Air fryer hand cut french fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and easy to make from scratch with a russet potato and just a few spritzes of oil. A 30-minute soak helps remove excess starch so the fries cook up with the best texture.
If you have extra russet potatoes on hand, try my air fryer home fries next. Instead of thin-cut fries, they're cut into cubes and cooked with onions for an easy breakfast or side dish.
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unbelieveable. the Greatest French Fries ever. Sooo good, I made a second batch right away. We ate just the french fries for dinner.
- Chela L.
Ingredients
Air fryer hand cut fries are best made with russet potatoes. I prefer to leave the skin on, but you can peel them, if you like.
You'll also need a little olive oil or avocado oil. You can either purchase cooking oil spray, or use your favorite oil in an oil sprayer bottle.
For the seasoned salt, you only need a handful of ingredients which may already be in your pantry:
- Salt
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Or create your own seasoning blend with your favorite herbs and spices such as paprika, curry powder, or Italian seasoning.
Please see the recipe card for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
How to make air fryer french fries
- Cut the potato into ¼-inch fries, then soak them in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Drain and dry the fries thoroughly. Toss with a few spritzes of oil and the seasoned salt.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
- Air fry until browned and crispy, tossing halfway through cooking.
Amy's tips
- Cut the fries as evenly as possible so they finish cooking at the same time.
- Don't skip the 30-minute soak. I've made these fries many times, and removing the excess starch makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
- Dry the potatoes really well before adding the oil and seasoning. And avoid overcrowding the air fryer so the hot air can circulate around the fries.
For more easy ideas, browse my vegan air fryer recipes for everything from crispy vegetables and potatoes to tofu and more.
Made this recipe or have a question? Please leave a comment below. 💙 For even more simple vegan recipes, join my email list. It's less like a newsletter and more like emails between friends.
Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Hand Cut French Fries
Ingredients
For the French Fries:
- 1 Russet potato, (I keep the skin on, but you can peel the potato, if you prefer.)
- 5 sprays olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray, (You may want to use a little more or less depending on the size of your potato)
For the Seasoned Salt:
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Slice the potato into thin strips approximately ¼-inch thick.1 Russet potato
- Place the potato slices in a bowl of water to soak for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the seasoned salt by mixing the ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.2 Tablespoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Drain the potato slices and dry well with kitchen towels.
- Place the potato slices in a dry bowl. Spritz with about 5 sprays of cooking oil. Use your hands to toss to coat.5 sprays olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
- Add your desired amount of seasoned salt to the potato slices and use your hands to toss to coat.
- Place the potato slices in the basket of your air fryer and spread them out as evenly as possible.
- Cook on 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the fries are lightly browned and crispy. Serve immediately.
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation.
Dorothy Casura says
I don't own or have access to an air fryer. Please provide an oven temperature for conventional ovens and time! Dorothy
Amy Katz says
Hi Dorothy! 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Dorothy Casura says
Thank you.
chela lightchild says
unbelieveable. the Greatest French Fries ever. Sooo good, I made a second batch right away. We ate just the french fries for dinner.
Amy says
Thank you so much! Now I want french fries for dinner!
Kim says
Thanks so much for the recipe. We just got an air fryer and this was the first thing we tried. Turned out great - followed your instructions exactly. Winner!
Amy says
Thank you so much, Kim! Enjoy your new air fryer!
Elaine says
So basically anything you would put in your oven you can put in a air fryer?
Amy says
Pretty much. The air fryer cooks in less time and makes food crispier than a conventional oven. And you can use less oil.
Mia says
Thank you for the air fryer recipes!
I am new to it, so I'm wondering if keeping the potatoes in a bowl of water is necessary, and if so, what it does or why it's helpful.
Amy says
Hi Mia, Soaking the potatoes isn't necessary, but it does give the fries a better texture by removing some of the starch from the potatoes. If you have the time, I recommend trying it.
Valerie Mcnease says
Love the fries they're so good and not grease can't wait to try other things
Amy says
Thank you, Valerie!