The Best Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer
Crispy fries are hard to resist, especially when made fresh at home. Using an air fryer takes things to a whole new level. You get golden edges, a soft middle, and all the crunch you love without deep frying. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it doesn’t leave your kitchen smelling like oil. Once you try it, you may never go back to frozen fries or takeout again.
Making homemade french fries in the air fryer feels like a little victory. The process is easy to follow, and the results are always satisfying. With just a few pantry ingredients and a couple of potatoes, you can whip up a snack or side that everyone will reach for. The best part is you can season them your way. Whether it’s classic salt, smoky paprika, or a garlic blend, they always come out tasting just right.
Homemade French Fries
3-4
servings40
minutes15
minutes600
kcalNothing beats the comfort of fresh, crispy fries straight from your own kitchen. These air fryer french fries homemade are the perfect way to enjoy that classic taste with less oil and no mess. The texture turns out just right with a golden, crunchy outside and a warm, fluffy center. With simple seasoning and a handful of pantry ingredients, you can prepare a batch that’s full of homemade goodness. Whether served as a snack, a side dish, or something to share, these fries always hit the spot.
Ingredients
3 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Optional: ketchup or dipping sauce for serving
Directions
- Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Scrub the skin well since you’ll be keeping it on for extra texture. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel and place them on a cutting board.
- Slice each potato into even sticks. Try to keep the thickness close to matchstick or classic fry size so they cook evenly. Once all the potatoes are cut, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes the fries crispier in the air fryer.
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and dry them well using a clean towel. The more moisture you remove, the better they will crisp up. Once dry, place them in a large dry bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fries. Sprinkle in sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together gently with your hands until the fries are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow air to circulate around each fry.
- Cook the fries for about 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them brown evenly. Watch the color and texture toward the end of the time so they don’t get too dark. Add a few extra minutes for crispier fries if you like them more golden.
- Once cooked, transfer the fries to a plate or serving tray. Sprinkle with extra salt if needed. Garnish with a little chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes in cold water is a key step. It helps remove excess starch, which gives the fries a crispier texture once cooked. Don’t skip this part if you want the best results.
- Try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. When the fries have space around them, the hot air can circulate better and create that perfect golden crunch.
Conclusion
Making fries at home can feel like a small reward, especially when they come out golden, crisp, and full of flavor. Using the air fryer takes all the guesswork out of it. You skip the oil splatter, the heavy clean-up, and still get that perfect crunch everyone loves. The method is simple enough for a quick weeknight meal and satisfying enough for a weekend treat.
Once you try these air fryer french fries homemade, it’s hard to go back to frozen bags or greasy takeout. The process is easy to follow, and the ingredients are already in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this recipe fits right in. Every bite tastes better when it’s made fresh, and this one might just become a new go-to in your home kitchen.
