Craving that perfect batch of crispy, golden fries but want to skip the deep-fryer mess and extra oil? You’re in the right place! Air fryers have revolutionized how we make our favorite fried foods, promising delicious results with less fat. But getting that just right texture often depends on more than just the appliance itself. Whether you’re starting from scratch with raw potatoes or simply looking for the ultimate pre-made solution, choosing the best potato for air fryer fries (or the best product to get that perfect fry) can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 top products designed to elevate your air fryer fries game, from the machines themselves to the perfect frozen spuds and handy accessories. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to crispy perfection!
The Best Products for Air Fryer Fries
Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Air Fried Himalayan Salt Kettle…
While not a raw potato for making fries from scratch, these Kettle Brand chips are a fantastic example of a ready-to-eat snack that harnesses the power of air frying. They offer that signature Kettle Brand crunch but with a lighter feel, thanks to their air-fried finish. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a healthier, pre-made snack with the flavor profile of a classic salted chip, perfect for those moments when you want something satisfyingly crispy without the effort of making fries.
- Key Features:
- Himalayan salt chips: three ingredients (potatoes, oil, Himalayan pink salt)
- Air fried potato chips: kettle cooked and air-fried finished
- Less fat: 30% less fat than regular Kettle Brand sea salt chips
- Natural promise: Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free
- Authentic recipe: classic salted chip flavor
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Shareable bag: 6.5-ounce bag
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Pros:
- Lighter, crispier texture due to air frying
- Simple, clean ingredients
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
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Convenient snack option
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Cons:
- Not suitable for making homemade fries
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Still a chip, not a healthier alternative to actual air-fried potatoes
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User Impressions: Customers love the satisfying crunch and the fact that these chips are a lighter version of their favorite Kettle Brand. Many appreciate the simple ingredients and the authentic salty flavor, making them a go-to for guilt-free snacking.
- See it on Amazon here
Alexia Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries Seasoned with Garlic,…
If you’re a fan of sweet potato fries, Alexia’s waffle-cut option is a gourmet dream come true for your air fryer. These aren’t just any frozen fries; they’re chef-inspired, perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, and pepper, and crafted into a unique waffle cut for maximum crispiness. They cook up beautifully in the air fryer, offering a delightful blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors that makes them an ideal side dish or snack.
- Key Features:
- Includes one 20 oz. bag of Alexia Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries Seasoned with Garlic, Onion & Pepper
- Chef-inspired sweet potato fries with a savory blend of garlic, onion, and pepper
- Made with high-quality and non-GMO ingredients
- Crispy waffle cut shape
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Quick and easy to make in air fryer (14-16 minutes) or oven
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Pros:
- Excellent flavor profile from unique seasoning
- Waffle cut design promotes even cooking and crispiness
- Convenient and quick to prepare
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Non-GMO and high-quality ingredients
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Cons:
- Sweet potato flavor might not appeal to everyone
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Smaller bag size compared to some other frozen fry options
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User Impressions: Users rave about the amazing taste and texture, often noting they’re even better than restaurant sweet potato fries. The waffle cut is a big hit for its crispiness, and the seasoning is consistently praised for elevating the flavor.
- See it on Amazon here
The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Two: Perfectly…
While not a food item itself, this cookbook is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to master their air fryer, especially when cooking for smaller households. It provides perfectly portioned recipes, ensuring you get consistent results without guesswork. For crispy air fryer fries, having precise instructions for temperature, time, and preparation is key, and this cookbook is likely to include tried-and-true recipes for various potato preparations, helping you achieve the best potato for air fryer fries every time.
- Key Features: (Likely features based on title)
- Recipes perfectly portioned for two
- Comprehensive guide for air fryer cooking
- Includes a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses
- Focus on optimal air frying techniques
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Clear instructions for beginners and experienced users
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Pros:
- Tailored for smaller households, reducing food waste
- Provides reliable recipes for consistent results
- Helps users maximize their air fryer’s potential
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Likely includes specific guidance for making crispy fries
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Cons:
- Not a physical food product
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Might not be suitable for larger families needing bigger portions
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User Impressions: Cookbooks tailored for specific air fryer sizes or numbers of servings are generally highly appreciated for their practicality and precision. Users often report success in replicating delicious dishes, including perfectly crispy fries.
- See it on Amazon here
Flavor-Crisp All-Purpose Breading & Batter Mix for Chicken,…
This isn’t a potato, but it’s a fantastic secret weapon for anyone wanting to make incredible, seasoned potato wedges or other fried delights in their air fryer. Flavor-Crisp is one of the few breading mixes specifically labeled for air fryer use, meaning you can achieve that delightful, crispy coating without excess oil. Their claim to have “accidentally originated the Jojo Potato Wedge” using this very seasoning speaks volumes about its potential for making the best potato for air fryer fries in a wedge format!
- Key Features:
- Air fryer use: labeled for air fryer compatibility
- Impress your taste buds: delicious taste for various foods
- Versatile: can be used for chicken, fish, pork, shrimp, jojo potato wedges, and other vegetables
- Premium packaging: resealable bag for freshness
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Jojo Potato Wedges: historically linked to the origin of jojo potato wedges
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Pros:
- Specifically designed for air fryer use for optimal crispiness
- Adds incredible flavor and texture to potatoes and other foods
- Highly versatile for various culinary applications
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Resealable bag for convenience and freshness
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Cons:
- Not a standalone potato product
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Requires preparing raw potatoes
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User Impressions: Users love the versatility and, most importantly, the delicious flavor and crispiness this mix imparts, especially for chicken and potato wedges. The fact that it works well in an air fryer is a major selling point for health-conscious cooks.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries French Fried…
For many, the ultimate air fryer fries experience starts with a bag of classic, straight-cut frozen fries. Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries are specifically designed to deliver that satisfying crunch we crave from our favorite drive-thrus, but from the convenience of your kitchen and with far less oil when prepared in an air fryer. They’re gluten-free, easy to prepare, and provide a consistently delicious result, making them a top contender for the best potato for air fryer fries if you prefer the pre-cut, pre-blanched convenience.
- Key Features:
- One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries
- Easy side dish for meals
- Gluten-free French fries
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven, or deep fryer
- Classic straight cut shape for crispness and dipping
- Sealed in a bag for convenient freezer storage
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Certified Kosher
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Pros:
- Achieves excellent crispiness in an air fryer
- Convenient and quick to prepare
- Gluten-free
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Classic “fast food” flavor and texture
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Cons:
- Pre-fried/frozen product, not a raw potato option
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Contains additives for crispness
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User Impressions: These fries are consistently praised for their crispy texture and authentic fast-food taste when air-fried. Users appreciate the convenience and the fact that they turn out much better than oven-baked fries.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air…
Of course, to make the best potato for air fryer fries, you need a fantastic air fryer! The Ninja Air Fryer Pro stands out with its Air Crisp Technology, which circulates superheated air for incredibly crispy results using little to no oil. Its generous 5-quart capacity means you can cook a substantial batch of fries (up to 4 lbs!), making it perfect for families or gatherings. Beyond fries, its 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) makes it a versatile kitchen workhorse.
- Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology: 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results with little to no oil
- Large Capacity: 5-QT nonstick basket fits 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
- Frozen to Crispy: Cooks frozen foods in minutes
- Space Saver: Compact design
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Easy to Clean: Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for crispy fries
- Large capacity for family-sized portions
- Versatile cooking functions
- Significantly reduces fat compared to deep frying
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Easy to clean
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Cons:
- Takes up countertop space
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Initial learning curve for optimal settings
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User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight how quickly and perfectly this air fryer cooks food, especially fries and chicken wings, achieving a crispiness often unattainable with traditional ovens. Its large capacity and ease of cleaning are also major pluses.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Fryer Perfection: From Crispy Fries and Juicy Steaks…
Another essential resource for any air fryer enthusiast, “Air Fryer Perfection” promises to unlock the full potential of your appliance, going beyond just basic fries. A good cookbook like this will provide detailed, foolproof recipes for achieving perfectly crispy fries from various potato types, along with guidance on seasoning, oil, and cooking times. It’s about mastering the technique to consistently produce the best potato for air fryer fries and countless other dishes.
- Key Features: (Likely features based on title)
- Comprehensive air fryer recipe collection
- Focus on achieving optimal texture (crispy fries, juicy meats)
- Covers a wide range of ingredients and meal types
- Detailed instructions and tips for air frying success
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Inspires creativity in air fryer cooking
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Pros:
- Expands the possibilities of air fryer cooking
- Provides reliable recipes for consistent results
- Teaches techniques for perfect crispiness and doneness
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A valuable resource for all air fryer users
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Cons:
- Not a food or appliance product
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Requires effort to follow recipes
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User Impressions: Users typically praise comprehensive air fryer cookbooks for introducing them to new recipes and helping them achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Success stories often involve perfectly crispy homemade fries and other air-fried delights.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles French Fries Fried…
For those who love a bit more surface area for crispiness and seasoning, Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles are a fantastic choice for your air fryer. The crinkle cut isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps trap seasonings and provides more edges to become beautifully crisp. These fries come pre-seasoned, saving you a step, and cook up quickly and deliciously in an air fryer, making them a strong contender for the title of best potato for air fryer fries if convenience and flavor are your top priorities.
- Key Features:
- One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles
- Easy side dish for meals
- Gluten-free seasoned crinkle fries
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven, or deep fryer
- Classic crinkle cut shape for crispness and dipping
- Sealed in a bag for convenient freezer storage
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Certified Kosher
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Pros:
- Excellent crispiness due to crinkle cut
- Conveniently pre-seasoned
- Quick and easy to air fry
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Gluten-free
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Cons:
- Pre-seasoned flavor might not suit all tastes
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Not a raw potato option
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the added flavor from the seasoning and how incredibly crispy these crinkle-cut fries get in the air fryer. Many prefer the crinkle cut for dipping, and the convenience is a recurring highlight.
- See it on Amazon here
POP AirFry Mate, Commercial Grade Stainless Steel French…
If you’re serious about making homemade fries from scratch and want uniform, perfectly sized pieces, the POP AirFry Mate is a game-changer. This commercial-grade stainless steel French fry cutter makes prepping potatoes incredibly easy and consistent. Uniform cuts are crucial for achieving evenly cooked and consistently crispy air fryer fries. While it’s not a potato itself, this tool helps you transform raw potatoes into the ideal shape for making the best potato for air fryer fries right in your kitchen.
- Key Features:
- Multipurpose: two interchangeable blades (1/2″ thick or 3/8″ thin – 3″ long pieces) for potatoes, carrots, onions, zucchini, cucumbers
- Easy to Use: heavy-duty pulldown lever, sturdy legs, and suction cup base for optimal leverage
- Compact, Durable, and Easy to Clean: stainless steel material, commercial grade lever, dishwasher safe, compact design (10×5 inches)
- Perfect Cutter to Complement Any Fryer: designed for ideal fry length for deep fryers and air fryers
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Quality Backed by Guarantee: lifetime warranty
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Pros:
- Creates perfectly uniform fries for even cooking
- Saves significant prep time and effort
- Durable, commercial-grade stainless steel construction
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
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Comes with a lifetime warranty
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Cons:
- Not recommended for sweet potatoes
- Requires counter space
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Initial investment cost
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed with the sturdiness and efficiency of this cutter. It consistently produces perfectly uniform fries, making the preparation process much faster and easier. Many consider it a must-have for homemade fry enthusiasts.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil,…
Another excellent air fryer from Ninja, this model emphasizes guilt-free frying with up to 75% less fat than traditional methods, making it ideal for health-conscious foodies. Its wide temperature range (105°F-400°F) allows for versatile cooking, from gently dehydrating to quickly crisping up your favorite foods. With a 4-quart family-sized capacity, it’s perfect for cooking about 2 lbs of French fries, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy that desired crisp texture that makes it the best potato for air fryer fries.
- Key Features:
- Less Fat: Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods
- Wide Temperature Range: 105°F-400°F for versatile cooking
- Family-Sized Capacity: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries
- 4-in-1 Versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
- Dehydrate: Creates chip-like dehydrated foods
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Easy-to-Clean: Dishwasher safe basket and crisper plate
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Pros:
- Significantly reduces fat in fried foods
- Versatile temperature control and cooking functions
- Good capacity for families
- Easy to clean components
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Known for consistent crispy results
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Cons:
- Takes up countertop space
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Basket size might be limiting for very large batches
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User Impressions: Customers consistently praise this Ninja air fryer for its ability to deliver crispy results with minimal oil. It’s often cited as a kitchen staple for healthy cooking, particularly for making perfect fries, chicken, and reheating leftovers. The ease of cleaning is also a big plus.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best type of potato for air fryer fries from scratch?
For classic, crispy French fries, Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) are generally considered the best choice. Their high starch content and low moisture make them ideal for achieving a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option if you prefer a slightly creamier texture with a beautiful golden color.
Can I put frozen fries directly into an air fryer?
Absolutely! Most frozen fries are designed to be cooked in an air fryer, and they often yield much crispier results than oven-baking. Just ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket to allow for optimal air circulation.
How long do you air fry French fries?
The cooking time can vary depending on the potato thickness, the air fryer model, and whether they are fresh or frozen. Generally, fresh-cut fries take about 15-25 minutes at 375-400°F (190-200°C), while frozen fries typically take 12-20 minutes. Always shake the basket every 5-7 minutes for even cooking and crisping.
Do I need to pre-soak potatoes for air fryer fries?
For homemade fries, pre-soaking sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) can help remove excess starch. This step can contribute to crispier fries. After soaking, make sure to dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil.
How do I make my air fryer fries extra crispy?
Several factors contribute to extra crispy fries:
1. Don’t overcrowd: Cook in a single layer or in small batches.
2. Dry potatoes: Ensure fresh-cut potatoes are completely dry before adding oil.
3. Light oil coating: A thin, even coat of oil is key (avoid drenching).
4. High temperature: Cook at 375-400°F (190-200°C).
5. Shake the basket: Regularly shaking ensures all sides get crispy.
6. Optional pre-soak: As mentioned above, it can help.
What oil should I use for air fryer fries?
For air frying, you want an oil with a high smoke point. Good options include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Olive oil can be used, but extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point and might not be ideal for very high temperatures. A light spray is usually sufficient.
Can I air fry sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes air fry beautifully! They’re a delicious and healthy alternative to regular potato fries. Follow similar preparation steps: cut into uniform sticks, lightly coat with oil and seasonings (cinnamon and a pinch of salt work wonders!), and air fry until tender and slightly crispy, typically at a slightly lower temperature or for less time than white potatoes.
Conclusion
Achieving the best potato for air fryer fries experience is a journey that involves more than just selecting the right spud. From versatile air fryers like the Ninja models that guarantee crispy results, to convenient pre-made options from Ore-Ida and Alexia, and even specialized tools like the POP AirFry Mate for homemade precision, there’s a product out there to elevate your fry game. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just starting out, investing in these top-notch items will help you consistently create delicious, guilt-free fries that rival your favorite restaurant’s. Happy air frying!