These crispy Air Fryer French Fries taste so good you’ll wonder why you ever want fries from your local fast-food restaurant. Freshly chopped Russet potatoes, tossed in extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and pepper sure make one lovely and delicious taste! Pair them with ketchup or mayo for the ultimate fry splurge! They also go great with hamburgers and sandwiches, not to mention this is a naturally gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian recipe. If you love air fryer recipes and fries, then you’ll drool over my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe!
Sometimes, all you need is a basic delectable Air Fryer French Fries recipe, cutting a lot of the grease out from the traditional deep-frying process. I’ve eaten fries deep fried in oil and various versions of air fryer fries and have to testify that this recipe may be simple, but the freshly cut potatoes in olive oil with basic sea salt and pepper is all you need!
My insanely delicious Air Fryer French Fries contain potatoes, high quality extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, and take less than 20 minutes to make!
Ingredients in Air Fryer French Fries
Russet potatoes. Two medium to large Russet potatoes work best for this recipe.
Extra virgin olive oil. Quality olive oil matters which is why you should use high quality extra virgin olive oil which provides the best flavor.
Sea salt. If you use table salt, just double the amount. Either one will work in this recipe.
Pepper. Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best taste.
How to Make the Best Air Fryer French Fries
STEP 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380° F. Some air fryers do not require preheating, but some do. If yours doesn’t, then skip to the next step. Here is the Ninja air fryer I use and recommend.
STEP 2: Pour the cut potatoes in a large bowl.
STEP 3: Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
STEP 4: Place the chopped potatoes on the air fryer baking sheets or in the air fryer basket, making sure the potatoes are not touching.
STEP 5: Cook for 13-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
STEP 6: Serve with your favorite ketchup, fry sauce (yes, that’s a thing here in Utah!) or dipping sauce.
History of the French Fry
Common lore claims that the original fry was born in francophone Belgium, where the locals adored fried fish. According to BBC’s article, the River Meuse froze over in a cold winter in 1680 and as a result, the people began to fry potatoes rather than the small fish they enjoyed eating regularly, and the fry was born!
Proponents of this story claim that this Belgian town is not only the only source of the French fry, but also of American soldiers who were stationed in the area during World War I. It was known that these soldiers coined the term ‘French fries,’ and the term was essentially born.
Fries are on almost every corner near where I live in suburban northern Utah. Prior to living here, I grew up and lived in numerous cities in both northern and southern California, and everywhere I looked, there is a restaurant, likely selling the famous French fries. They don’t seem very French, do they? They definitely seem like the American fry being that they’re ubiquitous here in the U.S.
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What’s fry sauce?
Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re much tastier than eating fries from a restaurant. Fresh always tastes best! Dip these divinely crisp fries in ketchup, mayonnaise, or if you’re from Utah like me, then fry sauce! Utah has fry sauce, which is a combo of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles. There are many different ways to make your own fry sauce.
The grocery stores here in Utah also sell pre-packaged fry sauce! I can’t think of a single restaurant in Salt Lake County that doesn’t offer fry sauce! Being born and raised in southern California, I had never heard of fry sauce until I moved to northern Utah in summer 2019. I must admit, I sure love fry sauce now! There’s something to be said about the combination of mayonnaise and ketchup! It is quite tasty!
Did you make this? We love to see your comments and photos below in the comment section (plus your comments help other readers).
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Air Fryer French Fries, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this air fryer recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this easy recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Air Fryer French Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Russet potatoes sliced into 1/4-inch sticks
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper freshly cracked
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380° F. Place the cut potatoes on the air fryer baking sheets or in the air fryer basket, making sure that the potatoes are not touching. Cook for 13-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition (per serving)
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