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Air Fryer French Fries

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Updated Aug 6, 2024
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French fries are an undeniably popular side or snack that go with just about anything. And just about everybody loves French fries. But frying them up is messy and time consuming—until now. With an air fryer, French fries are easier than ever.

The air fryer is an easy and fast way to make French fries at home. And this recipe for homemade Air fryer French Fries is designed to be as simple as possible, while still leaving you freedom to make the recipe your own.

Whether you’re cooking burgers and fries, fish and chips, or just a basket of fries to pass around the table, Pillsbury has the most perfectly simple Air Fryer French Fries recipe to get you cooking as soon as possible.

So, let’s take a closer look at how to make air fryer fries!

How to Make Air Fryer French Fries

Prep Potatoes

First, you’ll need to prep your potatoes. You can peel them if you like, but it’s not required. Then slice them into 1/2-inch wide sticks.

Remove Excess Starch

In a large bowl, rinse to remove excess starch from your fries-to-be. You can also soak them to get even more starch out. Then simply pat them dry, toss with oil and salt, and put them in the basket of your air fryer.

Cook at 350°F

Once you start the air fryer, you just have a few steps left in this easy Air Fryer French Fries recipe. All you have to do is shake the basket a few times, and the result will be perfectly crispy air fryer fries. See below for complete instructions, but you’ll want to let them cook for 7 minutes at a time, shaking in between, and turning up the heat on the last round to give your air fryer French fries that classic golden color. Fries should be crispy on the outside and still somewhat firm on the inside. To check if they’re done, simply snap one in half. You’re looking for a crispy exterior, and a light yet firm inside. If you let one cool down a bit, you can simply do a taste test.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Fries

Similar to restaurant fries, your leftover air fryer French fries can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. When it’s time to reheat, simply pop them into the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes to get them warm and crispy again.

For longer storage, you can put them in the freezer for up to 3 months. As opposed to store bought frozen French fries, these will keep that homemade flavor you love. Ensure that the container is airtight, both to maintain freshness, and to keep them from freezing together. To reheat, you can let them thaw and reheat like refrigerated fries or pop them right in the air fryer frozen, and cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times throughout.

Seasoning Ideas

For most, a simple dash of salt and cup of ketchup is the perfect pairing for homemade air fryer French fries. But why not spice things up a bit? A sprinkle of spice is a great way to elevate the flavor of your French fries.

Ranch

Add a packet of ranch seasoning spice blend to give fries a sweet savory burst of flavor, perfect for a bistro-inspired taste that’s great with burgers or satisfying on its own as a passable snack.

Parmesan

Grated Parmesan cheese over the top of freshly-cooked homemade air fryer fries transforms them into an Italian-style cheesy side dish. For an extra-intense flavor, try adding garlic powder, oregano, or any other Italian spices you love!

Cajun

If you really want to bring the spice, Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne, and black or white pepper add a zesty flavor that’s perfect for a cookout.

Other Easy & Delicious Potato Recipes

Air fryer French fries are an amazing—and amazingly easy—way to get your potato fix. But there are so many possibilities for simply spectacular potato sides.

For a go-to side dish that fits with any meal, Easy Oven-Roasted Potatoes are a surefire winner at dinner time. The simple seasoning combination of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper gives it a versatile flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a wide range of main dishes.

Fire up the air fryer again with these Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes! Savory rosemary and oil infuse hearty red potatoes with incredible flavor for an extremely versatile side dish.

The classic potato’s colorful cousin can transform simple side dishes into super flavorful experiences. Check out a few easy sweet potato recipes that bring smiles any time of year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Air Fryer French Fries

  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Total 45 min
  • Ingredients 3
  • Servings 4
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wide sticks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Wipe down bottom of air fryer basket with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
  • Step 
    2
    Place potatoes in large bowl of cold water; rinse to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Place potatoes in dry large bowl; toss with oil and salt. Place potatoes in basket of air fryer.
  • Step 
    3
    Set to 350°F. Cook 7 minutes; shake basket to redistribute the potatoes. Cook 7 minutes longer, and shake basket again. Set to 400°F. Cook 5 minutes; shake basket, and continue to cook 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned.

Nutrition

190 Calories
7g Total Fat
2g Protein
30g Total Carbohydrate
2g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
190
Calories from Fat
60
Total Fat
7g
11%
Saturated Fat
1g
6%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
0mg
0%
Sodium
300mg
13%
Potassium
540mg
15%
Total Carbohydrate
30g
10%
Dietary Fiber
2g
8%
Sugars
2g
Protein
2g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
0%
0%
Vitamin C
15%
15%
Calcium
0%
0%
Iron
2%
2%
Exchanges:
1 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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