Ah, French fries! That golden, crispy, salty delight that instantly transports you to a happy place. But let’s be honest, deep-frying them at home can be a greasy, messy affair. Enter the air fryer – a game-changer for getting that satisfying crunch with significantly less oil. The big question often debated among home cooks is: what’s the best oil for french fries in air fryer? And beyond that, what tools truly help you achieve that perfectly guilt-free, crispy batch every single time?
While the quest for the best oil for french fries in air fryer often focuses on minimizing fat and maximizing crispiness, it’s not just about the oil itself. The right equipment plays a monumental role in transforming humble potatoes into air-fried masterpieces. Forget the deep-fryer’s excessive oil; these innovative products help you achieve incredible results with little to no oil, making your fries healthier and equally delicious.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you seven top products that will elevate your air-frying game, ensuring your french fries are nothing short of spectacular. Let’s dive in!
1. QPMR Air Fryer Basket for Oven, 12.8″ Air Fryer Stainless…
If you’re looking to turn your traditional oven into an air-frying powerhouse, this stainless steel basket is an absolute game-changer. It’s designed to mimic the 360-degree airflow of a dedicated air fryer, ensuring your fries get crispy on all sides without constant flipping. Made from durable stainless steel, it’s a healthier alternative to coated pans and lets excess oil drain away, making your meals lighter and less greasy. Plus, with handy parchment papers and a tray, cleanup is surprisingly easy!
- Key Features:
- Healthier Cooking: Durable stainless steel, allows excess oil to drain.
- Generous Capacity: 12.8″x9.6″ for family-sized portions.
- Even Heating: Elevated mesh design ensures 360-degree airflow.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Great for fries, grilling, washing produce.
- No More Mess: Includes 50pcs parchment papers and a crumb tray.
- Easy Cleanup: Non-stick surface, dishwasher-safe.
- Pros:
- Transforms regular oven into an air fryer.
- Promotes healthier cooking by draining fat.
- Large capacity is great for families.
- Easy to clean and durable.
- Cons:
- Requires a conventional oven, not a standalone air fryer.
- Mesh design might require careful handling of smaller items.
- User Impressions: Users rave about how this basket delivers genuinely crispy results in a standard oven, making it a budget-friendly way to “air fry” without buying a new appliance. Many appreciate the easy cleanup and the generous size.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Gotham Steel Crisper Tray for Oven, 2 Piece Nonstick…
The Gotham Steel Crisper Tray brings the magic of air frying to your conventional oven, but with a special non-stick twist. Coated with their signature Ti-Cerama (reinforced with diamonds!), this tray promises ultimate food release, meaning you don’t even need much, if any, of the best oil for french fries in air fryer to get that perfect crisp. The raised basket design ensures heat circulates all around your fries, delivering even browning and a satisfying crunch without deep-frying.
- Key Features:
- Crisper Tray: Raised basket for 360-degree convection heat in your oven.
- Ultimate Ceramic Nonstick: Triple-coated and diamond-reinforced for easy food release.
- Healthy & Non-Toxic: PFOA, PFOS, lead, & cadmium-free.
- Effortless Cleanup: Dishwasher safe.
- Oven Safe: Handles temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Even Heat Distribution: Aluminum composition and mesh basket for consistent results.
- 10 Year Guarantee: Built to last.
- Pros:
- Excellent non-stick properties, reducing need for oil.
- Creates crispy food in a regular oven.
- Durable and backed by a long guarantee.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Still relies on oven performance for heat distribution.
- Some users report a slight learning curve for optimal crispiness.
- User Impressions: Customers love the non-stick surface, which truly makes cleanup a breeze. Many are impressed by the crispiness achieved for various foods, not just fries, noting it’s a great alternative to a full air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil…
Ready for a dedicated appliance that cuts fat significantly? The Ninja Air Fryer is a classic for a reason. It truly helps you enjoy guilt-free food, air frying with up to 75% less fat than traditional methods – yes, even compared to hand-cut, deep-fried French fries! With a wide temperature range and a family-sized capacity, this 4-in-1 workhorse doesn’t just air fry; it roasts, reheats, and even dehydrates, making it a versatile kitchen essential.
- Key Features:
- Less Fat: Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- Wide Temperature Range: 105°F-400°F for versatile cooking.
- Family-Sized Capacity: 4-quart nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 Versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate programs.
- Easy-to-Clean: Dishwasher safe parts.
- Pros:
- Significantly reduces fat content in fried foods.
- Versatile with multiple cooking functions.
- Generous capacity for most families.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Takes up countertop space.
- Some foods may still require a small amount of oil for best results.
- User Impressions: This Ninja model receives high praise for its ability to deliver perfectly crispy fries and other foods. Users frequently mention its speed, ease of use, and how much healthier their meals have become. The easy cleanup is a recurring compliment.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Shoestring Fries, 28 Oz
Sometimes, the best oil for french fries in air fryer isn’t the only secret; starting with the right frozen product makes a huge difference! Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Shoestring Fries are specifically designed for that ultimate crunch. Made from 100% real Idaho potatoes, these thin-cut fries are engineered to be crispy on the outside with a fluffy, soft-baked inside. They’re super quick to prepare, making them a fantastic base for your air fryer adventures.
- Key Features:
- Includes one 28 oz. bag.
- Made from 100% real Idaho potatoes.
- 0g Trans Fats per Serving.
- Super crispy, skin-on, golden brown, thin-cut shoestring fries.
- Crispy outside, fluffy inside with real potato flavor.
- Quick and easy to make (oven instructions, but works great in air fryer).
- Pros:
- Delivers consistent, super crispy results.
- Convenient and quick to prepare.
- Authentic potato flavor.
- Healthier with 0g trans fats.
- Cons:
- Still a processed food item.
- May contain additives for crispiness that some prefer to avoid.
- User Impressions: Customers absolutely love the crispiness and flavor of these fries, often preferring them over other frozen brands for air frying. They’re praised for their ability to achieve a restaurant-quality crunch at home with minimal effort.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air…
An upgrade to the already popular Ninja line, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro takes air frying to the next level with its dedicated Air Crisp Technology. This bad boy surrounds your food with 400℉ superheated air, guaranteeing hot, crispy results with little to no oil. Its generous 5-quart capacity means you can cook up to 4 lbs of French fries (or 5 lbs of chicken wings!), making it ideal for families or entertaining. If you’re serious about crispy, healthy fries, this is a top contender.
- Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology: 400℉ superheated air for optimal crispiness with little to no oil.
- Large Capacity: 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Guilt-Free Fried Foods: Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
- Frozen to Crispy: Cooks frozen foods quickly with an extra-crispy finish.
- Space Saver: Optimized design for countertop space.
- Easy to Clean: Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to wash.
- Pros:
- Exceptional crisping performance.
- Large capacity is fantastic for bigger batches.
- Versatile with multiple functions.
- Designed to use minimal oil.
- Cons:
- Can be a bit noisy during operation.
- Higher price point than basic models.
- User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed with the sheer crispiness this air fryer delivers, especially for frozen items. The larger capacity is a huge plus for families, and the easy cleanup always gets a shout-out. It’s seen as a powerful upgrade for serious air fryers.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Gourmia Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Single-Pull…
Why choose between an air fryer and a toaster oven when you can have both? The Gourmia Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a versatile beast that handles all your cooking needs, making it easier to experiment with what truly is the best oil for french fries in air fryer (or if you even need much at all!). Its Fry Force 360° Technology ensures food cooks quickly and evenly with little to no oil, and the stylish French doors add a touch of elegance to your kitchen while making access a breeze.
- Key Features:
- Fry Force 360° Technology: Cooks food quickly and evenly with little to no oil.
- Stylish French Doors: Open with a single-handle pull for convenience.
- XL Capacity: Fits a 12″ pizza, 6 slices of toast, or a whole chicken.
- 19 One-Touch Cooking Functions: Includes Air Fry, Toast, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, and more.
- Guided Cooking: Optional Preheat and Turn Food reminders.
- Intuitive Touchscreen: Easy to adjust settings.
- Large Viewing Window: Monitor food without opening the door.
- Pros:
- Highly versatile 2-in-1 appliance.
- Very large capacity for various cooking tasks.
- Excellent air frying results with minimal oil.
- User-friendly digital interface and elegant design.
- Cons:
- Larger footprint than basket air fryers.
- Can be a learning curve with so many functions.
- User Impressions: Reviewers love the multi-functionality and the spacious interior, allowing them to cook more food at once. The air frying function consistently gets high marks for crispiness, and the aesthetics are frequently praised.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven, 26 Quart 10-in-1 Countertop…
Prepare for MAXXimum cooking power! The Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven is an absolute countertop powerhouse designed to replace multiple appliances. This 10-in-1 machine boasts Ultra-Fast Turbo MAXX Technology, meaning your French fries will be ready up to 22% faster than in traditional ovens, all while saving energy. With an enormous 26-quart capacity and 21 smart presets, you can cook family-sized meals, experiment with various cooking methods, and achieve perfectly crispy fries every single time.
- Key Features:
- Faster Cooking & Energy Saving: Turbo MAXX Technology cooks faster and saves over 77% energy vs. traditional ovens.
- 10-in-1 Appliance: Air fry, bake, toast, roast, rotisserie, braise, sear, dehydrate, broil, and warm.
- 21 Smart Presets: One-touch cooking for various dishes, including crispy French fries.
- Family-Sized Meals: Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 14-pound turkey or 9 slices of toast.
- 9 Do-It-All Accessories: Includes air frying basket, baking tray, rotisserie spit, and more.
- Pros:
- Extremely fast cooking performance.
- Incredibly versatile with 10 functions.
- Massive capacity, ideal for large families or entertaining.
- Energy efficient.
- Numerous presets simplify cooking.
- Cons:
- Very large appliance, requires significant counter space.
- Can be an investment upfront.
- User Impressions: Users are blown away by the speed and versatility of the Kalorik MAXX. It’s highly praised for its ability to air fry perfectly crispy foods and handle large volumes. The wide array of accessories and presets are also big hits, making it a true kitchen workhorse.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best oil for french fries in an air fryer for maximum crispiness?
A1: For maximum crispiness, a high smoke point oil with a neutral flavor is generally recommended. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil are excellent choices. You only need a very small amount – often just a light spray or a drizzle and toss – to help with browning and crisping, as the air fryer’s circulating hot air does most of the work.
Q2: Do I need to use oil at all when making french fries in an air fryer?
A2: While air fryers are designed to cook with “little to no oil,” a small amount often helps achieve a better, more even crisp and a golden-brown color. For fresh-cut fries, tossing them with about 1 teaspoon of oil per batch is usually sufficient. Frozen fries often come pre-coated and may not require additional oil.
Q3: How much oil should I use for fresh-cut french fries in an air fryer?
A3: For fresh-cut fries, aim for about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of oil per pound of potatoes, depending on your preference and the potato type. The key is to coat the fries lightly and evenly, not drench them. A spray bottle can be very helpful for even distribution.
Q4: Can I use olive oil in an air fryer for french fries?
A4: Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, which means it can burn and produce smoke at high air fryer temperatures. Light olive oil or regular olive oil, which have higher smoke points, can be used, but generally, oils like avocado, grapeseed, or canola are preferred for their higher heat tolerance and neutral flavor.
Q5: What’s the secret to getting truly crispy air fryer french fries?
A5: The secrets to crispy air fryer fries include: 1) Preheating your air fryer, 2) Not overcrowding the basket (cook in batches if necessary), 3) Tossing or shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes for even cooking, 4) Using a high smoke point oil sparingly (if using), and 5) For fresh fries, soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking helps remove starch, leading to crispier results.
Q6: Are air-fried french fries healthier than deep-fried ones?
A6: Absolutely! Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil (and thus calories and fat) compared to traditional deep frying. By using minimal to no oil, air-fried french fries offer a much healthier alternative without sacrificing that beloved crispy texture.
Q7: Can I air fry frozen french fries, and do they need oil?
A7: Yes, air frying frozen french fries is incredibly easy and often yields superior results to oven baking. Many frozen brands come pre-coated with oil, so you generally don’t need to add any extra oil. Just spread them in a single layer in the basket and follow the package instructions (or air fry at 375-400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, until golden and crispy).
Ultimately, achieving the best oil for french fries in air fryer results isn’t just about the oil itself, but the synergy with the right equipment. Whether you opt for a versatile oven basket, a dedicated air fryer, or a powerful air fryer oven, these products provide the tools you need to create perfectly golden, delightfully crispy, and healthier french fries right in your own kitchen. Happy air frying!