The best crispy fries made in an air fryer! They are totally addicting and only use a tiny bit of oil. One of the best reasons to get an air fryer!
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These fries are seriously good and definitely taste better than oven baked fries. The air fryer really gets them crispy and golden, with minimal effort.
Just like deep fried french fries, these are best served immediately, or they do lose their crispiness! If you are looking for more vegan air fryer recipes, make sure to try my Air Fryer Tofu and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
How to slice the potatoes
I used a mandolin, in fact, I got a mandolin mostly to use for perfect fry shapes! However, you can cut them by hand. It just takes a little more time and effort. Try to cut them in a similar thickness so they cook more evenly, but they don’t have to be perfect.
If you want thicker fries, simply slice the potatoes thicker and cook longer. For crispy, little fries, slice very thin. You don’t have to peel your potatoes unless you want to!
How to make them
Once you have sliced your potatoes into fry shapes, place them in a large ziplock bag, along with 2 tablespoons of oil (or omit for oil free), 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (helps them get crispy!), salt and optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika).
Shake, shake, shake!
Now add the coated potatoes to the air fryer basket. I also lightly grease the basket, so the fries don’t stick to the bottom. Air fry at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes, shaking a bit every 5-10 minutes.
You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. I did two batches. You don’t want the air fryer to be packed full, or the fries will have a hard time cooking.
They will be crispy and golden when ready, but not burnt. Enjoy!
I hope you LOVE these fries! Try serving them alongside The Best Veggie Burgers, Vegan Fish Sticks, Tofu Nuggets, BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches, Vegan Tuna Sandwiches, or Vegan BLT’s.
Easy Air Fryer Fries
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
- Rinse and scrub the potatoes, then dry well with a towel.
- Slice the potatoes into french fry shapes, either by hand or using a mandolin if you have one. There is no need to peel the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in a large ziplock bag, along with the olive oil, cornstarch, salt and optional seasonings if using. Close the bag, and shake, shake, shake! The potatoes should be coated with the oil, cornstarch and seasonings.
- Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Add the coated potatoes and air fry at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes until crispy, but not burnt, giving a little shake every 5-10 minutes.
- Do this in batches, depending on how large your air fryer is. I did two batches to prevent too full of a basket. Serve immediately.
Notes
- I like red potatoes here, but you can substitute yukon gold potatoes or even russets.
- Oil Free: It is possible to omit the oil, they just may not be as crispy, and you will need to watch more carefully so they do not burn.
- May substitute tapioca or potato starch for the cornstarch if desired.
What kind/brand of air fryer do you use? I’ve also been skeptical about them, in terms of food safety? Would love to know what you’ve had success with.
Don’t want to waste money if I do decide to purchase one.
We use our air fryer so much, and I really enjoy having it. I have this one: Phillips Premium Airfryer XXL (affiliate link) which is big but doesn’t take up that much space in my kitchen. I’ve had it for a few years and it’s holding up well. I had a different one before that but it was smaller and just didn’t cut it for my family of 5! I really like it in the summer when I don’t want to heat up my house with the oven on. Hope that helps!
Mine came out with a powdery taste. Any idea what went wrong? Too much cornstarch maybe?
Yes, I think that’s what went wrong! Just make sure that the cornstarch is measured precisely next time. Or make this recipe tapioca or potato starch instead, as they aren’t as powdery or heavy as cornstarch.
Is the advisement to “serve immediately” as In&Out fries are horrible if not eaten within 2 minutes and turn inedible (hard and awful), or? Also, is an air fryer really better then just putting them in an oven? Isn’t an air fryer just a convection oven, is it really worth it? I am loathe to buy another counter-top appliance as I’m limited on that space, but articles like these keep teasing me to buy one. A great low fat fry is my quest. I look forward to comments.
You certainly don’t have to buy an air fryer, but I love mine. The fries will become soft, not chewy like fast food fries, just soft and no longer crispy.
yummy yummy!!! It was easy peasy and very very good! I will be making this again!!
Hi Melissa. I’m so glad you enjoyed the fries! Thank you!
I just bought a mandolin from Pampered Chef. I’m not sure how to cut the fries though. I thought it was just for slicing. Do you make slices then cut the slices into fries?
You’ll have to look at your particular mandolin, but mine has a setting for slicing into fry shapes.
I am so excited to try this! I’m wondering what mandolin you use? I’m in the market for one!
Sure! I have this mandoline. I like it a lot, I did quite a bit of research before deciding on one.
Wow, these are so simple and delicious! Thank you!
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed them.