Who doesn’t love French fries? Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oh-so-satisfying. With this Air Fryer French Fries Recipe, you can enjoy perfectly golden fries without the excess oil or mess of deep frying. The air fryer delivers that signature crunch while keeping things lighter and healthier.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or even part of a game-day spread, these fries are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is a game-changer for fry lovers everywhere. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer French Fries

Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

Crispy Without the Oil:
The air fryer creates perfectly crisp fries with just a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying.
Quick and Easy:
Ready in under 30 minutes, these fries are perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or last-minute cravings.
Customizable Flavors:
From classic salt to garlic parmesan or spicy Cajun seasoning, you can easily customize the flavor to suit your taste.
Healthier Alternative:
Enjoy fries guilt-free with less oil and fewer calories, all while keeping that delicious crunch.
Kid-Friendly and Fun:
These fries are a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re fun and easy to make together as a family activity!

Ingredients for Air Fryer French Fries

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create the perfect batch of fries:

1. Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the best choice for French fries, thanks to their starchy texture that delivers crispy outsides and fluffy insides.

2. Oil

A small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil helps the fries crisp up in the air fryer.

3. Seasonings

Salt is a must, but you can also add garlic powder, paprika, or any seasoning blend you like.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

Garlic Parmesan: Toss the fries with minced garlic, grated parmesan, and parsley after cooking.
Spicy Cajun Fries: Add Cajun seasoning or chili powder for a zesty kick.
Herb Fries: Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a fragrant twist.
Sweet Potato Fries: Swap the Russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and savory option.

How to Make Air Fryer French Fries

Follow these quick and easy steps for perfectly crispy fries every time:

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes (optional). Cut them into evenly sized sticks, about ¼-inch thick, for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

Place the potato sticks in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15–20 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps achieve extra-crispy fries.

Step 3: Dry and Season

Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. In a mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you like.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Fries

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the fries from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer French Fries are a versatile side dish or snack that pairs well with just about anything. Here are some serving ideas:

Classic Pairing: Serve with ketchup, mayo, or mustard for a classic dipping experience.
Gourmet Style: Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan for a fancy twist.
Burgers and Sandwiches: Pair with burgers, grilled cheese, or chicken sandwiches for a hearty meal.
Loaded Fries: Top with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for loaded fries that double as a snack or appetizer.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Fries

Cut Evenly: Uniformly sized potato sticks ensure even cooking and prevent some fries from overcooking while others are underdone.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the potatoes removes starch and helps make the fries crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the fries in batches if needed to allow air to circulate for even crisping.
Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures all sides of the fries crisp up evenly.
Serve Immediately: Air fryer fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crunch.