Ever crave that perfectly crispy, golden-brown French fry but without all the deep-fried guilt? Well, you’re in luck! The air fryer has revolutionized how we enjoy our favorite potato snack, offering a healthier, less messy alternative that still delivers on crunch and flavor. But just like a chef knows their ingredients, picking the best potatoes for french fries in air fryer can make all the difference between a sad, soggy fry and a truly spectacular one.
While some prefer to cut their own potatoes, the convenience and consistent results of pre-cut, frozen French fries are hard to beat, especially when you’re short on time. Modern frozen fries are designed to crisp up beautifully, and many brands offer a variety of cuts and seasonings perfect for your air fryer.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of air fryer fries, highlighting 10 top products and even a handy tool that will help you achieve snack perfection. We’ve handpicked options known for their crispiness, flavor, and ease of use in your trusty air fryer. So, let’s get those baskets preheated!
Why Air Fryer French Fries Are a Game Changer
Air frying isn’t just a trend; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy delicious, crispy food with significantly less oil. For French fries, this means:
* Healthier Snacking: Dramatically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying.
* Unbeatable Crispiness: The circulating hot air creates an incredible crunch without being greasy.
* Quick & Easy: Most frozen fries cook up in a flash, making them perfect for a quick snack or side dish.
* Less Mess: No vats of hot oil to deal with, just a simple basket to clean.
Ready to find your new favorite? Let’s check out the best potatoes for french fries in air fryer!
Top 10 Products for Perfect Air Fryer French Fries
Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Shoestring Fries, 28 Oz
If you’re after that classic, ultra-thin, super crispy fry experience, these shoestring fries from Grown in Idaho are a total winner. They cook up incredibly fast in the air fryer, delivering a golden-brown exterior and a delightful real potato flavor inside. Perfect for dipping, these are a go-to for many who love a delicate, crunchy fry.
- Key Features:
- One 28 oz. bag of Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Shoestring Fries.
- Made from 100% real Idaho potatoes with 0g Trans Fats per Serving.
- Super crispy, skin-on, golden brown, thin-cut shoestring fries.
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy, soft-baked texture inside, loaded with real potato flavor.
- Quick and easy to make; simply heat oven to 420°F and bake for 18-20 minutes (adaptable for air fryer).
- Pros:
- Achieves exceptional crispiness due to thin cut.
- Made from real Idaho potatoes for authentic flavor.
- Cooks very quickly.
- 0g Trans Fats.
- Cons:
- May become too crispy or brittle if overcooked.
- User Impressions: Users rave about the consistent crispiness and authentic potato taste, making them a staple for quick and satisfying air fryer fries.
- See it on Amazon here
Grown in Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries, 28 oz (Frozen)
For those who prefer a more robust, rustic fry, the Grown in Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries are a fantastic choice. These fries offer a heartier bite, mimicking the beloved homemade look and feel. They develop a gorgeous golden-brown hue and satisfying crunch in the air fryer, while maintaining a wonderfully fluffy interior.
- Key Features:
- One 28 oz. bag of Grown in Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries.
- Made from 100% real Idaho potatoes with 0g Trans Fats per Serving.
- Super crispy, skin-on, golden brown, home style-cut fries.
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy, soft-baked texture inside, loaded with real potato flavor.
- Quick and easy to make; simply heat oven to 420°F and bake for 23-25 minutes (adaptable for air fryer).
- Pros:
- Authentic hand-cut appearance and texture.
- Excellent crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.
- Made from real Idaho potatoes.
- 0g Trans Fats.
- Cons:
- Takes slightly longer to cook than thinner cuts.
- User Impressions: Customers frequently praise these fries for their “homemade” feel and consistent results when air fried, often noting their superior flavor.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries French Fried…
If you miss the taste and texture of your favorite drive-thru fries, Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries are designed to deliver exactly that, right from your air fryer. These straight-cut fries are engineered for maximum crispness, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite, making them a superb option for your air fryer.
- Key Features:
- One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries.
- Offers an easy side dish for your meals.
- Gluten-free.
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven or deep fryer.
- Classic straight cut shape adds to the crispness and is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
- Sealed in a bag for convenient storage in your freezer.
- Certified Kosher French fries.
- Pros:
- Designed for extra crispiness, ideal for air frying.
- Gluten-free and Kosher.
- Convenient and versatile for various cooking methods.
- Delivers a fast-food style fry experience.
- Cons:
- Being a “fast food style,” they might have a slightly thinner potato interior than some prefer.
- User Impressions: Users love how these fries truly mimic restaurant quality, achieving a fantastic crunch and golden color when cooked in an air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles French Fries Fried…
Crinkle-cut fries are a classic for a reason – their wavy shape means more surface area for crispiness and more nooks and crannies for seasoning! Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles take this to the next level with a delicious seasoning blend. These are certainly among the best potatoes for french fries in air fryer if you love a flavorful, textured fry.
- Key Features:
- One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles.
- Offers an easy side dish for your meals.
- Gluten-free seasoned crinkle fries.
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven or deep fryer.
- Classic crinkle cut french fry shape adds to the crispness and is perfect for dipping in ketchup.
- Sealed in a bag for convenient storage in your freezer.
- Certified Kosher seasoned crinkle French fries.
- Pros:
- Crinkle cut maximizes crispiness and holds seasoning well.
- Pre-seasoned for added flavor.
- Gluten-free and Kosher.
- Versatile cooking methods, excelling in the air fryer.
- Cons:
- Seasoning might not appeal to everyone.
- User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the excellent flavor of the seasoning and the satisfying crunch that these crinkle fries develop in the air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
Strong Roots Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, 15 oz., Vegan…
Looking for a delicious and slightly healthier alternative? Strong Roots Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a fantastic plant-based option. Coated in a rice flour batter for extra crispness, these sweet potato fries are incredibly flavorful and cook beautifully in an air fryer, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
- Key Features:
- Coated in an all-natural rice flour batter for an extra crisp in every bite.
- Gluten free, contain no trans fat and are low in saturated fat, sugar and salt.
- Prepare quickly and easily in an oven or air fryer.
- Non-GMO project verified, 100% vegan and made with nutrient-rich, whole plant foods.
- Fights food waste with frozen format.
- Pros:
- Healthier alternative (low fat, sugar, salt, no trans fat).
- Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
- Rice flour coating ensures great crispiness.
- Convenient and easy to prepare.
- Cons:
- Smaller bag size (15 oz) compared to other options.
- Sweet potato flavor might not appeal to traditional fry purists.
- User Impressions: Customers love the strong sweet potato flavor and appreciate how well these fries crisp up in the air fryer, making them a popular choice for a healthier side.
- See it on Amazon here
Grown in Idaho Crispy Potato Puffs, 28 oz (Frozen)
Okay, so they’re not technically “fries,” but these Crispy Potato Puffs from Grown in Idaho are too good not to mention, especially for air fryer enthusiasts! If you love a tater tot or a crispy hash brown patty, these bite-sized potato puffs offer the best of both worlds: a super crispy exterior and a fluffy, flavorful potato interior. They’re a fun and easy side that cooks perfectly in the air fryer.
- Key Features:
- One 28 oz. bag of Grown in Idaho Crispy Potato Puffs.
- Made from 100% real Idaho potatoes with 0g Trans Fats per Serving.
- Crispy, golden brown, bite-sized potato puffs.
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy, soft-baked texture inside, loaded with real potato flavor.
- Quick and easy to make; simply heat oven to 420°F and bake for 20 minutes (adaptable for air fryer).
- Pros:
- Bite-sized and easy to portion.
- Achieves exceptional crispiness in the air fryer.
- Made from real Idaho potatoes.
- 0g Trans Fats.
- Cons:
- Not a traditional French fry shape.
- User Impressions: Many users are pleasantly surprised by the superior crispiness and convenience of these potato puffs when air fried, making them a quick hit for snacks or breakfast sides.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Classic Thick Cut Steak French Fries French Fried…
For those who prefer a substantial, meaty fry, Ore-Ida Classic Thick Cut Steak Fries are the way to go. These robust fries are designed to be fluffy on the inside with a satisfying chew, while still developing a lovely golden crisp on the outside when air fried. They’re perfect for dipping in hearty sauces or as a sturdy side to a steak or burger.
- Key Features:
- One 28 oz bag of Ore-Ida Classic Steak Fries.
- Offers an easy side dish for your meals.
- Gluten-free.
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven or deep fryer.
- Classic steak fries are perfect for dipping in ketchup.
- Sealed in a bag for convenient storage in your freezer.
- Certified Kosher French fries.
- Pros:
- Thick cut provides a satisfying, hearty bite.
- Maintains a fluffy interior when crispy outside.
- Gluten-free and Kosher.
- Versatile for various cooking methods.
- Cons:
- Takes longer to cook thoroughly due to thickness.
- Might not get as uniformly crispy as thinner fries.
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the substantial size and fluffy interior, noting that while they take a bit longer, the air fryer still delivers a good level of crispness for these thicker fries.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Crispy Straight-Cut Fries French Fried Potatoes, 32…
Sometimes, you just want a classic, no-frills fry that delivers on crispiness, and that’s where Ore-Ida Crispy Straight-Cut Fries shine. This larger bag offers great value for a staple that cooks up perfectly in the air fryer. They’re consistently golden, crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside – everything you want in a simple, satisfying fry.
- Key Features:
- One 32 oz bag of Ore-Ida Crispy Straight-Cut Fries French Fried Potatoes.
- Offers an easy side dish for your meals.
- Gluten-free.
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven or deep fryer.
- Classic straight cut shape adds to the crispness and is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
- Sealed in a bag for convenient storage in your freezer.
- Certified Kosher French fries.
- Pros:
- Classic, reliable straight-cut fry.
- Large bag offers good value.
- Gluten-free and Kosher.
- Achieves consistent crispiness in the air fryer.
- Cons:
- Less unique than some other specialized cuts.
- User Impressions: Reviewers often call these their “go-to” for air fryer fries, praising their consistent crispiness and versatility as a side dish.
- See it on Amazon here
Gourmet Basics Smart Fries Air Popped Potato Fries, French…
If you’re looking for a healthier, snack-friendly alternative to traditional frozen fries, Gourmet Basics Smart Fries are an innovative option. These aren’t your typical frozen fries; they’re air-popped potato stix, offering a light and crunchy snack. While not designed to be “cooked” in an air fryer (they are already air-popped), they represent a different way to enjoy “air fried” potato goodness, focusing on guilt-free snacking.
- Key Features:
- Light and crunchy Classic Sea Salt Smart Fries made with 100% natural ingredients.
- Only 110 calories per bag, 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
- 100% natural with no artificial additives, no MSG, and 0g trans fats.
- Certified Gluten Free, Non-GMO and Kosher.
- Available in other flavors like Cracked Pepper & Salt, Honey BBQ.
- Pros:
- Extremely low calorie and fat compared to traditional fries.
- Pre-popped and ready to eat, no cooking required.
- Made with 100% natural, high-quality ingredients.
- Gluten-free, Non-GMO, and Kosher.
- Cons:
- Not a traditional “fry” that you cook; it’s a snack chip.
- Different texture and experience than a cooked French fry.
- User Impressions: Customers love these for a light, guilt-free snack, praising their crunch and natural flavors as a healthier chip alternative.
- See it on Amazon here
POP AirFry Mate, Commercial Grade Stainless Steel French…
While not a potato product itself, the POP AirFry Mate is an absolute game-changer if you want to make your own fresh French fries for your air fryer! This commercial-grade potato cutter helps you prep perfectly uniform fries, ensuring even cooking and consistent crispiness. If you’re serious about mastering the best potatoes for french fries in air fryer from scratch, this tool is invaluable.
- Key Features:
- Multipurpose: Two interchangeable blades (1/2″ thick or 3/8″ thin) for potatoes, carrots, onions, etc.
- Easy to Use: Heavy-duty pulldown lever, sturdy legs, and suction cup base for optimal leverage.
- Compact, Durable, and Easy to Clean: Stainless steel, commercial-grade lever, dishwasher safe.
- Perfect Cutter to Complement Any Fryer: Cuts 3″ long pieces, ideal for air fryers.
- Quality Backed by Guarantee: Life-time warranty.
- Pros:
- Makes perfectly uniform fries for even air frying.
- Heavy-duty and durable construction.
- Easy to clean and compact for storage.
- Comes with two blade sizes for variety.
- Cons:
- Not recommended for sweet potatoes (can damage blades).
- Requires manual effort and a raw potato supply.
- User Impressions: Users are highly impressed with its sturdiness and efficiency, noting it makes homemade air fryer fries much easier and more consistent.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of potatoes are best for making homemade French fries in an air fryer?
A1: For homemade fries, Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) are generally considered the best. Their high starch content and low moisture content result in a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior, which is perfect for air frying.
Q2: Do I need to pre-soak potatoes before air frying them?
A2: Yes, for homemade fries, it’s highly recommended to soak your cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, up to a few hours) to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve a crispier fry and prevents them from sticking together. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying!
Q3: How do I get frozen French fries crispy in an air fryer?
A3: To get frozen fries extra crispy, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook them in a single layer if possible, or in batches. A light spritz of oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) before cooking can also help. Make sure to shake the basket frequently during cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Q4: What temperature and time are best for air frying frozen French fries?
A4: Most frozen French fries do well at 375°F (190°C) to 400°F (200°C). Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the fries and your air fryer model, but generally, it’s between 10-20 minutes. Always check your specific product’s package instructions and shake the basket every 5-7 minutes.
Q5: Can I cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
A5: Absolutely! Sweet potato fries air fry wonderfully, becoming deliciously crispy on the outside and tender inside. They might need a slightly lower temperature (around 375°F) and a bit less time than regular potato fries, as their sugar content can cause them to brown faster.
Q6: Do I need to add oil when air frying frozen French fries?
A6: Most pre-packaged frozen French fries are already coated in a small amount of oil, so technically, you don’t need to add more. However, a light spray of oil can help enhance crispiness and flavor, especially if you’re aiming for that deep-fried texture. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil.
Q7: How do I prevent my fries from sticking together in the air fryer?
A7: The key is to avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook fries in a single layer or in small batches. Shaking the basket frequently throughout the cooking process also helps separate them and ensures even airflow around each fry, preventing sticking and promoting uniform crisping.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to finding the best potatoes for french fries in air fryer, whether you prefer the convenience of frozen options or love to make your own from scratch. The air fryer truly is a marvel for achieving that perfect crispy fry experience without the fuss and grease of traditional deep frying.
From super thin shoestring to hearty steak fries, and even a top-notch cutter for homemade perfection, there’s a world of crispy, golden possibilities waiting for you. So go ahead, pick your favorite, get your air fryer ready, and enjoy those satisfyingly crunchy fries!