The Best Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

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I’ve always had a soft spot for French fries. That golden, crispy exterior giving way to a tender, fluffy inside—what’s not to love? But as much as I adore a deep-fried batch, I’ve never been a fan of the mess or the heavy oil. So when I discovered how to make The Best Crispy Air Fryer French Fries, it honestly changed the game for me. Now I can have that same indulgent crispiness with a fraction of the oil—and way less guilt.

This recipe is all about balance: texture, flavor, and simplicity. Whether I’m making them as a side dish, a snack, or just because I’m craving something salty and satisfying, they always hit the spot. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting—transforming humble potatoes into crunchy perfection with minimal effort. Once you try these, you might never go back to the old way.

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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside: Just like your favorite diner fries but made at home with less oil.
• Healthier than traditional frying: Air frying uses a fraction of the oil, cutting down on calories and grease.
• Fast and easy: No need to preheat the oven or stand over a pot of hot oil.
• Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Parmesan.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, game night, or a quick snack, these fries fit the bill.

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What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Crispy Air Fryer French Fries?

I’ve tested this recipe with different potato varieties, and by far, russet potatoes are the standout winner. They have a high starch content and low moisture, which makes them ideal for that crispy texture we’re aiming for. Yukon Golds are a good backup—they offer a slightly buttery taste—but they won’t crisp up quite as much. If you’re after restaurant-style fries, russets are the way to go.

Make sure to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before air frying. This step helps remove excess starch, which allows the fries to crisp up nicely rather than steam in the air fryer.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re working with what you’ve got or want to get creative, here are a few solid substitutions that still yield tasty results:

• Potatoes: If russet potatoes aren’t available, Yukon Golds or white potatoes can work. They’ll be less crispy but still flavorful.
• Oil: I usually go with olive oil or avocado oil, but any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil will do the trick.
• Seasoning: Keep it classic with salt or go bold with paprika, garlic powder, Cajun spice, or even chili flakes. Try a sprinkle of truffle salt or Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
• No oil at all? You can skip it entirely for a lower-fat version, though the fries won’t be quite as golden and crispy.

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Ingredients for This Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

• Russet Potatoes
  These are the backbone of the recipe. Their high starch content and low moisture level make them perfect for achieving that iconic crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture.
• Olive Oil
  Just a tablespoon or two helps the fries crisp and turn golden in the air fryer. It also acts as a carrier for any seasonings, helping them stick better.
• Salt
  A must-have for flavor. I like to season both before and after cooking for that crave-worthy salty bite.
• Optional Seasonings
  Think garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. These take your fries from simple to unforgettable.

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Step 1: Peel and Cut the Potatoes

Start by peeling the russet potatoes (you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic style). Slice them into even sticks—about ¼ inch thick for that perfect balance of crispy and fluffy.

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Step 2: Soak in Cold Water

Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak them for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which is key for achieving that golden crisp. After soaking, drain and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel.

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Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasoning

Transfer the dried fries to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Add a pinch of salt and any other seasonings you love.

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Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps start the cooking process immediately and improves crispiness.

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Step 5: Cook in Batches

Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to do this in batches.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once golden and crisp, remove the fries from the air fryer and sprinkle with extra salt or seasoning to taste. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crunchy!

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How Long to Cook the Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

The ideal cooking time is 15 to 18 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Keep in mind that thinner fries may cook faster, while thicker cuts might need a few extra minutes. Always shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning. If you’re making a large batch, cooking in multiple batches helps ensure crispiness instead of soggy fries.

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Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

• Soak the potatoes: Don’t skip the soaking step—it removes excess starch and helps fries crisp instead of steam.
• Dry thoroughly: Water is the enemy of crispiness. After soaking, pat the fries dry with a clean towel.
• Cut evenly: Uniform fries cook at the same rate. Aim for consistent thickness, about ¼ inch wide.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give them space to breathe. Too many fries at once = steaming, not crisping.
• Shake halfway through: This ensures all sides get crispy and prevents sticking.
• Serve immediately: Fries are at their best straight out of the air fryer—hot, crisp, and golden.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the soak: It may seem unnecessary, but skipping the soak leads to limp fries. Removing the starch makes all the difference.
• Not drying the potatoes: Extra moisture creates steam in the air fryer, which means soggy fries instead of crispy ones.
• Overcrowding the basket: You’ll end up steaming the fries instead of air frying. Always cook in batches if needed.
• Using too much oil: A light coat is all you need. Too much oil can cause uneven cooking and greasy fries.
• Cooking at the wrong temperature: Too low and they won’t crisp up; too high and they’ll brown before cooking through. Stick to 375°F for the sweet spot.

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What to Serve With Crispy Air Fryer French Fries?

Classic Cheeseburgers

Nothing beats the timeless pairing of fries and a juicy cheeseburger. Perfect for a weekend meal or cookout.

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Add a fresh, tangy slaw and you’ve got a perfect contrast to the fries’ crisp texture.

Fish and Chips

Upgrade your traditional fish and chips night by pairing crispy fries with battered or air-fried fish fillets.

Garlic Aioli or Dipping Sauces

Ketchup is great, but garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or honey mustard take things to another level.

Chili Cheese Fries

Top your fries with hot chili, shredded cheese, and green onions for a hearty twist.

Fried or Poached Eggs

A runny yolk over crispy fries? Game changer. Try it for brunch or a late-night snack.

Veggie Burgers or Portobello Sandwiches

If you’re going plant-based, fries still fit perfectly. They complement veggie-based mains with savory satisfaction.

Steak or Steak Bites

Fries are a classic steakhouse side. Air fryer fries bring that crispy edge to a home-cooked steak dinner.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store the fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and bring back the crisp, toss them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with softer fries—it tends to zap the crunch right out of them.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze uncooked fries after the soak-and-dry step. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 serving (based on a medium russet potato and 1 tsp olive oil):

• Calories: ~160
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: Depends on seasoning—usually around 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 3g

These numbers will vary slightly based on potato size, oil quantity, and seasoning, but they offer a much lighter alternative to deep-fried versions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip soaking the potatoes?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Soaking removes starch, which is essential for that crispy texture. Skipping this step often results in softer, less golden fries.

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Why are my fries soggy in the air fryer?

Most likely due to overcrowding or not drying the potatoes well after soaking. Both issues trap moisture, which prevents crisping.

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How much oil should I use?

About 1–2 teaspoons per large potato is enough. A light coating goes a long way in an air fryer and helps the fries brown evenly.

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Can I make these fries with sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potato fries work well, though they’ll be softer and slightly less crispy due to higher moisture content. Same method applies.

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What size should I cut the fries?

Aim for ¼-inch thickness for a classic fry. Thinner fries will cook faster but are prone to burning; thicker ones may need a few extra minutes.

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Can I season the fries before or after air frying?

Both! I like a light seasoning before cooking, then finish with more salt or spices right after, while the fries are still hot.

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Do I need to flip the fries halfway through?

You don’t have to flip them individually, but shaking the basket halfway through cooking is important for even browning.

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Can I reheat leftover fries in the microwave?

You can, but I wouldn’t. They’ll turn soft and rubbery. Use the air fryer again for best results—just a few minutes to revive the crisp.

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Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries are one of those recipes that proves simple is often best. With just a few ingredients and the right technique, you can transform everyday potatoes into golden, crunchy fries that rival anything from your favorite restaurant. Once you’ve made them yourself, it’s hard to go back—especially when they’re this easy, mess-free, and better for you.

Whether you’re serving them next to burgers or enjoying them straight from the basket with your favorite dipping sauce, these fries are guaranteed to steal the show.

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