These air fryer French fries are irresistibly tasty and easy to make at home. If you crave crispy fries without the heavy oil, the air fryer delivers a golden, crunchy result with minimal fat.
Crispy Air Fried French Fries without all the Greasy Oil
These homemade air-fryer French fries are simple to prepare and require very little oil. They won’t taste exactly like deep-fried fries—there’s no oil bath—but they crisp up beautifully and have a roasted, satisfying texture with far less grease. One pound of potatoes needs only two teaspoons of oil in the air fryer, which dramatically reduces calories compared with traditional frying. They also cook faster than oven-baked fries, making them a quick and healthier option for a snack or side.
Watch Video of Homemade Air Fried French Fries Recipe
Healthy French Fries in the Air Fryer
When enjoyed in reasonable portions, air-fryer fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. Compare two teaspoons of oil per pound to the cup or more used for deep frying and the difference in calories and fat is clear. For an even lower-oil option, use a light spray of olive oil or an organic olive oil cooking spray.
Quick Homemade Air Fryer Crispy French Fries
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Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) fresh potatoes , cut into 1/4” fry size
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) olive oil
- kosher salt , to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder , optional
- ground black pepper , to taste
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Instructions
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Wash and cut the potatoes into even French-fry sized sticks so they cook uniformly.
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Place the cut potatoes in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and optional garlic powder. Gently toss to coat evenly.
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Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F (about 193°C) for 18–22 minutes, shaking or turning them about halfway through. For extra crispiness, shake again near the end and cook 2–4 minutes longer as needed.
Notes
If you cook multiple batches, the first batch may take a little longer if the air fryer isn’t preheated.
Set a timer and remember to shake, flip or toss the fries as directed for even browning.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes:
- Awesome crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts with just a little oil.
- Healthy and super easy air-fried baked salmon recipe.
- Air fryer chicken parmesan.
- Crispy roast potato cubes in the air fryer.
- Air fryer frozen French fries.
This recipe was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2020 with added notes.
What are the Best Air Fryers?
There are many air fryers on the market. Choose a model that fits your capacity needs and cooking style. Basket-style air fryers are commonly available in 3–4 qt and 5–6 qt sizes, and oven-style models offer larger capacity and extra features. Below are a few well-regarded options across sizes.
Good Mid-Sized Air Fryers
The Cosori 4 qt air fryer offers a wide, shorter basket that works well when you spread food in a single layer. Its non-stick, smooth basket is easy to clean and delivers reliable results.
The Ninja 4 qt digital air fryer has a durable ceramic-coated basket and a powerful fan that often cooks faster than comparable models. Its simple design makes cleanup easier and performance consistent.
The Ultrean 4.2 qt air fryer is straightforward and reliable, with a solid basket design and good value for the size. It comes in several colors for those who care about aesthetics.
Good Larger Air Fryers
The Gourmia 8 qt basket-style air fryer offers a roomy basket and responsive controls. It’s become a favorite for larger households thanks to its capacity and easy cleanup.
The Instant Vortex Plus (10 qt) expands beyond basic air frying with multiple functions such as broil, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie and roast. It’s a versatile choice for those who want more cooking modes in one appliance.
The Cosori Smart Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo offers many cooking modes, smartphone connectivity and voice assistant support for those who want a full-featured countertop oven with air-fryer capability.