Crispy, golden Air Fryer Homemade Fries made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, avocado oil, and seasonings. A healthier way to enjoy French fries with less oil and all the crunch!
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Let’s be real—there’s something magical about biting into a crispy French fry. But dealing with a deep fryer and a lot of oil? Not exactly my idea of fun. I used to avoid making fries at home because it meant an oily mess and a house that smelled like fast food for days. Then I discovered the air fryer—and let’s just say, I’ve never looked back.
Now, I can have crispy fries anytime, without drowning them in vegetable oil. And the best part? They taste just as good (if not better) than the ones from a deep fryer. If you’re a fry lover like me, you need to try this!
Quick Breakdown
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Homemade Fries
- Less Oil, More Crisp: Thanks to hot air circulation, you’ll get that perfect crunch using just a little oil.
- Mess-Free Cooking: No splattering, no greasy countertops, and no lingering fried smell.
- Super Easy & Fast: From cut potatoes to crispy goodness in about 30 minutes.
- Endless Flavor Possibilities: Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, cajun seasoning, or even parmesan cheese!
- Perfect Side Dish: These fries go with air fryer hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, and more!
What You Need To Make These Air Fryer Homemade Fries
- Russet Potatoes: The best option for crispy French fries (trust me on this one!).
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Both have a high smoke point and help get that golden brown finish.
- Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or whatever flavors you love.
- Paper Towels: To pat the potatoes dry and remove excess starch (a must for crispy fries).
How to Make Air Fryer Homemade Fries
- Cut the Potatoes: Wash, peel (or don’t—it’s up to you!), and slice them into potato sticks about 1/4 inch thick.
- Soak in Cool Water: Place the fries in a large bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to get rid of excess starch (this step = crispier fries).
- Dry Completely: Drain and pat them dry using paper towels or a dry bowl (no one likes soggy fries).
- Toss with Oil & Seasoning: Coat the fries with tablespoons of oil and season to taste.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Spread them in a single layer (crowding = sad, limp fries).
- Cook & Shake: Air fry at 360°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Enjoy! Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, ranch, or maybe something fancy?).
Storage Options
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the preheated air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crisp.
- Freezing? Honestly, not the best idea—fries tend to lose their magic when frozen.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Potatoes – Try Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier inside or red potatoes for a different twist.
- Potato Wedges? – The same method, just adjust the cooking time.
- Switch Up the Seasoning – Think cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
- Oil Options – Avocado oil is my go-to, but olive oil works great too.
What to Serve with These Air Fryer Homemade Fries”
These fries are the perfect pairing for just about anything:
- Air Fryer Hamburgers – Because burgers and fries = a match made in heaven.
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets – Another crispy classic.
- Hot Dogs & Veggie Burgers – Fries are never a bad idea.
- Dipping Sauces – Ketchup, ranch, honey mustard… What’s your favorite?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a deep fryer instead of an air fryer?
You can, but let’s be honest—using a deep fryer means dealing with a lot of oil, splatters everywhere, and a kitchen that smells like a fast-food joint for hours. The air fryer work is way easier since it uses hot air to crisp up your fries with less oil. If you’re craving that old-school deep-fried crunch, go for it—but I’d stick to the air fryer for a hassle-free experience. - How do I make sure my fries cook evenly in different air fryer models?
Ah, the classic air fryer struggle! Since different air fryer models can vary in heat distribution, the trick is to arrange your fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No stacking or cramming—unless you want half-crispy, half-soggy fries. Also, give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking to make sure they crisp up evenly. - What’s the best way to store leftover fries so they stay crispy?
If you actually have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store your cooked fries in an airtight container in the fridge. But here’s the thing—fries don’t love the fridge. To bring them back to life, pop them into a preheated air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you’re into sad, limp fries. - Can I swap Russet potatoes for Yukon Golds?
Totally! Russet potatoes are the best option for that classic fry crunch, but Yukon Golds give you a perfect balance of crispy edges and a buttery center. If you like fries with a little more softness inside, Yukon Golds are a great pick. They won’t get quite as crispy as russets, but they still taste amazing!
Ready to Make the Best Air Fryer Homemade Fries?
So there you have it—an easy recipe for the crispiest, tastiest homemade fries, made right in your air fryer. No deep frying, no mess, just pure crispy perfection.
Next time you’re craving fries, skip the drive-thru and give this a shot. I promise you won’t miss the grease!
What’s your go-to fry seasoning? Let me know—I’m always looking for new ways to spice things up!
Air Fryer Homemade Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the Russet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized fries, approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Soak in Cold Water: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispy fries.
- Dry the Fries: Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Season the Fries: In a dry bowl, toss the fries with olive oil or avocado oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder if using.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the Fries: Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispness. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last few minutes to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Serve: Remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or as a perfect side dish to burgers or sandwiches.