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Air Fryer French Fries

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These crispy french fries are easy to make and seriously good! A healthy air fryer recipe that makes addictive fries in minutes!

Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer, with just a small amount of oil!
Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

Crispy french fries made in the air fryer, with just a small amount of oil! Making them in the air fryer cuts calories and fat, without sacrificing taste. The potatoes come out golden and delicious, better than if you baked them in the oven and in a fraction of the time since there’s no need to preheat. Serve them with my homemade ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer, with just a small amount of oil!

I am a huge fan of air frying, so much so I wrote the Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook AND the Skinnytaste Air Fryer Dinners Cookbook.

I’ve done a lot of air frying, in fact I was doing it before it was cool. Now it’s become so mainstream it’s like owning a toaster oven, only better!  I keep it on my counter and making EVERYTHING in it! Of course, this is the ONLY way we make French fries now! The key is to turn them half way and don’t overcrowd the basket.

How To Make Air Fryer French Fries

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around food at high speed, which produces crispy food in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven.

Is an Air Fryer better than the oven?

  • In my opinion there are pros and cons to having an air fryer. More pros than cons!
  • The pros: Air fryers are compact enough to fit on your kitchen counter and their small size means the heat inside is more concentrated.
  • They cook food faster than cooking in an oven and the food comes out crisp.
  • It doesn’t heat your whole kitchen!
  • It only takes 3 minutes to preheat.
  • The cons: the basket is smaller than a large oven, so if you’re cooking for a large, you have to cook in batches.

Is using an air fryer healthy?

  • Yes, it’s healthier that deep frying because you use less oil.
  • An air fryer is an excellent way to reduce a massive amount of fat and calories without sacrificing taste.
  • Since air fryers use air to cook food, it doesn’t require the extra calories that submerging food in oil would add.

More air fryer recipes recipes here!

A few more dishes you’ll love in the air fryer: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Empanadas, Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan and Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Pork Chops.

Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer, with just a small amount of oil!

Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer, with just a small amount of oil!
Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer, with just a small amount of oil!

Skinnytaste High Protein cookbook protein

Air Fryer French Fries

4.83 from 29 votes
1
Cals:176
Protein:4
Carbs:31.5
Fat:4.5
Fiber:2.5
Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer, with just a small amount of oil!
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Crispy french fries made in the air-fryer
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Serving Size: 1 potato

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the potato lengthwise into 1/4 inch thin slices; then cut each slice into 1/4 inch fries. (A mandolin is helpful here).
  • In a medium bowl toss the potatoes and oil. Season with salt, garlic powder and black pepper to taste; toss to coat.
  • Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in an even layer without overlapping or crowding, cook the potatoes 380°F 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway until crisp.
  • Note: If you have a Cuisinart Toaster Style Fryer, cook 350F 12 minutes.

Last Step:

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Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 potato, Calories: 176 kcal, Carbohydrates: 31.5 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 4.5 g, Saturated Fat: 0.5 g, Sodium: 6.5 mg, Fiber: 2.5 g, Sugar: 1 g

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143 comments on “Air Fryer French Fries”

  1. This is my Go-to recipe for French fries. I’ve been using it for a few years now and it works very well and the fries turn out yummy!!!

  2. Avatar photo
    Christopher Waugh

    The Calories are wrong, and should be closer to 216. 176 counts only the calories in the potato itself, neglecting the 40 calories added by the teaspoon of vegetable oil.

  3. “Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in an even layer without overlapping or crowding” — What does this mean? I don’t understand how this is to be accomplished in an air fryer

  4. Avatar photo
    Carol English

    Have made this recipe several times. Potatoes come out crispy and brown, seasoning is good.
    Will continue to use this recipe to make my air fries,

  5. You left out the salt and Parmesan in directions? Or mine was cut off because of all the dumb ads!!!! 

    1. Mary, This recipe is the bomb for a quick fry snack!
      The ‘dumb ads’ pay for you to view these recipes for free. Scrolling on by is also free 🙂 The parm is clearly stated being optional therefore is not in the recipe instructions, as it is with most recipes.

  6. Thank you for adding the comment: Cuisinart Toaster Style Fryer, cook 350F 12 minutes. That’s what I have and its frustrating when it comes out wrong because other airfryers need higher settings, etc.

    1. I’ve also been frustrated with this oven, but I’ve found that if I adjust all recipes (air fry, oven, convection – doesn’t matter) to be 50F less that what’s called for things usually come out right.

  7. Avatar photo
    Laura Heller

    Hello! My fries were not crispy. So sad! Any ideas on what happened? We have an insta pot air fryer. Cooked air fry setting. 400 degrees. Fifteen minutes. Turned halfway through. Has two shelves. Put fries on each shelf. Really hoping for crispy fries soon!

    1. Try cooking them on 340 Fahrenheit for 5 mins then shake them and cook for 10 mins on 390/400 Fahrenheit 

    2. I have not heard great things about the instant pot air fryer, sounds like it may not be as powerful. Try adding more time.

  8. OMG – these were delicious! They are the soft-crunchy kind that I love. 
    Thank you for this recipe! It was so quick to make, too. 

  9. I just purchased the KitchenAid countertop convection oven with air fryer. I don’t have space for separate appliances. This is my first recipe to make. 🤞 please remember us toaster oven air fryer cooks when you create your recipes. Thanks bunches!

    Live Skinnytaste. Can’t remember how long I’ve been a subscriber. Keep up the amazing work.

  10. These fries are so yummy. I will be making these again in the not too distant future. So good there was no need for ketchup or any other type of dipping sauce.

  11. I love this recipe and can’t believe I can actually eat French fries on weight watchers, stay within my daily points budget, and still lose weight. The air fryer made them crispy just the way I like them. No more temptation to go to fast food restaurants when I have a quick and simple 5 point (green plan) solution that is very satisfying!

  12. Avatar photo
    Jacqueline Blumstein

    HI! I love all of your recipes and this is my go to site for daily recipes. I made these air fryer french fries today, They were crispy and tasted great. However, they stuck to the basket. Has anyone had this issue? I sprayed the basked with spray as well as the potatoes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

  13. Do you soak the cut potatoes in ice water to rinse the starch out? I’ve seen different recipes that call for this.  If not, why not? I’m just trying to figure out if this would or would not be a necessary step. Thanks! 

    1. You can use this recipe as a guide for cooking times https://www.skinnytaste.com/skinny-garlic-parmesan-fries/

  14. I made these last night and they were fabulous on their own but I am a California girl and In-n-Out is my kryptonite.. so I made the fries threw on a slice of Horizon American Cheese, put it in the oven on broil, and added some grilled onions. It was just as good as In-n-Out if not better! Thank you for helping me get my In-n-Out fix for a fraction of the calories

  15. Love this recipe. Question, my kids love Cajun fries…could I just put Cajun seasoning on these. If so, how much.  Thanks!

  16. Just made your Air Fryer french fries with Yukon Gold potatoes.  I’m in heaven!  On WW purple, I’m counting 1 point.  I only did one potato, and instead of measuring a tsp of olive oil, I just sprayed it on lightly.  Heaven!

  17. Avatar photo
    Robert Torbett

    I just purchased an instant fryer to go with my instant pot pressure cooker. I’m really looking forward to using the air fryer.

  18. I just received my Skinnytaste by Vremi Air Fryer. Can I use frozen fries vice cutting up a potato?

    1. I’ve tried baking fries in the oven before, but they were a mess. These are easy, (almost) hands free, and crispy! 

      Also, just a note, I was surprised that I didn’t have to drain the potatoes as well

  19. I had only used frozen French fries in the past. I was not impressed just decided to try a Toulon gold potato followed the recipe exactly. They were delicious crispy done inside No more frozen fries. 

  20. These are incredible!!!! My teen daughter and I had these with the inside out turkey cheeseburgers, minus the bun.  Thank you for all the healthy recipes !

  21. They said that the healthy air fryer recipe makes addictive. I didn’t believe till I made it myself, now I’m eating it at least 2 times a week.

  22. Not sure how you calculated the sodium. I come up with 24 mg just for the potato, and an additional 291 mg for the 1/8 tsp of salt.

    1. I used russet potatoes,no oil,onion powder,salt,pepper only ,cooked for 15 minutes ,400 degrees,I used parchment paper under potatoes to prevent from sticking.yum,came out crispy and delicious 😋 

  23. Avatar photo
    Carolyn Shenefiel

    I have a 3.7 quart GO WISE USA Air Fryer. I have done a lot of things in it since I joined Weight Watchers.
    I love to do the new crinkle cut ( extra crispy) fries in it. I cook about a pound of them in a lightly sprayed basket 400 degrees for 20 minutes., shaking well half way through. I’m figuring 4 smart points for 3 oz..
    They are wonderful done this way. Nice crispness. Plenty for 1-3 grown ups . I rate it a 5 star

  24. Hey Gina! I just got my first air fryer and, of course, am coming to your site for my first recipe (I do have One and Done though too!). My air fryer manual says to soak the potatoes first- I noticed you didn’t mention that. In your testing, did you try both ways and just find that the soaking was unnecessary?

    Thanks!

    1. Use avocado oil you can heat that up to 500 degrees 🙂  I added cumin, turmeric, chili powder, Himalayan pink salt, garlic powder, fresh black pepper, parsley and made masala fries. Also if you use red potatoes it cuts the carbs and the fries get pretty crispy. 

  25. Gina! I love your blog and use your recipes all the time. Was hoping you would come out with more Air Fried items.

  26. I am contepating getting a small one. Been told Black and Decker makes a quiet, sort of, one. It is just me, 76 years old, and cannot stand long. Can you see, I am talking myself into purchasing one?
    Thank you for your recipes. I look forward to trying some.
    Georgine

  27. Has anyone used both the air fryer and an airfryer “oven”– the air fryer oven has tons more room but not sure it would come out the same so wondering before I purchase one. Also love Gina’s recipes- usually cook a few of her recipes per week for my family! 

    1. I love the Air Fryer Oven! I just got the Emiral 360 a few weeks ago, and have been playing with it, cooking up a storm.There’s definitely a learning curve, but even my failures have tasted good. This oven has a rotisserie which I haven’t tried yet. There is a slow cooker fiction but you need a small covered dish of some sort to use . I just use my Instant Pot for that. Inside oven dimensions are 12 w x 8 h x 10 deep. The lowest rack sits 2.5 inches above the bottom.

  28. I love air frying. I’ve been doing it for over two years.

    I note your comment about the size of the fryer baskets being small and a con. I felt so, too.

    Last year I happened to be told about the Breville combination toaster, convection oven, air fryer while I was sitting in on a cooking class at Williams-Sonoma. This is a larger (think mid-sized Microwave) oven. It is multi-purpose and can bake, convection bake, toast, broil, proof dough, slow cook, air fry, etc. Since it is sized like a small oven, the air fryer basket is wide and can accommodate a lot more food than the traditional-sized air fryers. I have not been disappointed. My original Philips air fryer was moved along to Goodwill to enhance someone else’s life.

  29. Made this as a first recipe to test out the new air fryer.  Simple and delicious side to your eggplant panini. 

  30. I have a cheap Bella air fryer i got at Macy’s for 34.99 with coupons cause I wasn’t sure about it, I was afraid and didn’t open it for 2 weeks, and wish I had because I LOVE IT. Best french fries, best grilled cheese, best way to warm up left over pizza, best grilled veggies, fish etc. You can do like anything frozen. Mozzarella sticks. Even made pizzas on a flour tortilla in it. So crispy.. If you don’t have one….get one

  31. You know there’s this wonderful thing called “roasting in an oven” that requires barely any oil as well. #don’twasteyourmoney

    1. I’m with you, except the air fryer is crazy fast and doesn’t heat up the whole house, so it’s worth it to me.

  32. Perfect! I eat a whole food plant based no oil diet. I eliminated the oil spray and the oil to toss; otherwise followed the directions exactly. The fried were perfect; they were crispy, and 100% oil free. Awesomeness!

  33. Avatar photo
    Jennifer Wiechec

    I’m wondering if you can do things like the zucchini meatballs in it. I love that recipe, but have yet to master getting enough water out to make them less mushy inside. I think I’m going to get one of these and play around. I don’t have enough counter space, but I can probably store it in a cabinet when not in use. Saving the pork chop recipe as well!

  34. Avatar photo
    Debbie Niskin

    Gina, I love your blog. Your recipes have become favorites.

    We just made the fries but we used sweet potatoes. They got a weird dark color – not burnt – but unappealing. They tasted really good. Do you have suggestions to stop the discoloring?

  35. Thank you for this. I’ve been searching on the internet, and only finding so/so reviews. My husband got me the NuWave Brio Fryer for Christmas not knowing it was a “thing” but knowing I like to cook. I was super excited to get it and have already tried a few things in it, but am excited to try your recipes you’ve listed here. I make Cal zones and am so excited to try them especially after you showing your enpanada recipe, I am very excited. The fries I made were so good, and the time management is great since I commute. I cook supper every night and this will cut on time for some really good recipes. Perfect for empty nesters!!

  36. There are several facebook pages where people post experiences and recipes related to air frying. They also compare brands. Good information if interested. Air fryers aren’t really practical for a large family, but a new air fryer oven just came out which might solve some of the capacity problems.

  37. Gina,
    I have tried several of your recipes and have not found one I haven’t liked.  Thank you for allowing me to eat delicious food that is healthy and let’s me lose weight.  I am eager to try an air fryer since French fries are my downfall.  This sounds like a great alternative.  Looking forward to more recipes all the time from you.  You’re the best!

  38. Avatar photo
    marjorie obyrne

    OMG these are wonderful! thanks so much for turning us on to the air fryer and the wonderful recipes. We even did chicken legs in the air fryer using the same breading as the pork chops, with a little more seasoning. They were wonderful. What a great invention!

  39. Gina does using the air fryer change the Smart Points in your recipes? I have made the buttermilk oven fried chicken and want to try it in the air fryer but wonder about the points.

  40. I love my air fryer. French fries (frozen) COME OUT PERFECT. Please put more recipes using the Air Fryer. Love ALL your recipes.

  41. I too would love to see more recipes, I’m experimenting w/mine, the chicken is delicious. I use whole wheat breadcrumbs after I dip the chicken in buttermilk and I season to taste. Mmmmmmm good.

  42. Just a FYI–in step 2 of your directions you said cut the potato lengthwise into 1/4″ thin slices, then cut each slice into 1/4″ fries. Did you mean to say cut the potato lengthwise into fourths, then cut each section into 1/4: fries? Can’t wait to try this, as I have had good luck with frozen fries. I have the same exact Hot Air Fryer and so glad you are sending out recipes for it. It took me at least 3 months to even attempt to try out the fryer. Thanks again so much.

  43. I love doing these! I do two medium potatoes, same amount of oil – all at once. I cook mine in the Phillips, 390 degrees, but I toss with tongs every 5 mins, till golden brown.  We’ve used both russets and Yukons.

  44. I’m wondeirng what is the advantage of an air fryer vs “roasting” at high heat in the oven? These look good, but making one serving at a time seems to be pretty inefficient. I’ve made decent “fries” by par-cooking in water, then finishing in a hot over. A little work, but good results and you can cook a couple sheet pans at teh same time – fried for the whole family.

    I don’t have a lot of storage space, so have to consider gadgets carefully.

    1. I have an Actifry, and you can’t set a temperature on it like as described in this recipe. It does have an option to have things stirred by a paddle, so that’s a plus.

  45. I have an air fryer that I use a couple times a month. I love it! I would like to see more recipes using the air fryer, maybe a whole section for cooking with thr air fryer.

  46. I make these all the time but I soak mine in water for about a half hour to get some of the starch out and then I drain the water off them and pat dry and spray with non-stick cooking spray then season and cook in the air fryer and they come out crisp. Similar to your recipe. I’ve tried your recipe also but ii don’t like to use oil.

  47. I have the Nuwave Air Fryer, the large one. Last night I french fried a large rutabaga, spritzed them with olive oil and then seasoned them. It took about 25 minutes, with shaking the basket a few times, but wow, did they ever turn out crispy and good! Plenty for the two of us. Only 1 sp! Tonight I am trying spiralized carrots in my new air fryer. Loving that new piece of kitchen equipment (along with the instant pot)!

    1. HI, I got an air fryer but am stumped.  We’ve been avoiding “fried foods” for so long that I am having a difficult time with how to use the new appliance  😉  Any ideas will be appreciated.

  48. Could you tell me how you use the air fryer for other recipes. 
    Wondering if it’s worth it to purchase one. 
    Thankyou

  49. I have an air fryer with a paddle to mix the fries. I can cook four potatoes for 45 minutes using one tsp of oil. Works great with no need to stir.

    1. I have an Actifry with the paddle, and it works as Dennis described. Sometimes, the potatoes will jam up a bit and you have to move them so the paddle will keep turning.

      I guess the downside of the Actifry is that you can’t pick a temperature, at least in the model that I have.

    2. I’m guessing it’s the T-Fal Actifry. You can also buy a little basket to do stuff with delicate coating that would be destroyed by the paddle action. Not cheap, but I like it, and use it way more than I expected. 🙂

    1. Frozen fries, frozen onion rings & frozen jalapeño poppers all come out crispy in my air fryer. When I turn them halfway through cooking, I do spray lightly with oil again.

    2. I have a Power Air Fryer XL and I do frozen fries all the time. It has an automatic setting. I’m on a low sodium diet so just toss them in with a little garlic powder and they come out crispy and very low smart point totals. You can also spray them with a little oil if you want your seasonings to stick.

    1. Andre-Gordon Ramsey likes the Phillips, but I went on line to the A store (not sure if allowed to mention in post) and you will find many under $100 thst received great reviews. 

  50. Really this is soo interesting..my weakness. How much fat are you saving. Cant wait to see what else you try

      1. I have the Nuwave brio 6 qt. and I wish it were a 10 qt. Love the fryer though.

  51. Gina, these look fantastic! I’ll definitely give it a go once I’m all set with an air fryer of my own =]

    (By the way, I was wondering if you liked your air fryer – do you wish you bought a larger size (like the 6 quart, to make bigger batches) or are you happy with the size you have? I’m in the market for one and am debating if I should go big or small for my small family. Just curious!)

    1. I bought the larger size and returned it. It didn’t give me that much more room to cook. It was deeper, but that doesn’t work for me.