If you’re on the hunt for the best brand of french fries for air fryer cooking, you’re not just looking for a specific bag from the frozen aisle. You’re probably dreaming of that perfect crispy, golden-brown outcome that rivals your favorite fast-food joint, but healthier! While the type of frozen fry certainly matters, achieving truly superior air-fried french fries largely depends on the appliance you use and how you use it.
An air fryer can transform humble frozen fries into culinary masterpieces with significantly less oil, making them a healthier and equally delicious alternative to deep-fried versions. But with so many models and accessories out there, how do you pick the right one to guarantee that perfect crunch every time? We’ve rounded up 7 top air fryers and essential accessories that can help you unlock the ultimate French fry experience.
What Makes an Air Fryer Great for French Fries?
When choosing an air fryer specifically for your fry cravings, consider these factors:
- Capacity: Do you cook for one or a whole family? A larger basket or oven-style air fryer can handle bigger batches.
- Airflow: Excellent 360-degree hot air circulation is key for even crisping.
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature settings are crucial for achieving the desired crispness without burning.
- Ease of Use & Cleaning: Look for intuitive controls and dishwasher-safe components.
- Versatility: Many air fryers double as toaster ovens or even rotisseries, offering more bang for your buck.
Let’s dive into our top picks that’ll help you achieve the best brand of french fries for air fryer enthusiasts!
Our Top Picks for French Fry Perfection
1. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a culinary powerhouse designed to elevate nearly any meal, including your beloved french fries! The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven boasts a massive capacity and intelligent design, making it a fantastic choice for families or anyone who loves to entertain. Its dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation ensure your fries come out golden and perfectly crisp every single time, truly helping you achieve the best brand of french fries for air fryer perfection.
- Key Features:
- A versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo, elevating practically any meal.
- Perfectly done toast: Oven turns off automatically when the toast countdown timer ends – no burnt toast!
- 25 cooking pre-sets for a variety of cooking methods (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, etc.).
- Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation for golden fried crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, fitting a 6-lb chicken or 12” pizza.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
- Pros:
- Extremely versatile with numerous cooking presets.
- Large capacity is excellent for families or meal prep.
- Superior air circulation ensures even cooking.
- Stylish design with convenient French doors.
- Cons:
- Larger footprint might require more counter space.
- Higher price point compared to smaller air fryers.
- User Impressions: Users rave about its multi-functionality and how effortlessly it handles large meals. Many highlight its ability to achieve restaurant-quality crispiness, especially for items like chicken wings and, of course, french fries! The easy-to-monitor interior light is a definite plus.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
2. Air Fryer Paper Liners for Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360
Let’s be real: cleanup can be a drag, even when enjoying the best air-fried fries. These pre-cut parchment paper liners are a game-changer for keeping your air fryer basket spotless. Specifically designed for Emeril Lagasse models, they prevent food from sticking and make post-fry cleanup an absolute breeze. They’re not just convenient; they help maintain your appliance, ensuring it’s always ready to deliver that perfect “brand” of crispy fries.
- Key Features:
- Accurate compatibility with Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door.
- Non-stick & heat resistant (up to 430°F/220°C) premium-quality, food-grade material.
- Keeps your air fryer clean by preventing stuck-on residue.
- Multi-purpose: Ideal for air frying, baking, roasting, grilling, and even wrapping.
- Pre-cut sheets eliminate the need for manual cutting.
- Pros:
- Significantly simplifies cleanup.
- Prevents food from sticking, preserving food integrity.
- Heat resistant and food-safe.
- Convenient pre-cut size.
- Cons:
- Specific to certain Emeril Lagasse models (check compatibility).
- An ongoing consumable cost.
- User Impressions: Customers love the convenience these liners offer, especially for messy foods like chicken wings or seasoned fries. They appreciate how much easier cleanup becomes, saving time and effort. Many say they’re an essential accessory for frequent air fryer users.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The Midea Flexify is another fantastic all-in-one appliance that brings speed and versatility to your kitchen. Its “Cyclone Air Fryer” technology promises 25% faster cooking with 90% less oil, making it an excellent choice for whipping up batches of healthier, crispy fries in record time. With its elegant French doors and precise controls, it’s designed to deliver consistently great results, helping you achieve your ideal “brand” of air-fried goodness.
- Key Features:
- Cyclone Air Fryer: 25% faster cooking, 90% less oil, VDE-certified heat evenness, no preheating for air fry function.
- Versatile 10 functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Pizza, Reheat, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, and Warm.
- Large 26.4 QT capacity: Fits a 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, or 14 chicken wings.
- Precise temperature (5°F increments) and time (1-minute increments) control (100° to 450°F).
- Elegant design with anti-scald double French doors and large LED digital display.
- Includes crumb tray, air fry basket, baking rack, and baking tray.
- Pros:
- Extremely fast air frying with energy efficiency.
- Multifunctional, reducing the need for other appliances.
- Generous capacity for family meals.
- Precise controls for optimal cooking.
- Cons:
- Can be bulky on the countertop.
- Learning curve for all 10 functions.
- User Impressions: Users are impressed by its rapid cooking times and how well it air fries. The spacious interior and numerous functions are frequently praised. Many highlight its ability to get food very crispy without drying it out, which is perfect for fries.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Air Fryer Perfection: From Crispy Fries and Juicy Steaks to Roasts, Vegetables, and More!
While not an appliance, this cookbook is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about mastering their air fryer, especially when it comes to getting the best brand of french fries for air fryer results from scratch or frozen. It’s packed with recipes and techniques that will guide you to perfect crispiness, whether you’re making homemade potato wedges or transforming a bag of frozen crinkle cuts. Think of it as the secret weapon in your quest for air fryer excellence!
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive collection of air fryer recipes.
- Focuses on achieving crispy textures for various foods.
- Covers a wide range of ingredients, from fries and steaks to vegetables.
- Provides guidance on optimal cooking times and temperatures.
- Pros:
- Expands your air fryer’s capabilities.
- Helps you master techniques for perfect results.
- Offers inspiration for diverse meals beyond just fries.
- Cons:
- Requires an existing air fryer to be useful.
- Not a physical product but an informational resource.
- User Impressions: Reviewers often mention how this cookbook opened their eyes to the full potential of their air fryer. They appreciate the clear instructions and the variety of recipes, finding it particularly helpful for achieving consistently crispy and delicious dishes, including their favorite potato preparations.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
5. Oster Extra-Large French Door Air Fryer Countertop Oven
For those who need serious capacity and versatility, the Oster Extra-Large French Door Air Fryer is a fantastic contender. Its ultra-spacious interior can easily accommodate larger batches of fries, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. The elegant French doors aren’t just for show; they provide convenient access to your food, and with settings designed for healthier cooking using 99.5% less oil, your crispy, golden-brown fries will taste amazing without the guilt.
- Key Features:
- Elegant design with beautiful French doors for convenient access.
- Ultra-Spacious: Accommodates 15″ x 12″ baking pans or 2 large pizzas.
- Diverse settings with 6 cooking presets for versatile meal options.
- Healthier cooking: Uses 99.5% less oil compared to deep fryers.
- Programmable 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff for safe cooking.
- User-friendly controls for function, time, and temperature.
- Practical accessories: Includes air fry rack, wire/broil rack, durable baking pan, and removable crumb tray.
- Pros:
- Massive capacity, ideal for large families or entertaining.
- Stylish appearance enhances any kitchen.
- Excellent for healthier frying.
- Easy to use with practical accessories.
- Cons:
- Takes up significant counter space.
- Some users might prefer digital controls over knobs.
- User Impressions: Users love the sheer size and cooking power of this Oster oven. It’s a popular choice for those who need to cook for many people at once. Many specifically mention its capability to produce perfectly crispy air-fried foods, including substantial batches of fries, while appreciating the elegant design.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
6. Nuwave Air Fry Basket for the NuWave Bravo XL
If you already own a convection oven like the NuWave Bravo XL, or a similar large oven, this dedicated air fry basket is an ingenious accessory. Its practical design with raised edges and mesh construction ensures optimal airflow around your food, which is absolutely crucial for getting those uniformly crispy french fries. It’s perfect for turning your existing oven into an air-frying machine, ensuring up to 85% less fat in your favorite fried treats.
- Key Features:
- Perfect for air frying everything from wings to onion rings.
- Achieve air-fried meals with up to 85% less fat than traditional fried foods.
- Practical design with raised edges and mesh for optimal airflow and even crisping.
- Durable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Size: 10”D x 12”W x 3”H, compatible with most convection ovens.
- Designed and developed in the USA.
- Pros:
- Enhances the air frying capability of compatible ovens.
- Promotes even crisping through superior airflow.
- Easy to clean and durable.
- Healthier cooking results.
- Cons:
- Only useful if you have a compatible convection oven.
- An additional purchase beyond the main appliance.
- User Impressions: Customers who bought this basket for their NuWave Bravo XL or similar ovens generally love it. They report significantly better crisping results for a variety of foods, with fries being a standout. Its easy cleanup and sturdy build are frequently highlighted as major benefits.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
7. Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size
The Chefman TurboFry® Touch is a sleek, intuitive, and powerful air fryer that focuses on delivering crispy, healthy results with minimal fuss. Its large 8-quart capacity is perfect for families, and the intelligent features like one-touch presets and an LED shake reminder ensure your fries come out perfectly golden and crisp without constant monitoring. If you’re looking for a dedicated air fryer that consistently produces the best brand of french fries for air fryer cooking, this Chefman model is a top contender.
- Key Features:
- Crispy & Healthy: Achieves crispy delights with 98% less oil.
- One-Touch Magic: Large Air Fryer Presets for fries, chicken, fish, and meat.
- LED Shake Reminder: Ensures even crispiness by reminding you to shake food.
- Precise Temperatures: Range from 200-400°F caters to every dish.
- Effortless Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe basket and tray, easy-to-wipe exterior.
- Intelligent Shutoff: Pauses heating when opened, resumes when closed; auto-shuts off post-cooking.
- Family-sized Quick Cooking: Designed for 4-6 people.
- Sleek & Spacious Design: Elegant addition to contemporary kitchens.
- Trusted Quality: cETL approved with advanced safety tech and 1-year assurance.
- Pros:
- Excellent for healthier, oil-reduced frying.
- User-friendly digital interface with helpful presets.
- Shake reminder ensures perfectly even cooking.
- Easy to clean components.
- Good capacity for family meals.
- Cons:
- Dedicated air fryer, not a multi-oven combo.
- Some users might prefer a window to check food without opening.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed with the Chefman TurboFry’s performance, especially its ability to make incredibly crispy food. The shake reminder is a standout feature for many, ensuring perfectly even results for fries and other items. Its ease of use and quick cooking times also receive high praise.
- Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
Tips for Achieving Perfect Air Fryer French Fries
No matter which air fryer you choose, here are some universal tips for that truly “best brand” of crispy french fries:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in a single layer or small batches. Overfilling the basket restricts airflow, leading to soggy fries.
- Shake Often: For basket-style air fryers, shake the basket every 5-7 minutes. For oven-style, flip or rearrange the fries.
- A Little Oil Helps: While air frying uses less oil, a light spray of cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil) can significantly enhance crispiness and browning, especially for homemade fries.
- Preheat: Preheating your air fryer ensures a consistent temperature from the start, contributing to even cooking and crispiness.
- Pat Dry (for homemade): If making fries from scratch, ensure your potato sticks are thoroughly dry before air frying to prevent steaming.
- Don’t Rush: Follow recommended cooking times for frozen fries, or adjust based on desired crispness.
Conclusion
Achieving the best brand of french fries for air fryer cooking isn’t about finding a magical bag of spuds; it’s about leveraging the power of a great air fryer and mastering a few simple techniques. Whether you opt for a versatile oven-style air fryer like the Emeril Lagasse or Midea, a dedicated unit like the Chefman, or useful accessories like the parchment liners or air fry basket, you’re well on your way to enjoying healthier, perfectly crispy french fries right in your own kitchen. Happy frying!
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the ideal temperature for air frying french fries?
A1: Most frozen french fries cook best between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C) in an air fryer. This range allows for proper cooking through the middle while achieving a crispy exterior.
Q2: How long does it typically take to cook frozen french fries in an air fryer?
A2: Generally, frozen french fries take about 12-20 minutes in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fries and the specific air fryer model. Remember to shake or toss them frequently for even cooking.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for french fries?
A3: While not always strictly necessary for every food, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding french fries is highly recommended. It helps ensure the fries start cooking immediately at the optimal temperature, leading to a crispier result.
Q4: Can I air fry homemade french fries, and how?
A4: Absolutely! For homemade fries, cut potatoes into uniform sticks, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes (to remove excess starch), pat them thoroughly dry, toss lightly with a bit of oil and seasoning, then air fry at 375-400°F until golden and crispy, shaking often.
Q5: My air-fried french fries aren’t crispy enough. What went wrong?
A5: The most common culprits for non-crispy fries are overcrowding the basket, not shaking/tossing often enough, or insufficient cooking time/temperature. Ensure fries are in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and that you shake them vigorously every 5-7 minutes. A light spray of oil can also help.
Q6: Are air-fried french fries healthier than deep-fried ones?
A6: Yes, significantly! Air fryers use hot air circulation to “fry” food, requiring little to no oil compared to deep frying, which submerges food in oil. This drastically reduces the fat and calorie content, making air-fried fries a much healthier option.
Q7: Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil in my air fryer when making fries?
A7: You can use air fryer-specific parchment paper liners (like the ones reviewed) or small pieces of aluminum foil, but with caution. Ensure they are specifically designed for air fryers and never place them in the air fryer during preheating or without food on top, as they can fly up and block the heating element, posing a fire risk. Always make sure air can still circulate freely.