The air fryer has revolutionized how we get our crispy fix, especially when it comes to potatoes! Whether you’re craving perfectly golden homemade fries, quick frozen spuds, or even crunchy potato chips, this kitchen gadget delivers. But what are the best potatoes for air fryer fries and other potato-based delights? It’s not just about the raw spud; it’s about the ideal pre-made options and even the right complementary products that help you achieve that irresistible texture.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the top options, from ready-to-air-fry bags to essential air fryer accessories, ensuring your next batch of spuds is nothing short of perfection. Get ready to discover how to make the crispiest, most delicious potato dishes with minimal effort!
Understanding Your Spud: What Makes a Good Air Fryer Potato Product?
When it comes to air frying, especially for fries, moisture content and starch levels in potatoes play a big role in achieving that sought-after crispy exterior and fluffy interior. For pre-made frozen options, the cut, seasoning, and initial par-frying (which many frozen fries undergo) are key. And for other potato-related items, how well they’re designed for air frying makes all the difference. We’ve rounded up a mix of actual potato products and essential air fryer companions to help you make the most of your machine.
Top Air Fryer Potato Products & Companions Reviewed
Here are our top picks, ranging from delicious frozen fries to essential cooking aids, that will elevate your air fryer game.
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries French Fried Potatoes
If you’re after that classic fast-food fry experience right in your own kitchen, these Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries are a fantastic choice. Designed to achieve maximum crispness, they deliver a satisfying crunch that makes them feel like they just came from your favorite drive-thru. They’re incredibly convenient and one of the best potatoes for air fryer fries if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Key Features:
- Classic straight-cut shape for optimal crispness.
- Specifically designed to be extra crispy, mimicking fast-food quality.
- Gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
- Versatile cooking: easily prepared in an air fryer, oven, or deep fryer.
- Convenient 26 oz bag for easy storage.
- Pros:
- Achieves exceptional crispness in an air fryer.
- Quick and easy to prepare for a convenient side dish.
- Authentic fast-food fry taste and texture.
- Gluten-free option available.
- Cons:
- Pre-seasoned, which might limit customization for some.
- Can dry out if overcooked, so monitor closely.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently praise these fries for their impressive crunch and authentic taste, often stating they’re their go-to for a quick homemade burger night. Many love how effortlessly they crisp up in the air fryer, often outperforming oven baking.
- See it on Amazon here
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles French Fries Fried Potatoes
For those who love a bit more surface area for maximum crispiness and seasoning, the Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles are a standout. These crinkle-cut fries aren’t just fun to look at; their unique shape truly helps them get extra crispy edges while staying fluffy inside. Plus, they come seasoned, making them a flavorful and convenient option for any meal. They prove that pre-cut, seasoned spuds are among the best potatoes for air fryer fries when you need speed and flavor.
- Key Features:
- Crinkle-cut shape for increased crispness and seasoning adherence.
- Pre-seasoned for a delicious flavor right out of the bag.
- Gluten-free, suitable for various diets.
- Air fryer, oven, or deep fryer friendly.
- Ideal for dipping due to their textured surface.
- Pros:
- Excellent crispiness thanks to the crinkle cut.
- Flavorful seasoning eliminates the need for extra spices.
- Versatile for various meals and dipping.
- Quick and easy preparation.
- Cons:
- The seasoning might be too strong for some palates.
- Can stick together if not spread out properly in the air fryer basket.
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the delightful crunch and robust seasoning, often preferring them over straight-cut fries for their texture. They’re a hit for family dinners and game nights, with many users highlighting their ease of use in the air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
Alexia Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries Seasoned with Garlic, Onion & Pepper
Step up your side dish game with Alexia Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries. These aren’t just any sweet potato fries; they’re perfectly crafted into a waffle shape, seasoned with a delightful blend of garlic, onion, and pepper, and designed to crisp up beautifully in your air fryer. If you’re looking for a gourmet twist on “best potatoes for air fryer fries,” especially with a sweet potato base, Alexia delivers a premium experience that feels restaurant-quality.
- Key Features:
- Chef-inspired waffle-cut sweet potato fries.
- Seasoned with a savory blend of garlic, onion, and pepper.
- Made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients.
- Achieves a crispy texture with ease in the air fryer.
- Quick and easy cooking instructions for air fryer or oven.
- Pros:
- Unique waffle cut offers superior crispness.
- Flavorful seasoning blend elevates the sweet potato taste.
- High-quality ingredients for a premium experience.
- Cooks quickly and evenly in an air fryer.
- Cons:
- Sweet potato fries have a naturally softer texture than regular potato fries.
- The seasoning, while flavorful, might not appeal to everyone.
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise the delicious seasoning and the unique waffle cut, which they say provides an excellent crispy-to-soft ratio. Many find them a healthier and more flavorful alternative to regular fries, perfect for a quick gourmet side.
- See it on Amazon here
Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Air Fried Himalayan Salt Kettle (6.5 oz)
While not a raw potato for making fries, the Kettle Brand Air Fried Himalayan Salt Kettle Chips offer a fantastic pre-made potato snack that truly shines when given a quick refresh in your air fryer. These aren’t just any chips; they’re kettle-cooked and then air-fried finished, resulting in an incredibly light and crispy crunch with 30% less fat than their regular counterparts. If you love the idea of using your air fryer for more than just fries, these chips are a superb, convenient option.
- Key Features:
- Three simple ingredients: potatoes, oil, and Himalayan pink salt.
- Kettle cooked and air-fried finished for unique texture.
- 30% less fat than regular Kettle Brand Sea Salt chips.
- Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free.
- Authentic recipe for a classic salted chip flavor.
- Pros:
- Achieves an extra-crispy, satisfying texture when air-fried.
- Lower fat content for a guilt-less snack.
- Simple, natural ingredients.
- Perfect for sharing or individual snacking.
- Cons:
- Not a raw potato product for making fries from scratch.
- Still a processed snack, not a whole food.
- User Impressions: Customers love the guilt-free crunch and classic salty flavor. Many find that a quick warm-up in the air fryer enhances their crispness even further, making them feel freshly made.
- See it on Amazon here
Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Air Fried Himalayan Salt Kettle (11.25 oz)
Similar to its smaller counterpart, this larger 11.25-ounce bag of Kettle Brand Air Fried Himalayan Salt Kettle Chips offers even more of that delicious, guilt-free crunch. These chips are a testament to how the air fryer can enhance pre-made snacks, making them taste even better. If you’re hosting a party or just have a big appetite for air-fried potato chips, this party-size bag is an excellent choice for a convenient, crispy treat.
- Key Features:
- Three simple ingredients: potatoes, oil, and Himalayan pink salt.
- Kettle cooked and air-fried finished for unique texture.
- 30% less fat than regular Kettle Brand Sea Salt chips.
- Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free.
- Party-size bag perfect for gatherings.
- Pros:
- Larger bag offers more to share or enjoy.
- Light and crispy with reduced fat content.
- Simple, clean ingredient list.
- Perfect for enhancing with a quick air fryer crisping.
- Cons:
- Still a pre-made chip, not for making fries from scratch.
- May lead to overconsumption due to deliciousness and size!
- User Impressions: Fans appreciate the larger quantity, making it ideal for families or events. The consistent quality and satisfying air-fried crunch remain highlights, with many repeating purchases for easy snacking.
- See it on Amazon here
Flavor-Crisp All-Purpose Breading & Batter Mix for Chicken, Fish, Shrimp, & Jojo Potatoes
While not a potato itself, the Flavor-Crisp All-Purpose Breading & Batter Mix is an essential companion for those looking to make their own crispy, air-fried potato wedges or other vegetables. This versatile mix is one of the few explicitly labeled for air fryer use, making it a game-changer for homemade air fryer dishes. If you’re exploring beyond frozen options and want to create your own “jojo potato wedges” or other creative potato sides, this batter mix is a must-have for achieving that perfect golden brown crunch.
- Key Features:
- Explicitly labeled for air fryer use, ensuring optimal results.
- Versatile mix for chicken, fish, shrimp, and especially jojo potato wedges.
- Can be used as both a breading and a deep-fry batter.
- Comes in a resealable bag for freshness and secure storage.
- Historical connection to originating the “Jojo Potato Wedge.”
- Pros:
- Specifically designed for air frying, reducing guesswork.
- Incredibly versatile for various meats and vegetables.
- Delivers an impressive crispy texture and rich flavor.
- Resealable packaging for convenience.
- Cons:
- Requires fresh ingredients (potatoes, etc.) to use.
- May contain ingredients (e.g., gluten) that aren’t suitable for all diets.
- User Impressions: Home cooks love its ease of use and the professional-level crispness it imparts to air-fried items, particularly noting its effectiveness on potato wedges. The convenience of an all-purpose mix for air fryer cooking is a major plus.
- See it on Amazon here
The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Two: Perfectly Sized Recipes for Your Favorite Appliance
This cookbook, while not a potato product itself, is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to maximize their air fryer’s potential, especially for preparing the best potatoes for air fryer fries and countless other dishes. Tailored specifically for smaller households, it offers perfectly sized recipes that ensure no food goes to waste. If you’re new to air frying or simply seeking inspiration to get the most out of your machine for making crispy treats, this cookbook is an excellent investment.
- Key Features:
- Recipes perfectly sized for two servings.
- Focuses on maximizing the air fryer’s capabilities for a variety of foods.
- Provides clear instructions for beginner air fryer users.
- Aids in understanding cooking times and temperatures for optimal results.
- Offers a wide range of meal options beyond just fries.
- Pros:
- Eliminates guesswork for portion control.
- Inspires creativity with diverse air fryer recipes.
- Helps achieve consistent, delicious results.
- Great for single individuals, couples, or small families.
- Cons:
- Not a physical food product.
- Requires purchasing ingredients separately.
- User Impressions: Many users find this cookbook indispensable for their small air fryers, praising its practical recipes and the perfect portion sizes. They appreciate the clear guidance which makes air frying a breeze, even for complex dishes.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Fryer Perfection: From Crispy Fries and Juicy Steaks to Roasts, Vegetables, and More
Another fantastic cookbook, “Air Fryer Perfection” broadens your culinary horizons far beyond just the best potatoes for air fryer fries. It’s a comprehensive guide to unlocking the full potential of your air fryer, covering everything from making those perfect crispy fries to juicy steaks and roasted vegetables. This book is ideal for those who want to explore a wider range of air-fried meals and truly master their appliance for varied, delicious outcomes.
- Key Features:
- Wide array of recipes covering fries, meats, vegetables, and more.
- Designed to help users achieve ‘perfection’ in air frying results.
- Offers tips and techniques for different food types.
- A valuable resource for both novice and experienced air fryer owners.
- Encourages versatility in air fryer cooking.
- Pros:
- Extensive recipe collection for diverse meals.
- Helps improve air frying technique for superior results.
- Inspires confidence in preparing various dishes.
- Great for expanding your air fryer repertoire.
- Cons:
- Not a physical food product.
- Recipe success depends on individual air fryer models and user skill.
- User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the book’s ability to transform their air fryer experience, especially praising its guidance on achieving perfectly crispy and juicy results for a wide variety of foods. It’s considered a valuable investment for serious air fryer enthusiasts.
- See it on Amazon here
The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Easy, Delicious Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle
For those just starting their air fryer journey, “The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners” is an absolute gem. While it covers a wide range of healthy and easy recipes, it also provides excellent foundational knowledge for making staples like crispy fries. This book prioritizes simplicity and a healthy lifestyle, making it perfect for new air fryer owners who want straightforward guidance on making delicious, healthier versions of their favorite foods, including the crispiest potato delights.
- Key Features:
- Specifically designed for beginner air fryer users.
- Focuses on easy and delicious recipes for a healthy lifestyle.
- Provides foundational knowledge on air fryer operation.
- Offers clear, step-by-step instructions.
- Includes tips for healthy cooking habits with an air fryer.
- Pros:
- User-friendly for complete novices.
- Emphasizes healthier cooking methods.
- Makes air frying accessible and enjoyable.
- Aids in quickly mastering basic air fryer functions.
- Cons:
- Not a physical food product.
- Recipes might be too simple for advanced cooks.
- User Impressions: New air fryer owners frequently praise this cookbook for its clarity and simplicity, often crediting it with making them feel confident in using their new appliance. The healthy focus and delicious results are consistently mentioned.
- See it on Amazon here
Louisiana AIR FRYER Seasoned Coating Mix for FISH
While this Louisiana AIR FRYER Seasoned Coating Mix is specifically designed for fish, its inclusion highlights the broader world of air fryer-compatible coatings that can be adapted for various foods, including some potato applications like potato-crusted fish. Although it’s not directly for the “best potatoes for air fryer fries,” it underscores how specialized air fryer mixes ensure that crispy, flavorful exterior we all crave. It’s a testament to how the right coating can transform ingredients in your air fryer.
- Key Features:
- Specifically formulated for air fryer use to ensure crispiness.
- Designed for fish, providing a flavorful and crunchy coating.
- Easy to use for quick meal preparation.
- Adds a distinct Louisiana flavor profile.
- A good example of how specialized mixes enhance air frying.
- Pros:
- Guarantees a crispy coating in the air fryer.
- Adds a delicious, pre-seasoned flavor.
- Simplifies the process of breading and cooking.
- Can potentially be experimented with beyond just fish (e.g., hushpuppies).
- Cons:
- Primarily for fish, not directly for potato fries.
- Flavor profile might not be universally appealing for all foods.
- User Impressions: Fish lovers rave about the crispy, non-greasy results and the authentic Southern flavor it adds to their air-fried fish. They appreciate how well it adheres and crisps up without excess oil.
- See it on Amazon here
Tips for Air Frying Perfect Potato Products
No matter which type of potato product you’re air frying, a few simple tips can elevate your results:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overfilling the basket prevents this, leading to soggy results. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake or Flip: For even cooking and crispness, give your basket a good shake or flip the items halfway through the cooking time.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating ensures consistent cooking from the start and helps achieve better crispness.
- A Little Oil Goes a Long Way: Even with “air-fried” products, a light spray of oil can enhance crispness, especially for homemade fries.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and your favorite seasonings right after cooking, when the surface is still hot and absorbent.
Conclusion
Finding the best potatoes for air fryer fries means considering a range of options, from ready-to-go frozen favorites to ingenious mixes and indispensable cookbooks that guide your culinary journey. The air fryer truly is a game-changer, transforming humble potatoes into crispy, golden delights with impressive speed and less oil.
Experiment with different types of frozen fries, explore breading mixes for homemade wedges, and dive into air fryer cookbooks to unlock endless possibilities. With the right products and a few simple techniques, you’ll be air frying perfect, delicious potato creations every time!
FAQ Section
Q1: What kind of potatoes are best for making homemade fries in an air fryer?
A1: For homemade air fryer fries, starchy potatoes like Russet (Idaho) or Yukon Gold are generally best. Russets yield a fluffy interior and crispy exterior, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier texture with good crispness. Sweet potatoes also work wonderfully for a different flavor profile.
Q2: Do I need to thaw frozen fries before putting them in the air fryer?
A2: No, you should never thaw frozen fries before air frying. Cooking them from frozen helps them achieve that optimal crispness. Thawing them can lead to soggy results.
Q3: How do I get my air fryer fries extra crispy?
A3: To get extra crispy air fryer fries, ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket, cook them in a single layer if possible, and shake the basket every 5-7 minutes. A light spray of cooking oil before frying can also help, even for pre-fried frozen options. Some people also double-fry them for ultimate crispness (cook almost fully, remove, let cool slightly, then cook again at a higher temperature for a few minutes).
Q4: Can I make healthy fries in an air fryer?
A4: Yes! One of the biggest advantages of an air fryer is that it uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making air fryer fries a much healthier alternative without sacrificing crispness. You can use just a tablespoon or two of oil, or even none for some pre-made frozen products.
Q5: What’s the ideal temperature and cooking time for air fryer fries?
A5: For most frozen fries, a common starting point is 360-400°F (180-200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking frequently. For homemade fries, you might start at a lower temperature (around 350°F/175°C) for 10-15 minutes to cook through, then finish at 400°F (200°C) for another 5-10 minutes for crispness. Always check specific product instructions or recipe guidelines as air fryer models vary.
Q6: Can I re-crisp leftover fries in an air fryer?
A6: Absolutely! The air fryer is fantastic for reheating and re-crisping leftover fries. Place them in a single layer in the basket and cook at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 3-6 minutes, shaking halfway, until hot and crispy again.
Q7: Are all frozen fries suitable for the air fryer?
A7: Most frozen French fries are suitable for the air fryer. Look for “extra crispy” or “oven ready” varieties, as these often have coatings designed to crisp up well outside of a deep fryer. Always check the package instructions for air fryer specific directions if available.