Love crispy french fries but not all that oil and mess? You’re in luck! Air fryers have become the ultimate kitchen companion for achieving that perfect golden crunch with a fraction of the fat. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a total beginner, finding the best french fries for air fryer cooking comes down to both the right technique and the right equipment.
An air fryer uses superheated air to circulate around your food, giving it that fried texture without actually submerging it in oil. This means healthier, less greasy, and incredibly delicious results. From frozen bags to homemade potato sticks, an air fryer can transform your spuds into a delightful snack or side dish. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the perfect one (or the perfect accessory) for your fry cravings?
We’ve rounded up some of the top contenders that excel at delivering those crave-worthy fries, plus a couple of handy tools to elevate your air frying game even further. Let’s dive in!
1. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a true kitchen powerhouse designed to handle everything from a quick snack to a full family meal. Its stand-out feature for french fries is the dual-speed fan combined with 360º superheated air circulation, ensuring your fries get that all-around golden crisp without much effort. Plus, its extra-large capacity means you can whip up a generous batch of fries for everyone without multiple rounds, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings.
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Key Features:
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast countdown timer ends – no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
- 25 COOKING PRE-SETS: Provide a variety of cooking methods: Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Pastry, Slow Cook, Roast, Reheat, and Keep Warm.
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at its finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
- 26-QUART CAPACITY: This Extra-large 26-quart capacity countertop toaster is suitable for preparing food for 4–6 people with capacity to rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, bake a 12” pizza.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless steel exterior provides a beautiful aesthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And Elegant French doors open with a single pull – interior light allows you to monitor food.
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Pros:
- Large capacity is excellent for families and entertaining.
- Versatile with 25 cooking presets, reducing the need for multiple appliances.
- French door design and interior light add convenience and style.
- Dual-speed fan ensures even and consistent crisping for fries.
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Cons:
- Its large size might take up significant counter space.
- Higher price point compared to smaller, single-function air fryers.
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User Impressions: Users rave about its multi-functionality and how well it cooks a variety of foods, with many praising its ability to achieve perfectly crispy results on items like fries and chicken wings. The French doors are a definite hit for ease of use and aesthetics. Some note the learning curve for all the functions, but find it worth the effort.
2. Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The Midea Flexify is another strong contender for the best french fries for air fryer cooking, thanks to its Cyclone Air Fryer technology. This model promises 25% faster cooking and a whopping 90% less oil, which means you can get to your crispy fries even quicker and healthier! Its VDE-certified heat evenness, combined with a convection fan and six heat tubes, ensures rapid heating and consistent results, often eliminating the need for preheating for your fries.
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Key Features:
- Cyclone Air Fryer: Enjoy 25% faster cooking and 90% less oil compared to traditional fryers. This all-in-one combo features VDE-certified heat evenness with one convection fan and six heat tubes, allowing it to heat up quickly and eliminate the need for preheating when using the air fry function.
- Versatile 10 Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Pizza, Reheat, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, and Warm. Prepare your family meal in a more flexible way.
- Large Capacity: 26.4 QT French door air fryer toaster oven combo, perfectly fits one 12-inch pizza, up to 6 slices of toast, or 14 juicy chicken wings, making it an ideal addition to your kitchen.
- Precise Temperature and Time Control: 5-degree Fahrenheit increments for temperature adjustment and one-minute increments for time, with a wide range from 100° to 450°F.
- Elegant design: Stylish anti-scald double French doors and large LED digital display adds aesthetic to your cooking space. Includes a crumb tray, air fry basket, baking rack, and baking tray for your cooking and baking needs.
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Pros:
- Exceptionally fast cooking times for quick meals.
- Precise control over temperature and time for perfect results.
- Large capacity can handle family-sized portions of fries.
- Elegant design with practical French doors and digital display.
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Cons:
- Large footprint requires ample counter space.
- Might be overkill if you only need a basic air fryer.
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User Impressions: Customers love the speed and efficiency, especially how quickly it gets food crispy. The multiple functions are a big plus, making it a true kitchen workhorse. The precise controls are appreciated by those who like to fine-tune their cooking, and the French doors are a consistent favorite for their sleek look and functionality.
3. The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Two: Perfectly Sized Recipes Every Time
While not an air fryer appliance itself, this cookbook is an indispensable companion for anyone looking to master the art of air frying, especially when it comes to smaller portions perfect for french fries for one or two people. It helps you unlock the full potential of your air fryer, guiding you to create perfectly sized, delicious meals, including crispy fries and other air-fried delights without waste. This cookbook is a must-have for getting the most out of your “best french fries for air fryer” experience.
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Key Features:
- Perfectly Sized Recipes Every Time: Specifically designed for smaller households.
- Comprehensive Air Fryer Guidance: Helps users understand how to get the most out of their air fryer.
- Variety of Recipes: Includes a wide range of dishes beyond just fries, from main courses to snacks.
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Pros:
- Solves the common problem of scaling recipes for smaller households.
- Provides specific temperature and time guidance for air frying.
- Inspires creativity and confidence in air fryer cooking.
- Excellent resource for beginners and seasoned air fryer users alike.
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Cons:
- It’s a cookbook, not an appliance, so it doesn’t “cook” anything itself.
- Some users might prefer a digital recipe format.
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User Impressions: Reviewers frequently praise this cookbook for its practical, easy-to-follow recipes that are genuinely scaled for two. Many report discovering new ways to use their air fryer, leading to healthier and more exciting meals. It’s often cited as a valuable resource for perfect results, particularly for crispy snacks like fries.
4. Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size
For those who prioritize speed, simplicity, and family-sized portions when making french fries, the Chefman TurboFry® Touch is a top-tier choice. This 8-quart air fryer makes it incredibly easy to get crispy results with 98% less oil – a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Its pre-sets for fries, along with the genius LED shake reminder, ensure your fries are evenly crisped to perfection every single time. It’s truly designed for hassle-free, delicious air-fried snacks and meals.
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Key Features:
- CRISPY & HEALTHY: Dive into the world of our Digital Air Fryer Oven. Relish crispy delights with 98% less oil. Ideal for veggies, pizza, frozen foods, and more. A healthier choice every time.
- ONE-TOUCH MAGIC: Large Air Fryer Presets for fries, chicken, fish, and meat. Simplify your cooking with this stainless steel air fryer. Start your air frying adventure instantly.
- LED SHAKE REMINDER: Achieve perfection with our Stainless Steel Air Fryer. The LED alarm ensures even crispiness by reminding you to shake. Every dish, evenly crisped.
- PRECISE TEMPERATURES: Air Fryer XL Range from 200-400°F caters to every dish. Whether you desire less crunch or more, our air fryer large model has you covered.
- EFFORTLESS CLEANING: Our Air Fryer 8qt ensures cleaning is a breeze. With a dishwasher-safe basket and tray, and an easy-to-wipe exterior, maintenance is simple and quick.
- INTELLIGENT SHUTOFF: Prioritizing safety, our Digital Air Fryer pauses heating when opened and resumes when closed. It also shuts off automatically post-cooking.
- FAMILY-SIZED QUICK COOKING: Designed for 4-6 people, our Large Air Fryer gets dinner ready swiftly. Perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
- SLEEK & SPACIOUS DESIGN: Our Air Fryer 8qt Model boasts elegance without occupying much space. A chic addition to contemporary kitchens.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety tech. 1-year assurance by Chefman. 120 Volts/1700 Watts – RJ38-SQSS-8T.
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Pros:
- Large 8-quart capacity is perfect for families.
- Dedicated pre-sets and shake reminder simplify cooking for consistent results.
- Very easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Intelligent shutoff adds a layer of safety and convenience.
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Cons:
- Might be too large for very small kitchens or single users.
- Digital controls can take a little getting used to for some.
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User Impressions: Many users are thrilled with how quickly this air fryer cooks and the excellent crispiness it achieves, especially for frozen items like fries. The shake reminder is frequently highlighted as a fantastic feature for ensuring even cooking. Its ease of cleaning is also a major plus for busy households.
5. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
When it comes to getting those “guilt-free fried foods” with incredible crisp, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro stands out. This 5-quart capacity model boasts Ninja’s signature Air Crisp Technology, using superheated air up to 400℉ to surround food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil. It’s a fantastic contender for the best french fries for air fryer cooking because it promises up to 75% less fat than traditional methods, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing taste or texture. Plus, it excels at taking frozen fries straight to crispy perfection in minutes.
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Key Features:
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- SPACE SAVER: Ninja’s latest air fryer design allows you to save even more space on your countertop without compromising capacity.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
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Pros:
- Excellent air crisp technology for superior texture.
- Generous 5-quart capacity, ideal for family portions of fries.
- Very efficient at cooking frozen foods quickly.
- Space-saving design and easy-to-clean components.
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Cons:
- Limited functions compared to oven-style air fryers.
- Might not have as many advanced digital features as some others.
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User Impressions: Ninja air fryers consistently receive high praise for their ability to deliver crispy results. Users frequently comment on how easy it is to make delicious fries, chicken wings, and other fried favorites. The quick cooking time and simple cleanup are also major selling points for happy customers.
6. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving
If you’re living solo or in a small household, or simply want to maximize your counter space while still enjoying the best french fries for air fryer cooking, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is your perfect match. Its compact, sleek design cleverly maximizes its 2-quart capacity, making it ideal for perfectly sized portions of crispy fries for 1-2 people. Don’t let its size fool you; this little powerhouse can cook food up to three times quicker than a conventional oven, and it even includes helpful shake notifications for ultimate crispiness.
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Key Features:
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F! Cook food fast up to three times quicker than an oven.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no oil to make delicious meals that are good for you, too.
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this airfryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm that it’s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
- COMPACT STORAGE: This 2-quart air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 people. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets.
- SIMPLE CLEAN-UP: The nonstick 2-quart basket and rack are both dishwasher safe to keep clean-up fast and simple.
- SAFETY FIRST: Automatic shutoff technology ensures added safety by turning off the fryer when cooking finishes or the basket is removed.
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 900W/120V – RJ38-2T-BLACK.
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Pros:
- Extremely compact and space-saving, perfect for small kitchens.
- Ideal capacity for single servings or meals for two.
- Quick cooking times and easy-to-use digital controls.
- Shake notifications ensure even crisping of fries.
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Cons:
- Too small for family-sized meals.
- Limited in functionality compared to larger, multi-purpose models.
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User Impressions: Customers love this mini air fryer for its convenience and compact size. It’s highly praised for making crispy fries and other snacks quickly and efficiently for one or two people. The shake reminder and easy cleanup are frequently mentioned as standout benefits.
7. Air Fryer Paper Liners for Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360
These air fryer paper liners are a game-changer for anyone who regularly air-fries, especially when making messy items like french fries. Specifically designed for larger oven-style air fryers like the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone, these pre-cut parchment paper sheets save you the hassle of measuring and cutting. Their non-stick, heat-resistant quality ensures your fries don’t stick and cleanup is an absolute breeze, helping you maintain your “best french fries for air fryer” experience with minimal fuss.
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Key Features:
- 【Accurate Compatibility】Specifically designed to be compatible with Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, these large-size pre-cut parchment paper sheets eliminate the need for manual cutting.
- 【Non-Stick & Heat Resistant】Made from premium-quality, food-grade material, our parchment paper sheets for the Emeril Lagasse French Door 360 Air Fryer feature a non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking and can withstand temperatures up to 430°F (220°C).
- 【Keep Your Air Fryer Clean】With these pre-cut parchment paper liners for the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer, you can easily remove food from the basket without scraping stuck-on residue. Perfect for air frying, baking, roasting, and grilling.
- 【Multi-Purpose】These unbleached parchment paper sheets for the Emeril Lagasse Dual-Zone Air Fryer Oven are versatile: ideal for baking cookies, dough, croissants, or pizza crusts, as well as lining meats, holding fries, potato wedges, or wrapping sandwiches and burgers.
- 【Usage Tips】Avoid using the parchment paper in preheating mode. Always place the paper underneath food to prevent direct contact with heating elements.
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Pros:
- Significantly reduces cleanup time and effort.
- Prevents food from sticking to the basket/tray.
- Pre-cut for convenience, no fussing with rolls of parchment.
- Multi-purpose for various air frying and baking needs.
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Cons:
- An ongoing consumable expense.
- Requires careful placement to avoid contact with heating elements.
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User Impressions: Users absolutely love these liners for their convenience and how much easier they make cleanup. Many consider them essential for messy air-fried foods like fries and chicken. The pre-cut size and compatibility with specific large air fryers are highly appreciated.
FAQ Section
Q1: What kind of french fries are best for air fryer cooking?
A: Both frozen and fresh-cut fries work wonderfully! For frozen fries, choose brands that are pre-coated for extra crispiness. For fresh fries, pat them very dry after cutting and toss with a tiny bit of oil (about 1/2-1 tsp per batch) before air frying.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for french fries?
A: While some newer models boast no preheat for air fry, preheating for 3-5 minutes at your desired temperature (typically 375-400°F) can help achieve faster and more consistent crisping, especially for frozen fries. Always check your specific air fryer’s manual.
Q3: How long do you cook french fries in an air fryer?
A: Cooking times vary by air fryer model and fry thickness. Generally, frozen fries take about 15-20 minutes, and fresh fries take 18-25 minutes. Always shake the basket or flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Q4: Can I put oil on french fries in an air fryer?
A: Yes, a small amount of oil is recommended, especially for fresh-cut fries, to help them crisp up and achieve that golden-brown color. For frozen fries, many are pre-oiled, so additional oil might not be needed. A light spray with an oil mister works great!
Q5: How do I make my french fries extra crispy in an air fryer?
A: For maximum crispiness:
1. Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
2. Shake the basket frequently (every 5-7 minutes).
3. Pat fresh fries very dry before adding oil.
4. Consider a slightly higher temperature (like 400°F) for the last few minutes.
Q6: What’s the best temperature for air frying french fries?
A: Most recipes recommend a temperature range between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C) for french fries. The higher temperature helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after making french fries?
A: Most air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. If not, wash them with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For tougher messes, soaking can help. Using air fryer paper liners (like the ones reviewed!) can drastically reduce cleanup time.
Q8: Are air-fried french fries healthier than deep-fried ones?
A: Absolutely! Air frying uses significantly less oil (often 75-90% less) compared to traditional deep frying, which means less fat and fewer calories. You get the crispy texture you love without the guilt.
Conclusion
There you have it! Mastering the art of making the best french fries for air fryer cooking is totally achievable with the right tools and a few simple tricks. Whether you opt for a versatile, large-capacity air fryer like the Emeril Lagasse or Midea to handle big batches, a family-friendly size like the Chefman TurboFry or Ninja, or a compact model like the Chefman Mini for personal portions, you’re on your way to perfectly crispy spuds. And don’t forget the helpful accessories like the essential air fryer cookbook and convenient paper liners to make your air frying journey even smoother. Ditch the deep fryer and get ready to enjoy healthier, incredibly delicious french fries right from your countertop!