet potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.
Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with 3 Tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly.
Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.
These fries are the ultimate weeknight hero. Simple, mess-free, and so flavorful!
Can I leave the fries to soak in cold water in the fridge overnight?
You can, but no longer than 24 hours!
Ridiculous with all the ads! I literally had 3 ads going all at once.
I’m going to have to cook in batches. What is the best way for the first batch to stay hit and crispy until the 3rd batch is done? Wondering if just oven cooking would save time.
I’d say your best bet is to thow them on a baking sheet lined with a rack and keep them warm in a low oven! Although that will create more of a mess for you.
What’s the best way to prep these for the freezer? Should I freeze after I cut but before I cook them? Or after I cook them let them cool and then freeze?
Honestly, we didn’t go through the freezing process so I’m not sure which way would yield the best results! Store-bought frozen French fries are cut, steamed, flash fried, frozen, then bagged. If you want to try, I would follow a similar pattern and cut, soak, and air fry for half the time, then cool and freeze. Keep in mind we haven’t tried it, but that’s how I’d try it the first time. Then if you want to air fry them from frozen I would do it for the full time but keep an eye on them. Let me know if you try!