French fries are one of the most loved side dishes around the world. They are tasty, versatile, and perfect with almost any meal. But if you want to enjoy them without the extra oil and grease, air fryers are a game-changer. Using an air fryer lets you make crispy, golden fries at home quickly and easily. This method works especially well with healthy frozen french fries, making it possible to enjoy a healthier version of this classic treat. With a few simple tricks, your fries can come out perfectly crispy every time—no floppy shoestrings or soggy pieces.
Whether you are using fresh potatoes or frozen fries, mastering the air fryer can save you time while giving you restaurant-quality results. Below, we share the best tips and step-by-step guide to make perfect fries that everyone will love.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Fries
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a simple step that makes a big difference. Even though it’s not required, preheating ensures that your fries cook evenly and get extra crispy. Most air fryers don’t have a preheat button, but you can run it for about 5 minutes at the cooking temperature before adding your fries. Hot air hitting the fries right away helps them brown nicely and develop a crunchy texture.
2. Lightly Spray with Oil
Even with frozen fries, a light spritz of oil can improve texture and taste. Use a cooking spray or oil mister with canola, olive, or avocado oil to coat your fries. A small amount of oil helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. Avoid using too much, as one of the advantages of air frying is reducing excess oil.
3. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, so every fry needs enough space for the air to move. Place fries in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, leaving some fries soft or undercooked. For larger batches, cook in multiple rounds to ensure perfect results.
4. Shake or Toss During Cooking
Halfway through cooking, take out the basket and shake it gently. This step allows the fries to brown evenly and prevents sticking. After shaking, try to arrange them back in a single layer before returning the basket to finish cooking.
How to Cook Air Fryer French Fries Step by Step
What You Need:
- Frozen french fries (or fresh, cut potatoes)
- Cooking oil (optional)
- Salt or other seasonings (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) for 2–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Add the frozen fries, spreading them in a single layer. If desired, lightly spray the fries with oil.
- Cook the fries for 10 minutes.
- Remove the basket and shake the fries, then spread them out again.
- Cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your fries.
- Season with salt or your favorite seasoning, and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Air Fryer French Fries
Air fryer fries go with almost anything. A fresh salad, a roasted chicken, or a simple cheeseburger all pair perfectly. You can even air fry vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or broccoli to add color and nutrition to your plate. For a full meal, try combining your fries with air fryer chicken thighs, hot dogs, or salmon. The best part is that everything can cook quickly and easily in the air fryer, making weeknight dinners simple and satisfying.
Air fryer french fries are quick, tasty, and healthier than deep-fried versions. With these tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy fries at home anytime—whether for a family dinner, a snack, or a party. Using healthy frozen french fries makes it even easier to enjoy this classic side dish with less oil and mess.
