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If you ask me, air fryer fries are a total game changer.
These crispy potato wedges come out perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying nice and soft on the inside. A sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper is all you need to make these fries taste like they came from your favorite restaurant.
They’re made with just a tiny bit of oil, which means less mess and cleanup than traditional deep frying. Plus, they cook up in about half the time it takes to bake them in the oven.
It’s a simple side dish that never disappoints, perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or just snacking on their own.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Fries
- Healthier than deep-fried – Using just a drizzle of olive oil instead of deep frying, these fries give you that crispy satisfaction with way less fat than traditional french fries.
- Simple ingredients – You only need potatoes, olive oil, and salt to make these fries – ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Crispy texture – The air fryer creates that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy – just like your favorite restaurant fries.
- Easy cleanup – No more dealing with hot oil or greasy stovetops – the air fryer contains all the mess and is simple to clean.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
Russet potatoes are really the way to go for crispy air fryer fries, but you’ve got some options if you want to mix things up. These starchy spuds create that perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside we all love in a good french fry. While Yukon Golds can work in a pinch, they tend to end up more creamy than crispy because of their waxy nature. When you’re picking out russets at the store, look for ones that are firm and free from any green spots or sprouts – and try to choose potatoes that are similar in size so your fries cook evenly. Just remember to give them a good scrub before cutting, since they often come with a bit of dirt from the store.
Options for Substitutions
Making these air fryer fries is pretty straightforward, but here are some helpful swaps if you need them:
- Russet potatoes: While russet potatoes are the best choice for crispy fries due to their starch content, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier result. Sweet potatoes work too, but they’ll cook faster and give you a different flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works here – try avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil. Just avoid butter as it can burn at high temperatures.
- Sea salt: Regular table salt works just fine, or try seasoned salt for extra flavor. You might need to adjust the amount since table salt is more concentrated than sea salt.
- Fresh herbs: Don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs work too – just use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also try garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Ketchup: While not part of the cooking process, you can serve these fries with any dip you like – try ranch, aioli, honey mustard, or even plain mayo.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest mistake when making air fryer fries is overcrowding the basket, which prevents the hot air from circulating properly and leaves you with soggy, unevenly cooked potatoes – always arrange them in a single layer with some space between each fry. Another common error is not soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking, as this step removes excess starch and helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior. To guarantee the best results, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking and toss them with just enough oil to coat – too much oil will make them greasy, while too little will leave them dry. For extra-crispy fries, try preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the potatoes, and shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Fries?
These crispy air fryer fries make an awesome side dish for pretty much any sandwich or burger you can think of! I love serving them alongside a juicy cheeseburger, grilled chicken sandwich, or even a classic BLT. If you’re going for more of a casual dinner vibe, try pairing them with chicken tenders or fish sticks – my kids absolutely love this combo. For dipping options beyond basic ketchup, set out some ranch dressing, honey mustard, or garlic aioli to make things more interesting.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Air fryer fries are best enjoyed right away while they’re hot and crispy! But if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know they won’t be quite as crispy as when they first came out of the air fryer.
Crisp Up: Want to bring back some of that crunch? Give your leftover fries a quick blast in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll get nice and warm with a bit of their original crispiness. The microwave works too, but the fries might end up a bit softer.
Prep Ahead: You can cut your potatoes up to 24 hours ahead and store them in cold water in the fridge. Just remember to drain and pat them completely dry before cooking – this helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 6-8 g
- Fat: 14-18 g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch sticks
- Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Fresh herbs of choice
- Ketchup for serving
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F.
Preheating helps ensure that the potatoes will cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt.
Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
This will help to enhance their flavor and crispiness.
Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
You may need to work in batches for optimal results.
Air fry the potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Continue air frying until the potatoes are crispy; if needed, extend the cooking time for a few additional minutes.
Step 4: Reheat and Re-crisp
Once all batches of potatoes are cooked and crispy, toss them all back into the air fryer.
This time, you don’t need to place them in a single layer.
Air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to ensure any fries that cooled during the earlier batches are warm and crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After reheating, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve them immediately.
Pair with your favorite seasonings and dips for a delicious snack or side dish.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer potatoes!