Who doesn’t love a good batch of French fries? That crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and perfect golden color – it’s pure comfort food! And thanks to the magic of the air fryer, achieving restaurant-quality fries at home has never been easier or healthier. But even with this fantastic appliance, getting that perfect fry often comes down to one crucial element: choosing the best potato for French fries air fryer.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or grabbing a bag from the freezer aisle, the right “potato” product can make all the difference. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you our top 5 picks, ensuring your next air-fried batch is nothing short of spectacular. Get ready to ditch the deep fryer and embrace the crispy revolution!
Understanding What Makes a Great Air Fryer Fry
Before we dive into our reviews, let’s quickly chat about what to look for. For frozen fries, it’s all about the coating and cut, as these influence crispiness. For those making homemade fries, the starch content of the potato itself is key for that fluffy inside and crisp exterior. And for both, consistent cutting and proper airflow in the air fryer are essential for even cooking.
Our Top 5 “Best Potato for French Fries Air Fryer” Options
Here are our hand-picked selections to help you achieve fry perfection:
1. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries French Fried Potatoes
Craving that classic drive-thru fry experience without leaving your kitchen? These Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries are designed to deliver just that! Their straight-cut shape and special coating are engineered for maximum crispness, making them a fantastic choice for your air fryer. They cook up quickly, offering that familiar thin, crispy texture that’s perfect for dipping.
- Key Features:
- One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries
- Gluten-free, easy side dish
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven, or deep fryer
- Classic straight-cut shape for crispness and dipping
- Sealed for convenient freezer storage, Certified Kosher
- SNAP & EBT eligible food item
- Pros:
- Achieves an excellent “fast-food” crispness in the air fryer.
- Quick and convenient preparation.
- Gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs.
- Versatile for different cooking methods.
- Cons:
- Smaller bag size compared to some alternatives.
- Might be too thin for those who prefer a meatier fry.
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise these fries for their impressive crunch and authentic fast-food taste when air-fried. Many highlight how quickly they cook and how perfect they are for a quick meal or snack.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Ore-Ida Crispy Crinkles French Fried Potatoes, 32 oz Bag
For fans of the crinkle cut, Ore-Ida’s Crispy Crinkles are a go-to. Their unique wavy shape isn’t just fun; it also creates more surface area for crisping up in the air fryer and provides extra nooks and crannies for holding onto your favorite dipping sauce. This larger bag ensures you’ve got plenty of those delightfully shaped fries for family meals or game day snacks.
- Key Features:
- One 32 oz bag of Ore-Ida Crispy Crinkles French Fried Potatoes
- Gluten-free, easy side dish
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven, or deep fryer
- Classic crinkle fries perfect for dipping
- Pairs well with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and more
- Sealed for convenient freezer storage, Certified Kosher
- SNAP & EBT eligible food item
- Pros:
- Excellent for dipping due to their crinkled surface.
- Great texture that gets satisfyingly crispy in the air fryer.
- Larger 32 oz bag offers more servings.
- Gluten-free and convenient.
- Cons:
- May not get as uniformly “extra crispy” as the thinner straight cuts.
- The crinkle shape might not appeal to everyone’s fry preference.
- User Impressions: Customers love the classic taste and versatility of these crinkle fries. They’re often cited as a family favorite, praised for their ability to get crispy without being dry and their excellent “dippability.”
- See it on Amazon here
3. POP AirFry Mate, Commercial Grade Stainless Steel French Fry Cutter
Okay, so this isn’t a “potato” in a bag, but if you’re serious about making the absolute best potato for French fries air fryer from scratch, this tool is an absolute game-changer! The POP AirFry Mate takes the hard work out of prepping your spuds. With its sturdy construction and interchangeable blades, you can effortlessly create perfectly uniform fries, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness in your air fryer.
- Key Features:
- Multipurpose: Cuts 1/2″ thick or 3/8″ thin – 3″ long pieces of fries.
- Perfect for potatoes, carrots, onions, zucchinis, cucumbers (NOT FOR SWEET POTATOES).
- Easy to use: Heavy-duty pulldown lever, sturdy legs, suction cup base for leverage.
- Compact (10×5 inches), durable stainless steel and commercial-grade lever.
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
- Designed for optimal fry length for deep fryers and air fryers.
- Quality backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Pros:
- Produces consistent, professional-looking fry cuts for even air frying.
- Saves significant time and effort compared to hand-cutting.
- Highly durable stainless steel construction for long-term use.
- Easy to clean and store.
- Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.
- Cons:
- It’s an initial investment in equipment, not a food product.
- Explicitly stated as “NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SWEET POTATOES.”
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about how this cutter transforms their homemade fry game. They highlight its robust build quality, the ease with which it cuts even large potatoes, and how it leads to consistently better, crispier air-fried results.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Jesse & Ben’s Classic Sea Salt Fries, Made with Avocado Oil
For those looking for a healthier, cleaner ingredient option without sacrificing taste or crunch, Jesse & Ben’s Classic Sea Salt Fries are a fantastic find. Made with just three simple ingredients – potatoes, avocado oil, and sea salt – these frozen fries offer a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite snack. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, delivering a satisfying crunch and authentic potato flavor.
- Key Features:
- Made with only 3 ingredients: Potatoes, avocado oil, sea salt.
- Seed Oil Free for a healthier choice.
- Ideal for all lifestyles: Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
- Crispy, restaurant-quality fries, perfect for oven or air fryer.
- Delivers bold, satisfying taste with clean ingredients and crispy texture.
- Pros:
- Healthier option due to the use of avocado oil and lack of seed oils.
- Clean, simple ingredient list is appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Accommodates various dietary needs (vegan, GF, non-GMO).
- Achieves excellent crispiness and flavor in the air fryer.
- Cons:
- May be pricier than conventional frozen fries.
- Availability might be limited in some grocery stores.
- User Impressions: Customers are thrilled with the taste and texture of these fries, especially given their clean ingredient profile. They often mention the great crunch achieved in the air fryer and appreciate having a healthier, delicious frozen fry option.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles French Fries Fried Potatoes, 26 oz Bag
If you love the crinkle cut but want an extra punch of flavor without needing to add your own seasoning, the Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles are your go-to. These fries combine the popular crinkle shape with a special seasoning blend and an extra crispy coating, making them incredibly satisfying straight out of the air fryer. They’re perfect for a quick, flavorful side or a hearty snack.
- Key Features:
- One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles.
- Gluten-free seasoned crinkle fries.
- Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven, or deep fryer.
- Classic crinkle cut shape enhances crispness and is great for dipping.
- Enjoy the classic burger and crinkle cut fries combo.
- Sealed for convenient freezer storage, Certified Kosher.
- SNAP & EBT eligible food item.
- Pros:
- Pre-seasoned for convenient flavor, no extra effort needed.
- Combines the fun of crinkles with enhanced crispiness.
- Easy to prepare in the air fryer.
- Gluten-free.
- Cons:
- The seasoning might not suit everyone’s taste preference.
- Smaller bag size (26 oz) compared to the unseasoned crinkles.
- User Impressions: Reviewers frequently commend these fries for their robust flavor and excellent crunch. They appreciate the convenience of pre-seasoned fries that still manage to get wonderfully crispy in the air fryer, making them a popular choice for quick meals.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQs About the Best Potato for French Fries Air Fryer
Q1: What kind of potatoes are best for making homemade air fryer fries from scratch?
A1: Russet potatoes are generally considered the best potato for French fries air fryer when making them from scratch. Their high starch content and low moisture make them ideal for achieving that fluffy interior and super crispy exterior. Yukon Golds can also work, offering a slightly creamier texture.
Q2: Should I soak fresh-cut potatoes before air frying?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Soaking fresh-cut potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) helps remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness and preventing the fries from sticking together. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and air frying.
Q3: Can I air fry sweet potato fries?
A3: Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes make delicious air fryer fries, though their texture will be softer than regular potato fries due to their lower starch content. They also brown more quickly because of their natural sugars, so keep a close eye on them while cooking. Note that some cutters, like the POP AirFry Mate, are not recommended for sweet potatoes due to their density.
Q4: What’s the ideal temperature for air frying French fries?
A4: Most air fryer recipes for French fries recommend a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Starting at a slightly lower temperature to cook them through, then increasing it for the last few minutes, can help achieve perfect crispiness.
Q5: How do I get my air fryer fries extra crispy?
A5: A few key tips: don’t overcrowd the basket (work in batches if necessary for even cooking), shake the basket frequently (every 5-7 minutes), preheat your air fryer, and if making from scratch, ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dry and lightly tossed with oil. For frozen fries, choose “extra crispy” varieties like those reviewed above!
Q6: Are air fryer fries healthier than deep-fried fries?
A6: Generally, yes. Air frying uses significantly less oil (often just a tablespoon or two, or none for pre-cooked frozen fries) compared to deep frying, which means fewer calories and less fat in your finished fries.
Q7: What’s the difference between straight cut and crinkle cut fries for air frying?
A7: Straight cut fries tend to get uniformly crispy and have a classic, traditional look. Crinkle cut fries have more surface area due to their wavy shape, which can lead to extra crispy bits and makes them excellent for scooping up dips. It largely comes down to personal preference for texture and dipping style!
Q8: Can I cook frozen fries directly from the bag in an air fryer?
A8: Absolutely! Most frozen French fries are designed to be cooked straight from frozen. Simply place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and cook according to the package directions or your air fryer’s specific recommendations for frozen fries.
Conclusion: Crispy Perfection Awaits!
Choosing the best potato for French fries air fryer doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you prefer the classic convenience of Ore-Ida, the clean ingredients of Jesse & Ben’s, or the satisfaction of crafting perfect homemade fries with a tool like the POP AirFry Mate, there’s an ideal option for everyone.
With these top picks and a few smart air frying techniques, you’re well on your way to enjoying perfectly crispy, delicious French fries right in your own kitchen. Happy frying!