If you’re looking for an easy side to pair with your veggie burgers this weekend, these air fryer French fries are just the thing for you! I know, I know. When it comes to grilling sides, I’m usually all about salads or corn on the cob, but sometimes, I get a craving for a salty, crunchy snack that even the best summer salad can’t satisfy. That’s where these air fryer French fries come in.
In a lot of ways, they’re just like regular fries. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and dusted with an irresistible coating of salt. But there is one key difference between deep frying and air frying: you only need a light drizzle of oil to make crispy French fries in the air fryer. As a result, these fries are far healthier than average ones.
This is good news for Jack and me, because we’ve been making (and eating) these air fryer fries on repeat lately. They only require 3 basic ingredients, and they cook up in no time. Fresh out of the fryer, they’re hot, crunchy, and completely addictive. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked.
Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cook potatoes in hot oil until golden, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Best Air Fryer Fries Tips
- Work in batches. It’s essential that you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that you leave a little space between each one. If they’re too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won’t get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you’ll likely need to work in batches. When I use 2 russet potatoes, I cook 3 batches of fries.
- Not crispy yet? Keep cooking! The exact timing will vary based on your particular air fryer. I recommend checking your first batch at the 12 minute mark and adjusting your timing based on how they look at that stage. If they’re still not crispy, continue cooking until they crisp up.
- When it comes to doneness, taste is more important than appearance. I’ve found that my air fryer French fries start to look done before they actually are done. Taste a fry from each batch to make sure it’s tender on the inside and crisp on the outside before you move on to a new batch.
- Toss them all in together at the end. Because you’ll be working in batches, some of the fries will have to sit around for a bit before you finish cooking. No one likes cold, soggy fries, so toss all the fries into the air fryer together (no need to worry about space this time) for 1 to 2 minutes before you eat. This quick step will reheat the fries from the earlier batches and make them nice and crispy. Yum!
Air Fryer French Fries Serving Suggestions
On their own, these air fryer French fries make a super fun snack or appetizer. Serve them simply with salt and pepper, or dress them up with fresh herbs, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder. They’re also fantastic with dipping sauces! I love them with ketchup and mustard, but they’re tasty with out-of-the-box choices like chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese too.
Of course, these air fryer fries are also a great side dish. Pair them with any of these recipes for a fun, delicious meal:
Philips Chef – French fries in the Airfryer
FAQ
How do you know when fries are done in fryer?
How long do frozen fries take in fryer?
How long to heat oil for fries?
How many times should you fry fries?
How long do you fry french fries?
Fry for another 10 to 12 minutes, until they start to look dry and crispy. (If any pieces seem excessively brown, remove them before you turn the fryer back on.) Remove from the fryer and place in a serving bowl. Let them cool for a few minutes (I know it’s hard, they’re French fries!) and taste.
Are sweet potato fries better than regular fries?
Sweet potato fries are very similar to regular fries. Both are not the healthiest option to choose from. They are fried, and potatoes are high in carbohydrates.
How long do you cook French fries in an air fryer?
Frozen french fries: If you’re using frozen french fries, simply follow the instructions but cook the fries for 25 minutes instead. Toss the fries every 5 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown all over. Don’t Overcrowd Your Basket: It’s super important that you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket.
Do you need a deep fryer to make crispy Fries?
However, making crispy fries usually requires deep frying the potatoes in plenty of oil. And deep-frying in my house is a no-no, simply because of the smell that lingers after deep-frying anything, and the insane amount of oil required to do so. If you haven’t tried cooking with an air fryer before, it’s about to change your life.