These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer French Fries are easy and quick to make. They use very little oil and are lower in calories than traditional deep-fried fries, making them a great choice for a healthier homemade treat that everyone will enjoy.
Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed, so these fries have fewer calories while still delivering a satisfying crunch. You also save time since the air fryer usually requires no preheating and cooks faster than an oven.
Air Fryer French Fries Ingredients
For this recipe you will need olive oil or vegetable oil, potatoes, garlic powder, ground black pepper, paprika and salt. I recommend using high-starch potatoes such as russets because they have less moisture and crisp up nicely. All-purpose potatoes and Finnish yellow potatoes also work. Avoid waxy, low-starch varieties like new potatoes or round red potatoes. You can also use frozen fries in the air fryer; see the frozen fries section below for timing tips.
How to Air Fry French Fries?
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them lengthwise into thin fries.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cut potatoes with oil and season with salt, garlic powder, black pepper and paprika. Mix until evenly coated.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket at least twice during cooking. Serve hot.
Is Using an Air Fryer Healthy?
Yes. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying because it uses significantly less oil. The hot circulating air cooks food evenly and produces crisp results with fewer calories. Properly seasoned and cooked air-fryer fries can taste just as good as deep-fried ones.
More Seasoning Ideas
Customize the flavor with your favorite seasonings. Popular options include:
- Sea salt
- Crushed chili flakes
- Paprika
- Garlic granules or onion granules
- Rosemary or thyme
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian herb blend
- Sesame oil with sesame seeds and chili flakes
Can I Use Frozen Fries to Cook in the Air Fryer?
Yes. Place frozen fries directly into the air fryer basket, season if desired, and increase the cooking time to allow them to defrost and crisp (about 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness and your air fryer model). If spraying oil on frozen fries, do so quickly to avoid clumping from the cold surface.
Is This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is vegan as written, provided you skip any dairy toppings. If you want a cheesy finish, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast or a non-dairy vegan cheese to keep it fully plant-based.
Is It Gluten-Free?
All ingredients listed here are naturally gluten-free, so these fries are safe for a gluten-free diet as long as cross-contamination is avoided and any added seasonings are confirmed gluten-free.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Once cooled to room temperature, store fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry for 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked fries in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags for up to several months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes or until heated through and crisp.
Serving Ideas
- Serve fries as a snack with classic dips like ketchup, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, garlic aioli, or mustard.
- Top them with gravy, melted cheese, baked beans, or use them alongside baked camembert for a richer plate.
- They make a great side for stews and roasted or grilled dishes, such as mushroom stew or lemon garlic chicken.
If you try this recipe, please rate it and share a photo of your fries on social media with the hashtag #NourishPlate — I’d love to see your results. Bon appétit!
Air Fryer French Fries
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound potatoes russets, washed and peeled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
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Cut the potatoes lengthwise into thin fries.
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In a mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil. Season with salt, garlic powder, black pepper and paprika. Mix until evenly coated.
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Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket at least twice while cooking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You don’t need to preheat most air fryers for this recipe.
- Flip or shake the basket at least twice during cooking to ensure even browning.
- Adjust seasonings and salt to taste.
- The fries will shrink while cooking; a full-looking basket at the start is normal.
- If using frozen fries, increase cook time to 20–25 minutes so they defrost and crisp properly.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
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