Looking for a simple way to enjoy crispy, golden French fries without the guilt of deep frying? These Easy Air Fryer French Fries (Extra Crispy) are the answer! The air fryer provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still delivering that perfect crispy texture everyone loves. With just a few ingredients, you can have restaurant-quality fries ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy Yet Crispy

Air frying reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional frying, so you can enjoy crispy fries without the extra calories and grease.

2. Quick and Simple

This recipe requires minimal prep time and just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick snack.

3. Golden and Crispy Texture

Thanks to the air fryer’s high heat circulation, these fries turn out perfectly crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside, making them a crowd favorite.

4. Customizable Flavors

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes. You can add extra spices or even experiment with different seasoning blends to create your perfect fries.

5. No Deep Frying Required

Using the air fryer cuts down on the mess and the need for a large pot of hot oil, making cleanup easier and less stressful.

Ingredients

1 lb russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium potatoes)
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
⅛ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
⅛ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp paprika

Variations

Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Herb Fries: Add a tablespoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano to give the fries a herby twist.
Cheesy Fries: After air frying, top the fries with shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan and pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and peel the russet potatoes (if you prefer). Cut the potatoes into thin, even strips about ¼ inch thick. You can also cut them into thicker fries for a heartier bite.

Step 2: Season the Fries

Place the potato strips in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss them to coat evenly. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then toss again to distribute the seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry the Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so you may need to cook the fries in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup, ranch, or aioli.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Evenly: For consistent cooking, try to cut the potato strips as evenly as possible.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure the fries cook evenly and get crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space for air to circulate around the fries.
Soak the Potatoes (Optional): If you have time, soak the cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which can help make the fries even crispier. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before air frying.
Shake Halfway Through: Shaking the fries halfway through the cooking process helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

How to Serve

As a Side Dish: These fries are perfect alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or a juicy steak.
As a Snack: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, or even spicy mayo.
Loaded Fries: Top the fries with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a drizzle of sour cream for an indulgent snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispiness.

Reheating

To bring back their crispiness, reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I make these fries with sweet potatoes?

Yes! You can substitute sweet potatoes for russet potatoes, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes may require a slightly different cooking time due to their moisture content.

2. Do I need to soak the potatoes?

Soaking the potatoes is optional, but it helps remove excess starch and can make the fries crispier. If you skip this step, just be sure to dry the potatoes well after rinsing them.

3. Can I use pre-cut frozen fries?

Yes, you can use frozen fries in the air fryer. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times and temperature.

4. How do I make the fries crispier?

For extra crispy fries, cut them thinner and make sure they’re evenly coated with oil. You can also try flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

5. Can I use olive oil spray instead of drizzling the oil?

Yes, you can spray the potatoes with olive oil spray instead of drizzling the oil. This can help you control the amount of oil and make cleanup easier.

6. Can I air fry other vegetables?

Yes! You can air fry other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for each vegetable.

7. Can I cook the fries in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these fries in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, they may not be as crispy as air fryer fries.

8. Can I add cheese to the fries?

Yes, you can sprinkle cheese over the fries in the last few minutes of air frying or serve them with cheese sauce for a cheesy treat.

9. How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy?

Make sure the fries are well-coated with oil and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Also, avoid adding too much moisture to the potatoes before cooking.

10. Can I use other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasoning blend. You can try ranch seasoning, Cajun spices, or even truffle oil for a gourmet twist.

Conclusion

These Easy Air Fryer French Fries (Extra Crispy) are a healthier, quicker, and equally delicious alternative to traditional fried French fries. They come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these fries will become a staple in your cooking routine. Enjoy your perfectly crispy fries without the extra calories!