Air Fryer Homemade French Fries Recipe (Frozen French Fries Recipe Included)

The Air Fryer is a game-changer when it comes to making Homemade French Fries. They turn out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and they are much healthier than traditional fries because they aren’t cooked in a pool of hot oil.

Not to mention that it is way easier to cook them in your air fryer, and the results are just as good, and certainly better for you, than the ones that you get at your favorite restaurant. Plus, making them from scratch means you get to control the seasonings, allowing you to make them exactly how you like them.

Luckily, many people have one of these popular countertop convection ovens in our kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned air fryer user or you just received one as a gift, you can easily master this recipe and make the best fries that you have ever had.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or even a late-night treat, they’re always a hit. And while the recipe itself is simple, there are a few tricks to getting them to turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly tender inside.

And for those of you who would prefer to cook store-bought frozen French fries in your air fryer, no worries! I can help you with those instructions too! But first let’s take a look at what you need to do if you want homemade French fries.

If you are looking for another Air Fryer appetizer, then you need to try to make these Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms!

The Best Potatoes for French Fries

For this recipe, russet potatoes are the best choice. Their high starch content and low moisture make them ideal for air frying.

Russet potatoes produce fries exactly how we want them, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. While you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes, they won’t give you the same classic texture and flavor.

When selecting russet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. Two large potatoes will yield plenty of fries for four servings.

The Secret to Crispy Fries

The key to getting perfectly crispy fries is soaking them in water. This step removes excess starch from the potatoes, which helps them crisp up better during cooking. Here’s how it works:

1. First soak: After slicing the potatoes into fry shapes, place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for 30 minutes.
2. Second soak: Drain the water, refill the bowl with fresh water, and soak the fries for another 30 minutes.

This double-soaking process ensures your fries don’t turn out soggy. Once soaked, drain the water and pat the fries dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Dry fries mean crispy fries, so don’t skip this step.

Work in Batches if Needed

Depending on how many French fries will fit in the basket of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Giving the potato sticks enough room in the basket is important for achieving even cooking and crispy results.

When fries are too crowded they tend to steam instead of fry. This can make them soggy. They can overlap somewhat but you want to see some spaces between the fries.

By cooking in smaller batches, you allow the hot air to circulate freely around each fry, ensuring they cook evenly and get that signature crunch that we all desire.

Recipe Tips – Air Fryer Homemade French Fries

• Uniform slices: Try to cut the fries as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer is great for this.
• Dry thoroughly: Patting the fries dry after soaking is crucial for crispiness.
• Don’t skip the oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the fries crisp up and adds flavor.
• Season before and after cooking: Add salt and/or your favorite seasonings before and after they’re cooked.

Air Fryer Homemade French Fries Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large russet potatoes, washed & bad spots removed (peeling optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

*You can adjust the amount of potatoes to make however many French fries that you need.

INSTRUCTIONS – Air Fryer Homamde French Fries

1. Slice the potatoes: Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes into fries. If you don’t have a mandoline, cut the potatoes into ¼-inch thick slices and then into strips.

2. Soak the fries: Follow the soaking process described above. This removes excess starch and makes a big difference in texture.

3. Dry and season: After soaking, pat the fries dry with a paper towel. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Preheat the air fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F.

5. Cook in batches: Place the fries in the air fryer basket, making sure there are spaces visible between each layer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Work in batches if needed.

6. Cook and flip: Air fry the fries for 7 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the fries to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the fries are crispy and golden brown.

7. Serve immediately: Air fryer fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve them right away with your favorite seasonings and/or dipping sauces.

Cooking Frozen Store-Bought French Fries In The Air Fryer

If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of frozen fries, the air fryer is perfect for cooking them. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F.
2. Add the fries: Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket. You don’t need to thaw them first.
3. Cook and shake: Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the fries, so keep an eye on them.
4. Season and serve: Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

Frozen fries cook faster and require less prep, but they’re still crispy and delicious when made in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Homemade French Fries are perfect on their own as a snack, but they’re even better with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard. They’re a great side dish for burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken and more!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. They’ll regain some of their crispiness, though they’re best fresh.

Air Fryer Homemade French Fries turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside when you follow the steps included in this recipe. Whether you’re making fries from scratch or using frozen ones, this recipe ensures delicious, golden-brown fries every time. Give it a try and see for yourself!

For other Air Fryer Recipes be sure to visit my Healthy Air Fryer Recipes page and all of my Air Fryer recipes on my Air Fryer Recipe Pages.

Enjoy! Mary

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