Crispy, golden, and fluffy inside! These homemade air-fryer French fries use simple ingredients and are a delicious alternative to deep-fried fries.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes (about 500–600 g)
- 1–1½ tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp garlic powder, optional
- ¼ tsp paprika, optional
- ¼ tsp black pepper, optional
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, optional — helps create a crispier exterior
- Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
 Instructions
1. Cut the potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes. Peel them if desired. Cut into evenly sized fries, about ¼-inch (6 mm) thick.
2. Soak
Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30–60 minutes. This helps remove excess surface starch.
3. Dry very well
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. This is important for crispy fries.
4. Season
Place the dry potatoes in a bowl. Toss with oil, salt, and optional garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. For extra crispiness, lightly toss with cornstarch first, then add the oil and seasonings.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
6. Air fry
Arrange the fries in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5–7 minutes.
7. Make them extra crispy
If you prefer darker, crunchier fries, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 2–4 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Finish
Immediately season with a little extra salt while the fries are hot. Serve right away.
 Tips for Extra-Crispy Fries
- Choose russet potatoes because their starch content works especially well for crispy fries.
- Cut the fries as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip drying after soaking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air-fryer basket.
- Shake the basket several times during cooking.
- Add salt after cooking if you want the fries to stay especially crisp.
- Cooking time varies by potato size and air-fryer model.
 Flavor Variations
Garlic Parmesan
After cooking, toss with garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
Spicy
Add paprika, black pepper, and a small pinch of chili powder.
Herb
Toss with dried oregano, parsley, and a little garlic powder.
Cheesy
Top freshly cooked fries with shredded cheddar and return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes until melted.
Nut & Allergy Information
- Naturally nut-free: The basic recipe contains no tree nuts or peanuts.
- Corn: Cornstarch is optional. If you have a corn allergy, simply leave it out.
- Oil: Check the label if using flavored or specialty oils.
- Seasonings: Packaged spice blends can contain unexpected ingredients, so check labels if allergies are a concern.
- If cooking for someone with a severe allergy, avoid cross-contact with shared cooking surfaces and utensils.
 Recipe Q&A
Can I skip soaking the potatoes?
Yes, but soaking generally helps produce a crispier result.
Why aren’t my fries crispy?
The most common reasons are excess moisture, overcrowding, too little airflow, or fries that are cut too thick.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No. Leaving the skin on gives the fries a rustic texture. Just wash and scrub the potatoes well.
Can I use frozen French fries?
Yes. Frozen fries usually don’t need to be thawed. Follow your air-fryer package directions and adjust as needed.
Can I make these without oil?
Yes. They can be air-fried without added oil, although a small amount of oil usually gives better browning and crispness.
Can I prepare them ahead?
You can cut and soak the potatoes ahead of time. Keep them covered in cold water in the refrigerator, then drain and dry thoroughly before cooking.
Can I freeze homemade fries?
Yes, but for the best texture, partially cook them, cool them completely, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
How do I reheat leftover fries?
Air fry at 350–375°F (175–190°C) for about 3–6 minutes, shaking once, until hot and crisp.
Are air-fryer fries healthier than deep-fried fries?
They can contain less added oil than traditional deep-fried fries, depending on how much oil you use. Potatoes themselves are still a carbohydrate-rich food.
📊 Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 4 servings and 1½ tablespoons oil:
- Calories: ~180–210 kcal
- Protein: ~3–4 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30–34 g
- Fat: ~5–6 g
- Fiber: ~3–4 g
- Sodium: varies depending on salt
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with potato size, oil, seasonings, and serving size.
Serving Ideas
Serve immediately with:
- Ketchup
- Garlic aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Burger or sandwich
- Grilled chicken
- Crispy fish
- Homemade veggie burgers