How to make crispy French fries in an air fryer oven
Whether you’re serving an after-school snack or a side for burgers and hotdogs, there’s no greater crowd-pleaser than a plate of crispy French fries. You can make French fries at home without the mess and hassle of a deep fryer, all you need is an air fryer or air fry oven.
Use this guide to learn how to make crisp French fries in a Whirlpool® Microwave, Range or Wall Oven with Air Fry whenever your family needs a salty snack.
Can you make French fries in an air fryer?
You can use an air fryer or air fryer oven to easily replicate the crunch and flavor of a classic without the hassle and mess of deep frying. The hot air circulates around the potatoes to promote browning and crisping, allowing you to skip the excess oil.
Are air fried French fries healthier?
Air fryers can achieve the signature crunch of fried foods with substantially less oil. Deep fryers require up to two quarts of oil, while you only need a light spritz for air frying.
What are the best potatoes for air fryer French fries?
Though all potatoes are delicious, some make for better French fries than others. Russet and Yukon gold are the most commonly used options for making a plate of fries.
Russet Potatoes: The traditional option for fries, russets are starchy and lower in moisture. These potatoes air fry into fries that are crunchy on the outside and airy and dry on the inside.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: More often used for baked potatoes, Yukon golds are rich and buttery tasting. If you use this type of potato for your French fries, expect a crisp exterior with a creamy center.
Air fryer oven French fry recipe
With a Whirlpool® Microwave, Range or Wall Oven with Air Fry, you can serve up crisp salty French fries in a flash. Use the following instructions along with your appliance owner’s manual to learn how to make French fries in an air fryer oven to satisfy your family’s fast food cravings.
Yields
6 servings
Tools
Air fry oven, like the Whirlpool® 10.0 Cu. Ft. Double Smart Wall Oven with Air Fry or the Whirlpool® 1.1 Cu. Ft. Smart Over-the-Range Microwave with Air Fryer
Air fryer basket
Oven mitts
Cooking tongs
Knife
Large bowl
Colander
Cutting board
Vegetable peeler (optional)
Ingredients
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes
Oil or oil spray
Salt
Water
- Ice
Prep time
35 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Step 1: Prep your oven
Placing the air fry basket in the center of the oven helps to promote even heat distribution, so before you preheat your oven be sure to adjust your oven racks. Once the racks are properly arranged, select Air Fry and set the oven to 380ºF, then press Start to begin preheating.
If you’re using a microwave with air fry capabilities, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Prep your potatoes
Before you slice your potatoes, give them a proper rinse in cool water. If you prefer French fries without the potato skin, use a vegetable peeler to peel off the dark outer layer. Place your potatoes on a cutting board and slice them into strips about ¼ inch thick.
Submerge the sliced potatoes in a large bowl filled with water and let them soak for about 20–30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch to promote crisp and fluffy results. Strain the potatoes using your colander, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Air fry your French fries
Arrange your fries so they are evenly distributed in one layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly drizzle with oil or spritz with oil spray and sprinkle with salt, then place the air fryer basket on the center rack in your oven. Cook for 12–15 minutes or until golden, then remove and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & FAQs
Explore these air fryer tips and frequently asked questions to help ensure you get crispy and delicious air fried French fries.
Why are my fries not crispy in the air fryer?
Using too much oil, overcrowding the air fryer basket or pulling the fries out before they’re ready can lead to poor results. Crisp up soggy fries by evenly distributing the fries into one flat layer in the air fry basket and popping them back into the oven to cook for an additional 3–5 minutes.
How to reheat French fries in an air fryer oven
You can reheat leftover French fries in an air fryer oven by placing the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and baking them at 375ºF for about five minutes.
How to cook frozen French fries in an air fryer oven
With a Whirlpool® Microwave, Range or Wall Oven with Air Fry, you can air fry frozen French fries with the press of a button. Simply put the fries in the air fry basket in one layer, then place them in the oven. Your oven will prompt you to flip the fries during the cooking process.
Shop Whirlpool® Ranges, Microwaves and Wall Ovens with Air Fry
From crunchy French fries and chicken nuggets to melty mozzarella sticks and crispy roasted vegetables, Whirlpool® Ranges, Microwaves and Wall Ovens with Air Fry are here to help you make meals your family will love.
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