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    Home » Side Dish

    Air Fryer Homemade Fries

    Published: May 16, 2019 - Last updated: February 9, 2023 by Erika

    air fryer homemade fries thumbnail picture.
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    Air Fryer Homemade Fries pin.

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    Make healthy fries with the same mouthwatering taste and texture as deep-fried french fries. These Air Fryer Fries are just as crisp and crunchy but with less fat and fewer calories. The whole family will love a healthy and delicious alternative to fast-food french fries.

    top view fries on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need 
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations & Serving
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ‘s
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Homemade Fries

    Check out my Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes and my Air Fryer Carrot Chips for more air fryer recipes!

    French fries are delicious, but they become a nutritional nightmare when deep-fried. Thanks to the fantastic air fryer, you can achieve that same excellence with nothing more than potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper!

    To cook fries in the air fryer, you'll need a fraction of the oil for deep-frying, so there's less guilt AND less mess! Like regular fries, air fryer fries are crispy on the outside and smooth and creamy on the inside. They are a delicious and nutritious side dish for busy weeknights or when you're simply craving a salty, crunchy snack!

    fries on a plate with ketchup.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Made from scratch with only 4-ingredients.
    • No more soggy baked fries; air fryer french fries are hot and crispy!
    • Low fat & low-calorie alternative to fast-food fries.
    • Budget-friendly & kid-friendly simple side dish.

    Ingredients You’ll Need 

    air fryer fries labeled ingredients.
    • Russet Potatoes: Russets have a high-starch content and the least moisture, so they make the best fries. There are strong opinions about potatoes, but when prepared with simple, clean ingredients they are a good source of vitamins C & B6, manganese, phosphorous, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
    • Olive Oil: Keeps the fries from sticking, adds flavor, and helps create gorgeous golden fries.
    • Spices: I like my fries simply seasoned with salt & pepper, but feel free to dress up the seasonings.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making air fryer fries.

    Step 1: Cut potatoes into french fries.

    Scrub the potatoes, rinse well, and pat dry. Then, with a sharp knife, cut the potato lengthwise into slices the width you like your fries. Cut each piece lengthwise into french fries.

    Step 2: Blanch uncooked fries.

    Bring a large deep pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until they start to soften (about 3 minutes). Drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool—dry well with paper towels.

    Step 3: Season blanched fries.

    Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the potatoes and toss.

    Step 4: Cook seasoned fries in the air fryer.

    Transfer the fries to your air fryer basket in a relatively single layer. The pieces can overlap somewhat, but don't overcrowd the basket. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F, and cook (tossing the basket a few times) until the fries are tender and crisped to your liking (about 18 minutes).

    side view of fries on a plate.

    Expert Tips

    • For regular fries, cut the potato into ½" thick slices. Cut the pieces about ¼" thick for shoestring fries. Keep an eye on them as smaller cuts will cook quicker. Do your best to cut the fries the same size.
    • If you aren't in a hurry, soak your fries in cool water for at least an hour to draw out as much of the starch as possible. Be sure to dry the potatoes VERY well after rinsing.
    • Air fryer functionality differs from one brand to the next. Some may cook faster than others, so keep an eye on your fries.
    • For the best homemade fries, do not overcrowd the basket. Spread the pieces out, so all sides are exposed to heat. You'll need to work in two batches.
    • When the second batch is finished, add the first batch back to the basket, toss everything together, and cook for another minute or until all of the fries are hot and crispy.

    Variations & Serving

    Herbs & seasonings - As is, this recipe makes perfectly salted, crispy french fries. The only thing missing is the ketchup! Feel feel to amp up the flavors with herbs and seasonings. Fresh out of the air fryer, toss your fries with garlic & fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, blackened seasoning, seasoning salt, etc. Start with about a ½ teaspoon and add more to taste.

    Make it a meal - Homemade air fryer french fries are a healthy side to serve with just about anything! They are great piled high alongside air fryer mahi-mahi (a healthy take on fish and chips!), turkey burgers, and chicken caesar wraps.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: French fries are always best when fresh. After cooling, keep extras in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

    Freezing: After cooling, place the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until the fries are solid. Then, place the frozen fries in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 400 degrees F until hot and crisped.

    Recipe FAQ‘s

    Can I prep the fries in advance?

    Up to a day in advance, you can cut the potatoes into fries and keep them submerged in a bowl of water in the fridge overnight. Be sure to dry them off well before air frying.

    How long does it take to air fry french fries?

    It varies, but at 400 degrees F, it will take between 18 and 20 minutes.

    How do I reheat leftover fries in the air fryer?

    To reheat and re-crisp your fries, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook the fries for 4 to 5 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through.

    Click here to download my FREE kitchen cheat sheets.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    air fryer homemade fries thumbnail picture.

    Air Fryer Homemade Fries

    Erika
    These air fryer homemade fries cuts back on calories since they are cooked in the air fryer. Same great taste and crispness, and a healthy alternative to deep frying.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 18 mins
    Total Time 33 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 Servings
    Calories 171 kcal

    Equipment

    • Slotted Spoon
    • 8 Quart Non-Stick Ceramic Covered Stockpot
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Power Air Fryer XL 5.3 Quart

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 russet potatoes cut into fries
    • 1 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoons salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
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    Instructions
     

    • Blanch potatoes in water until tender. Do do this, bring a pot of water to a boil, add potatoes to the water for about 3 minutes. Enough to soften them a bit, but not too much.
    • Remove from water. Let cool.
    • Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Place the potatoes into the air fryer. Do not overcrowd air fryer. You will want to cook these in batches. Turn air fryer on to 400°F and cook for 18 minutes.
    • Halfway through cooking, toss the fries. Shake periodically.

    Notes

    • Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
    • For regular fries, cut the potato into ½″ thick slices. Cut the pieces about ¼″ thick for shoestring fries. Keep an eye on them as smaller cuts will cook quicker. Do your best to cut the fries the same size.
    • If you aren’t in a hurry, soak your fries in cool water for at least an hour to draw out as much of the starch as possible. Be sure to dry the potatoes VERY well after rinsing.
    • For the best homemade fries, do not overcrowd the basket. Spread the pieces out, so all sides are exposed to heat. You’ll need to work in two batches.
    • Storing: French fries are always best when fresh. After cooling, keep extras in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
    • Freezing: After cooling, place the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until the fries are solid. Then, place the frozen fries in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 400 degrees F until hot and crisped.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 2640mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Air Fryer Fries Made From Scratch, Air Fryer Homemade Fries
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Colleen | Bakes & Blunders

      July 25, 2019 at 10:37 pm

      Fries that don't make me feel guilty? Yes please!

      Reply
    2. Beth

      July 26, 2019 at 2:42 am

      This looks like a great starter recipe whenever I get an air fryer. Simple and clear, thanks. And so little oil! Wow.

      Reply
    3. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef

      July 26, 2019 at 8:14 am

      I definitely need to try the air fryer, I've held off on getting one but my girlfriend has offered to loan me hers to take it for a test drive. These would be the perfect first go! Thanks 🙂

      Reply
    4. Morgan

      July 26, 2019 at 10:01 pm

      These look delicious and sound so simple to make! I’ve got to get an air fryer for sure!

      Reply
    5. Cristie

      April 12, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      I'm a huge fan of fries, Im so tempted to buy an air fryer so I can eat them more often!

      Reply
    6. Anita

      April 12, 2020 at 6:33 pm

      Frying fries at home used to be such a chore, but with an air fryer, we can have fries pretty much all the time now. 🙂

      Reply
    7. Biana

      April 12, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      Love fries!! And not deep fried? Definitely making them!

      Reply
    8. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      April 12, 2020 at 6:54 pm

      Okay, so this is the reason I need an air fryer!! It is on my to-buy list, because I need to be able to make this ASAP!!

      Reply
    9. Cookilicious

      April 12, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      I really get an Air fryer! This looks so good

      Reply

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    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

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