Name: Air Fryer French Fries | Easy French Fries Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Ingredients: 3 Large Potatoes; Large Pinch of Baking Soda (1/8 tsp); Ice Cold Water as needed; Water as needed; Salt as needed; 1/2 tsp Oil (optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Learn how to make the easiest & best Air Fryer French Fries recipe with step by step pictures. Healthy French Fries recipe made in Air Fryer, best fries made at home!

If you have an Air Fryer in our kitchen, the easiest and most delicious snack you can make yourself is Air Fryer French Fries. And if you have ever wondered if the French Fries made in Air Fryer live up to the hype, let me tell you right away that it most certainly does. Years ago, when I first tasted KFC French Fries, the potato lover in me got addicted to the taste (not a surprise) and ever since, I have made it multiple times at home. In fact, I have an old recipe for copycat version of KFC French Fries that I worked out to get the crispiest potato fries at home. But if you are not a fan of deep frying and can’t give upon yummy snacks, then the healthy French fries recipe is just for you.

Best Air Fryer French Fries

Air Frying does not involve actual frying but the hot air circulating through the chamber helps cooking food to its crispiest best. While the same result can be achieved in an oven, air fryer doesn’t dry out the food in the process. The French Fries in particular are super easy to make in an Air Fryer. All the effort goes towards cutting the potatoes as evenly as possible and removing the starch from them. It just takes loading the air frying basket with prepared potatoes and in mere minutes, you will have the best crispy golden French Fries ready! And some of the latest air fryers even have an option specifically for making potato fries. It is that simple. The golden crispy Air Fryer French Fries are perfectly crunchy on the outside and are soft in the middle.

Tips & Important Notes to Make Perfect French Fries in Air Fryer

As simple it is to make French Fries in Air Fryer, here are some of the tips & notes I follow to ensure the fries turn out golden, crispy and perfect!

Potatoes: As much as the process is simplified by using air fryer, a lot depends on the type of potatoes used. The higher the starch value, the harder it is to get crispy fries. Apparently, the potatoes we get in India are starch-high, so the preparation is twice as hard. If available, use “Russet” potatoes to make the fries.

Removing Starch: Always wash the cut potatoes in water 2-3 times, until the water runs clear. Also, place washed, cut potatoes in cold water (ice cold is best) for 15-20mins. This also helps remove the starch in the potatoes.

Pre-cooking Potatoes: It is absolutely essential to boil the cut potatoes to further remove the starch content. Did you know that a pinch of baking soda added to the potatoes while cooking them turns them super crispy on frying? It does.

Serving Suggestions

The Air Fryer French Fries turn out crisp & delicious straight out of the fryer, and stay that way until they remain hot/warm. Once cooled down, they kind of turn soggy which is true for any fried goodies (deep-fried or air-fried). Serve the fries with some homemade tomato ketchup and/or eggless mayonnaise as snack/appetizer or as a side with burgers & sandwiches.

Checkout other Healthy & Tasty snacks

Air Fryer French Fries Recipe with Step by Step Pictures

Wash and peel off skin on 3 large potatoes, keep them soaked in water. Cut each potato into equal sized pieces of 1cm thickness that are finger sized. Wash them in water 2-3 times until the water is clear. Soak them in ice cold water for 15-20mins.

Drain the potatoes and add them to a bowl of water, sprinkle a large pinch of baking soda (~⅛ tsp) and bring it to a boil.

As the potatoes are half cooked, drain off the water completely.

Dry the potatoes on a kitchen towel/paper towel until there is no moisture. Meanwhile preheat the air fryer for 180°C for 5 mins.

Now coat the potatoes with ½ teaspoon oil (optional) It keeps the potatoes moist without drying out.

Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket and air fry at 180°C for 12 mins.

Midway through at the 6^th minute mark, shake the fries gently and resume air frying.

At the end of 12^th minute, fries should be golden and crispy. If not, continue frying for another 2-3 mins.

Remove the fries from the basket and season it with salt. Optionally, Italian seasoning or chilli flakes can be added too.

Serve hot immediately with homemade tomato ketchup and eggless mayonnaise.

Recipe Notes

Cooking time depends on the quantity of the fries, make of the air fryer and the temperature settings. Keep a close eye on the fryer to tweak the settings if needed.
There are many variations to this basic French Fries recipe. You can season it with additional spices and herbs as desired. From peri peri spice to simple chilli powder to melted cheese, don’t shy away from experimenting.

Recipe Card

📖 Recipe