Air Fryer French Fries
This air fryer French fries recipe includes a cold water-hot water soaking trick that produces super crispy French fries. Made with just four ingredients, these fries rival traditional fries but use a fraction of the oil. Serve with burgers, steak, or chicken with something to dip them in, like honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli.
Gallery
Recipe Summary
In need of a crowd-pleasing appetizer, side dish, or snack? Use your trusty air fryer to make these irresistible French fries. Make sure to bookmark this air-fried French fries recipe — you'll come back to it again and again.
Why Make Air Fryer French Fries?
If you like crispy fries without a lot of oil, then air-fried French fries are for you! The rapid air circulation (combined with Chef John's cold water-hot water soaking trick) ensures French-fried potatoes that are super crispy on the outside, but perfectly soft on the inside.
Air Fryer French Fries Ingredients
Believe it or not, these restaurant-worthy air fryer French fries come together with just four ingredients you probably already have on hand:
Potatoes
Russet potatoes will give you that classic French fry texture and flavor that you're after. You could also use an all-purpose potato (such as Yukon gold).
Oil
Since these fries are made in the air fryer, they contain less oil than their traditional counterparts. A few teaspoons of vegetable oil are all you'll need.
Cayenne Pepper
A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat. You could also use garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika — you can get as creative as you want with the contents of your spice cabinet.
Kosher Salt
Of course, you'll need salt. Use more or less than ½ teaspoon depending on your flavor preferences.
How to Make French Fries In the Air Fryer
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's what you can expect when you make these top-rated air fryer French fries:
Cut the Potatoes
Use a sharp knife to cut each peeled potato into slices, then sticks.
Soak and Drain the Potatoes
Soak the potato sticks in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes. Drain, then pour boiling water over the potatoes. Let sit for about 10 minutes. Drain and dry the potatoes.
Season the French Fries
Allow the potato sticks to cool, then transfer to a mixing bowl. Toss them with oil and season with cayenne pepper.
Cook In Air Fryer
Air fry the potato sticks in a double layer in the fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, toss, then cook for 10 more minutes. Season with salt.
How to Store Air Fryer French Fries
Allow the French fries to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat the fries in an air fryer (the preferred method), in the microwave, or in the oven.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Amazing fries," raves Mommyof6. "These were so good, and just the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I made them just as the recipe directed, and we loved them!"
"Followed the recipe except I added some turmeric for color and a bit of smoked paprika," according to Alma. "I added sea salt right before serving. They looked and tasted delicious and they were all gone!"
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
Directions
Chef's Notes:
Go with russet potatoes for best results. Yellow/gold potatoes may work, but red potatoes would not work.
Season these however you like, but I like to wait until the end to add salt.
