The crispiest air fryer fries — addictive, golden, and made with just a little oil. A top reason to own an air fryer!
These air fryer fries are seriously delicious and often outperform oven-baked versions. The air fryer delivers that ideal crispy, golden exterior with minimal fuss.
Like deep-fried fries, these are best enjoyed right away while they’re still crisp. If you want more vegan air fryer ideas, try simple tofu or roasted Brussels sprouts in your air fryer.
How to slice the potatoes
A mandolin gives perfectly uniform fries and speeds things up, but you can slice by hand. Aim for consistent thickness so the fries cook evenly — they don’t need to be exact.
For thicker steak-cut fries, slice the potatoes thicker and increase cooking time. For thin, extra-crispy fries, slice them thinner. Leaving the skins on is optional and adds texture and flavor.
How to make them
After cutting the potatoes into fry shapes, put them in a large resealable bag with 2 tablespoons of oil (or omit for oil-free), 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (this helps crisp them), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
Seal the bag and shake until the fries are evenly coated.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, then add a single layer of coated fries. Air fry at 400°F (about 200°C) for 20–30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5–10 minutes so the fries brown evenly.
You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer capacity — avoid crowding the basket or the fries won’t crisp properly.
When the fries are crispy and golden but not burnt, they’re ready. Serve immediately for best texture and enjoy.
Serve suggestions: These fries pair well with veggie burgers, plant-based fish sticks, tofu nuggets, BBQ tempeh sandwiches, chickpea “tuna” sandwiches, or a vegan BLT.
Easy Air Fryer Fries
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Ingredients
- 4-5 medium red potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
Optional Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
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Rinse and scrub the potatoes, then dry them thoroughly with a towel.
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Slice the potatoes into french fry shapes by hand or with a mandolin. No need to peel unless you prefer to.
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Put the potato slices in a large resealable bag with the olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and any optional seasonings. Seal and shake until evenly coated.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Add the coated potatoes in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, shaking every 5–10 minutes, until crispy and golden.
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Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Red potatoes work well, but Yukon Gold or russets are good substitutes.
- Oil free: You can omit the oil, but fries may be less crispy and require closer monitoring to avoid burning.
- Tapioca or potato starch can replace cornstarch if preferred.