Who doesn’t love a good batch of crispy, golden french fries? That perfect crunch, the fluffy interior – it’s pure bliss. But let’s be honest, deep-frying at home can be messy, unhealthy, and a hassle. Enter the air fryer, a game-changer for anyone craving healthier, perfectly cooked fries without all the oil.
Air fryers use superheated air to crisp up your food, giving you that delightful fried texture with significantly less fat. But with so many models out there, how do you choose the best air fryer for homemade french fries? We’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve rounded up seven top-notch air fryers that excel at turning humble potatoes into magnificent, crispy fries.
Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect appliance to upgrade your fry game!
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This multi-talented appliance isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged kitchen powerhouse designed to elevate nearly any meal. Its standout feature is the elegant French door design combined with a massive 26-quart capacity, making it perfect for families or entertaining. Imagine crisping up a large batch of homemade fries while also roasting a chicken – all in one go! The dual-speed fan ensures consistent, golden crisping, guaranteeing your fries are perfect every time.
- Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo with 25 cooking presets.
- Perfectly done toast function with automatic shut-off.
- Dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 6-lb chicken or 12” pizza.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
- Pros:
- Extremely versatile, replaces multiple appliances.
- Large capacity is great for families or meal prepping.
- French doors add a premium feel and easy access.
- Excellent for achieving evenly cooked, crispy results.
- Cons:
- Takes up significant counter space.
- Higher price point compared to smaller, single-function air fryers.
- User Impressions: Users rave about its multi-functionality and large size, often replacing their toaster oven and air fryer with this one unit. Many appreciate how well it cooks, especially larger items and getting that perfect crisp on fries. The French doors are a favorite for both aesthetics and functionality.
- See it on Amazon here
Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The Midea Flexify is built for speed and efficiency, promising 25% faster cooking and 90% less oil compared to traditional methods. If you’re looking for an air fryer that delivers quick, crispy fries without the long wait, this is it. Its VDE-certified heat evenness and six heat tubes mean no preheating is needed for air frying, saving you precious time. The elegant French doors and LED digital display also make it a stylish and user-friendly addition to any kitchen.
- Key Features:
- Cyclone Air Fryer offers 25% faster cooking and 90% less oil.
- VDE-certified heat evenness with convection fan and six heat tubes.
- Versatile 10 functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Pizza, Reheat, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, Warm.
- Large 26.4 QT capacity, fits a 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast.
- Precise temperature and time control (5°F/1-minute increments).
- Stylish anti-scald double French doors and large LED display.
- Pros:
- Remarkably fast cooking, ideal for quick meals.
- Eliminates preheating for air fry function.
- Excellent for healthy cooking with minimal oil.
- Plenty of capacity for family-sized portions of fries.
- Cons:
- Learning curve for all 10 functions.
- As with other combo units, it’s a larger footprint.
- User Impressions: Customers love the speed and convenience of this Midea air fryer. The lack of preheating for air frying is a huge hit, making it a go-to for quick dinners. Its ability to produce consistently crispy results across various foods, including fries, is frequently praised.
- See it on Amazon here
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo
Imagine cooking your homemade french fries to crispy perfection in one zone while simultaneously baking chicken tenders in another. That’s the magic of the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone. This innovative appliance boasts two independent temperature zones and QuickSync Technology, ensuring your entire meal, including those crucial crispy fries, finishes at the exact same time. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to cook multiple components of a meal efficiently and simultaneously.
- Key Features:
- All-in-one French door air fryer toaster oven combo with 10 kitchen tools in one.
- Dual-zone mastery allows simultaneous cooking at different temperatures.
- QuickSync Technology for perfectly synced meal finishes.
- XL 25-Qt. capacity, removable dividers for extensive cooking.
- Cooks frozen foods to perfection without thawing.
- Pros:
- Revolutionary dual-zone cooking for full meal prep.
- QuickSync feature eliminates waiting for different dishes to finish.
- Large capacity even without using the dual-zone divider.
- Reduces cooking time significantly.
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to advanced features.
- May require some getting used to the dual-zone functionality.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are particularly impressed with the dual-zone capability, finding it incredibly useful for preparing complex meals or simply making a main dish and a side of fries at once. The convenience of not having to thaw frozen items is a bonus, and the overall cooking performance for crispy foods is highly rated.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, 4 QT
Sometimes, simplicity and effectiveness are key. The Ninja Air Fryer is a classic for a reason: it does what it promises exceptionally well. Specifically, it boasts up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, tested against hand-cut, deep-fried french fries – a clear win for fry lovers! With a 4-quart capacity, it comfortably fits 2 lbs of french fries, making it ideal for small families or individuals. Its straightforward controls and easy-to-clean design make it a consistent go-to.
- Key Features:
- Air fries with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F) for versatile cooking.
- Family-sized 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket, fits 2 lbs of fries.
- 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
- Pros:
- Excellent at air frying, especially for crispy fries.
- Compact size suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Very easy to use and clean.
- Great for healthier versions of fried favorites.
- Cons:
- Limited capacity compared to oven-style air fryers.
- Fewer functions than larger, more complex models.
- User Impressions: This Ninja air fryer is a consistent top-seller due to its reliable performance and user-friendly design. Customers love how quickly and perfectly it crisps up fries and other snacks. The easy cleanup is a recurring positive comment, making it a beloved everyday kitchen appliance.
- See it on Amazon here
Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size
The Chefman TurboFry Touch is designed for efficiency and perfect crispiness, emphasizing healthier cooking with 98% less oil. What makes it stand out for fries is its unique LED Shake Reminder, ensuring your fries get that even, golden crunch without you having to guess when to toss them. Its 8-quart capacity is generous for family meals, and the touch-screen presets make cooking a breeze. This is definitely one of the best air fryer for homemade french fries if you prioritize hands-off cooking with consistent results.
- Key Features:
- Crispy delights with 98% less oil.
- One-Touch presets for fries, chicken, fish, and meat.
- LED Shake Reminder for even crispiness.
- Precise temperature range from 200-400°F.
- Effortless cleaning with dishwasher-safe basket and tray.
- Intelligent shutoff for safety.
- Family-sized 8-Qt capacity for 4-6 people.
- Sleek and spacious design.
- Pros:
- Outstanding oil reduction for healthier frying.
- Shake reminder is a simple yet effective feature for even cooking.
- Large enough for family portions.
- Extremely easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Some users might prefer manual temperature/time adjustment over presets.
- Single basket design means only one food type at a time.
- User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the convenience of the one-touch presets and, particularly, the shake reminder, which ensures food is cooked perfectly evenly. The large capacity is appreciated for family cooking, and the general consensus is that it delivers wonderfully crispy results with significantly less oil.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
An upgrade to Ninja’s classic model, the Air Fryer Pro focuses on delivering superior crispiness with its “Air Crisp Technology” that bathes food in 400℉ superheated air. It’s built to handle up to 4 lbs of french fries, making it an excellent choice for a family-sized craving. Like its predecessor, it promises up to 75% less fat, ensuring your homemade fries are both delicious and a healthier alternative. Plus, its space-saving design means you don’t need a huge counter to enjoy big batches of fries.
- Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Cooks frozen foods to extra-crispy finish in minutes.
- Space-saver design.
- Easy to clean with nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- Pros:
- Exceptional crisping performance.
- Generous capacity for family-sized portions of fries.
- Healthy cooking with significant fat reduction.
- Compact design despite good capacity.
- Cons:
- Only 4 functions, less versatile than oven-style combos.
- Some users might prefer a window to monitor cooking.
- User Impressions: This Ninja model receives high praise for its ability to produce incredibly crispy food, especially fries. Customers are impressed with the larger capacity while still maintaining a compact footprint. Its ease of use and consistent results make it a household favorite for quick, healthy meals.
- See it on Amazon here
Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with 17 cooking presets
The Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo is a true multi-tasker that excels in versatility and convenience. With a whopping 17 cooking presets, it’s designed to make gourmet cooking simple, including perfectly crisped fries. Its compact design is ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or RVs, but don’t let its size fool you – it can still fit a 12″ pizza or 6 slices of bread. The 360° airflow ensures consistent, even cooking every time, meaning your homemade fries will be evenly golden brown.
- Key Features:
- 17-mode, quick-cooking oven: Toast, Bake, Dehydrate, Air Fry, and more.
- Easy 1-Touch Control Panel with 17 preset options.
- Powerful 1700 Watt oven with French doors.
- Compact space-saving design, fits a 12” pizza or 6 slices of bread.
- Custom time, mode, and temperature settings with 360° airflow.
- Includes fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray.
- Great for micro living spaces.
- Pros:
- Extremely versatile with numerous presets.
- Space-saving design for smaller kitchens.
- French doors offer style and convenience.
- Excellent 360° airflow for even cooking.
- Cons:
- May require experimenting with presets to find ideal settings.
- The basket style for air frying might not be as large as dedicated basket air fryers for fries.
- User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed with the Gourmia’s versatility and how much it can do despite its compact size. It’s a popular choice for those in smaller living spaces who still want a powerful and multi-functional kitchen appliance. The ease of use, thanks to the presets, and the consistent cooking results are frequently mentioned.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Finding the best air fryer for homemade french fries truly depends on your specific needs: capacity, versatility, and budget. Whether you’re a single individual craving a personal batch, a busy family needing large quantities, or someone looking for a multi-functional appliance, there’s an air fryer on this list for you.
Each of these models offers excellent features to help you achieve that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior that makes homemade fries so addictive. Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried potatoes and hello to healthier, equally delicious air-fried perfection!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can you really make good french fries in an air fryer?
A1: Absolutely! Air fryers excel at making crispy, delicious french fries that taste remarkably similar to deep-fried ones, but with significantly less oil. They use hot air circulation to achieve that desirable crispy texture.
Q2: What kind of potatoes are best for homemade french fries in an air fryer?
A2: Russet potatoes are generally considered the best for french fries due to their high starch content, which leads to a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Yukon Golds can also work well, offering a slightly creamier texture.
Q3: Do I need to pre-soak my potatoes before air frying?
A3: While not strictly necessary, pre-soaking your cut potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour (then patting them very dry) can help remove excess starch. This leads to even crispier, more golden brown fries. It’s a recommended step for optimal results!
Q4: How much oil do I need to use for air-fried french fries?
A4: Very little! Typically, you’ll only need 1-2 teaspoons of oil (like olive oil or avocado oil) to lightly coat about a pound of potatoes. This is vastly less than the cups of oil required for traditional deep frying.
Q5: What’s the best temperature and time for air frying homemade french fries?
A5: A common starting point is 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 15-25 minutes. However, this can vary depending on your air fryer model, the thickness of your fries, and how crispy you like them. Always shake the basket or flip the fries every 5-7 minutes for even cooking.
Q6: Can I air fry frozen french fries too?
A6: Yes! Air fryers are fantastic for cooking frozen french fries quickly and evenly. Generally, you’ll air fry them at a higher temperature (around 400°F/200°C) for a shorter period, usually 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket frequently.
Q7: Are air-fried french fries healthier than deep-fried ones?
A7: Yes, air-fried french fries are significantly healthier. They use a fraction of the oil, drastically reducing the fat and calorie content compared to their deep-fried counterparts. This makes them a great option for a guilt-free indulgence.