Why Not Use an Air Fryer to Make Your Fries

Posted On June 27, 2023

30 Ways Air Fryers Bring Out the Crunch No Matter What Fries Dish You Plan on Using

Take out the cookie sheet and turn off the oven. The traditional way to prepare french fries is a thing of the past. It’s time to introduce an air fryer to the way you prepare one of your favorite side dishes.

An air fryer can make a huge difference. If you want fries with your main course, it doesn’t matter if it’s french fries, Waffle Fries, Shoestring Fries, or Tater Tots. Most potatoes cooked in an air fryer bring a crunchy exterior and a fluffy interior. 

Check out these 30 fry dishes where an air fryer could change how you prepare your favorite fries.

Newfie Fries

Brand: Food Network

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 677

What Makes Newfie Fries Worth a Try: This dish is relatively unknown and originates from Newfoundland. The ingredients act like a Thanksgiving dinner, which is done with french fries instead of mashed potatoes. You have crispy fries covered in dressing and topped off with rich beef gravy. The fries can be done with an air fryer to give them a crunchy texture that blends in well as a main course or Midnight snack. It is recommended to use Yukon gold potatoes sliced in ½ inch-wide strips, covered with canola oil and kosher salt. The dressing and gravy can come from what you would use for Thanksgiving. The first step is essential. Put the potatoes in cold water and refrigerate them for an hour to ramp up the crunchiness. Go to the link for details on the recipe.  

Boardwalk Fries

Brand: Fryerly

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 660

What Makes Boardwalk Fries Worth a Try: Fryerly’s version of Boardwalk Fries ushers in a heavy recipe. It begins with selecting Russet potatoes over others because it’s best for frying and has a high starch content that helps make them crispy. The recipe also calls for a tablespoon of olive oil for a richer flavor. Even cornstarch comes into play as a coat for the fries. Two teaspoons of Kosher salt follow that. It’s more expensive than regular salt, but it’s worth it. After preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees, scrub and rinse the potatoes and cut the tops and bottoms so they can stand independently (don’t worry if a couple of falls). Slice the potatoes lengthwise into quarters, and put them in the fryer for 25 minutes.

Carne Asada Fries

Brand: The Happy Mustard Seed

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 551

What Makes Carne Asada Fries Worth a Try: These can be served as a meal but are usually served as an appetizer. The recipe calls for melted cheddar, mozzarella cheese, pico de gallo, tomato, and sour cream. Then you top things off with tender sirloin steak marinated in pineapple juice, tomato sauce, and sugar, and it’s hard to beat these fries. This dish is quite yummy with olive oil, garlic, vinegar, seasoning, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder. When cooking, you will do double time attempting to manage the fries and steak. The key is cutting the steak into strips as well as the potatoes. Click the link to find out how all of this comes together. 

Patatje Oorlog Fries

Brand: Jango Recipes

Serving size: 6

Calories per serving: 525

What Makes Patatje Oorlog Fries Worth a Try: These fries are also known as Dutch War Fries, and they were caught on by the Dutch Resistance during World War II and became authentic Dutch food. Tackling this delicate dish can leave one with their imagination. Traditionally, the ingredients for  Patatje Oorlog Fries include russet potatoes, slightly fried onions, tomato sauce, lemon or ketchup, and mayonnaise or mustard. But other ingredients have been, but not limited to, peanut oil, sambal oelek, ginger, garlic chicken broth, and dark brown sugar. Click on the link to find out how to make this happen. 

Dirty Fries

Brand: Splash of Taste

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 443

What Makes Dirty Fries Worth a Try: Dirty Fries are seasoned french fries loaded with bacon, onion, bell pepper, tomato, green onions, and tons of melted cheese. This description would raise anyone’s curiosity. Start using frozen french fries, but you can use fresh potatoes if you have some time to spare. Add your favorite toppings, like red chili pepper slices, to heat things. Put the raw fries in a mixing bowl, and add a drizzle of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, cajun seasoning, and kosher salt. Cooking time is generally 25 minutes. 

Wavy Fries

Brand: Denny’s

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 400

What Makes Wavy Fries Worth a Try: Wavy Fries have a precise cut from french fries. They have grooves in the potatoes. To achieve that effect, use a ripple-bladed cutter and rotate the potato between cuts. Another option is Denny’s Restaurants. 

Bistro Fries

Brand: Fast Food Bistro

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 356

What Makes Bistro Fries Worth a Try: Unlike most other fries cooked in an air fryer, You can cook Bistro Fries without oil, and they still taste like those other fries. Bistro fries generally contain enough oil to get nice and golden brown. Tossing the fries is an excellent way to get them crispy and golden. Also, the good news here is although being super crispy, you can cook them without worrying about any additional fat. Preheat your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. Then set the time for 22 minutes, and don’t forget to toss them every 5 minutes.

Poutine Fries

Brand: Festival Foods

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 340

What Makes Poutine Fries Worth a Try: This dish contains ingredients that attract anyone. That includes Alexa House Cut Fries with sea salt and unsalted butter, flour, beef broth, salt and pepper for taste, fresh white cheese curds, and parsley for garnish. The process begins with preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees, adding fries, and cooking for 10 minutes. Make sure and shake the basket to toss the fries for 8 to 10 minutes for more crispiness. Meanwhile, prep the gravy. In a large saucepan, melt the butter, then add flour and stir occasionally for 5 minutes: Whisk the broth and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened. Top with cheese curds and lots of gravy. 

Julienne or Shoestring Fries

Brand: Savory Thoughts

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 335

What Makes Julienne or Shoestring Fries Worth a Try: Who doesn’t love shoestring fries, both as a side dish or a nighttime snack? Put some seasoning in an air fryer, and you have something special. Ask Mirlene with Savory Thoughts; she says seasoning is the number one ingredient to transform regular fries into “amazing.” Start with fresh potatoes, cut them ½ inch thick, and soak them for at least 30 minutes. You can wash them overnight to be extra crispy. Other ingredients include Paprika (add a little heat), Kosher salt (season the fries), Ground Black or White pepper, and olive oil to coat the fries. Add the potatoes, then the seasoning, and toss in a large bowl. Cook the fries at 400 degrees for 18 minutes. Do not go past 20 minutes. 

Disco Fries

Brand: Simple and Savory

Serving size: 2

Calories per serving: 326

What Makes Disco Fries Worth a Try: This classic delight originated in New Jersey. They are also known as Elvis Fries, gravy fries, gravy cheese fries, or diner fries. The word disco is what you expect; they have been around since the early 1980s during the disco era. The ingredients make things quite appetizing. That would include Russet potatoes, olive oil, vegetable broth, flour, cheese, onion, and Tamari sauce. Besides the air fryer, you need a small saucepan, a crinkle cutter, and a wire whisk. It sounds like a whole meal. Click the link to get the details. 

Tornado Fries

Brand: The Busted Oven

Serving size: 3

Calories per serving: 315

What Makes Tornado Fries Worth a Try: This is one dish you can have some fun with. Tornado Fries or Potatoes are crispy and in a spiral form that you can brush with butter, garlic, and herbs. Use a skewer to slide the potatoes on, and when it’s done cooking, the potato slices easily pull apart for dipping. This recipe is reminiscent to hassle-back potatoes, except when sliced, the potato is made into one long spiral. Tornado fries can be served like a baked potato, where you can top them with sour cream, onions, or bacon. Or whatever you want to put on them. Click the link to get more ideas and cooking instructions. 

Waffle Fries

Brand: The Recipe Critic

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 295

What Makes Waffle Fries Worth a Try: I’m not sure what it is, but when I have waffle fries, they’re just not crispy enough to make them stand out. Bring on an air fryer, and now you have piqued my interest. Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic has the idea of preparing excellent waffle fries, and it’s effortless to make. Unlike most preparers, Rivers puts the fries in an air fryer basket and spray them lightly with olive oil spray. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, shake the fries, and cook another 5 to 10 minutes until crispy. If you’re me, who likes super crispy, be careful, and don’t make it too crisp. Finally, season with salt and call it a day. Rivers’ best tips are to shake the fries gently halfway through the cooking process and don’t overfill the fries. 

Crinkle Cut Fries

Brand: Air Fryer World

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 295

What Makes Crinkle Cut Fries Worth a Try: Crinkle Cut Fries have been one of the most consumed versions since the beginning of fries, either home-cooked, at a restaurant, or fast-food place. Now, we take it to another level by using an air fryer. This particular recipe will give the fries a crispy edge and soft center. All you need to do is take the fries from the freezer to the air fryer without additional oil. Crinkle Cut Fries come in different sizes, so you must figure out the perfect time for your first batch. A reminder is to cook in an even layer and not overfill the air fryer basket, so you have an even cook. 

Chili Cheese Fries

Brand: Fork to Spoon

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 288

What Makes Chili Cheese Fries Worth a Try: Imagine a plate of homemade chili cheese fries smothered in cheese and chili with chives thrown in the mix. Sounds good? Go ahead and start making Chili Cheese Fries. This could be your recipe, and what can make this better? Why cook them in an air fryer? So, to begin, pour the frozen French fries into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Shake the basket, flip the fries with tongs, and cook for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, you’re also cooking chili sauce with or without beans. Finally, add the chili sauce with shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and diced chives. Now you’re ready to enjoy yourself.

Tyson Anytizers Chicken Fries

Brand: Tyson 

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 280

What Makes Tyson Anytizers Chicken Fries: Worth a Try: If you’re in a hurry and looking for a quick snack or weeknight meal, this delight only takes about 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. And don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce. The air fryer makes the chicken fries crispy and golden instead of making them in a microwave, where you lose the crispy texture. It’s also faster than cooking them in an oven, and it’s effortless to make. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees. Place a single layer of chicken fries for the best results and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Cheese Fries

Brand: Domestic Superhero

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 271

What Makes Cheese Fries Worth a Try: Cheese Fries are always worth the look, but when an air fryer is in the mix, get ready for a treat. It’s straightforward to make. Find your favorite brand of frozen French fries, and put them in the air fryer basket, but don’t put in too many. You want the fries to cook evenly, so don’t stack them too high. Set the air fryer for 8 minutes. From there, we play an open-and-shake game, meaning you open the basket and shake the fries. Close and set for 5 minutes, then open and shake. (This is where you can add salt and sprinkle cheese.) Add one more minute, and you’re done! 

Sidewinders

Brand: Dream Dinners

Serving size: 3

Calories per serving: 270

What Makes Sidewinders Worth a Try: The unique shape of these fries makes them very appetizing to the eye. Since they’re not regular fries, serving this style with their fun plating potential can be the talk of a party or a simple get-together. These fries are ideal for a side dish to hamburgers or sandwiches. Preheat the air to 425 degrees and arrange the fries in a single layer. Once it cooks to a golden brown, cook for an additional 10 minutes. Click the link for further details. 

Tater Tots

Brand: Ore-Ida

Serving size:1

Calories per serving: 212

What Makes Ore-Ida Tater Tots Worth a Try: This has been a popular way to prepare potatoes for generations. In the past, you would fill a cookie sheet full of frozen Tater Tots, maybe throw some salt or seasoning, and cook them in the oven. There were no real complaints because they were pretty tasty. So, let’s take this up to a new level by using an air fryer, and we utilize a recipe from Air Fryer Easy. The good news is you don’t need to add oil or cooking spray. Place the tots in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 13 minutes. Halfway through, remove the basket and shake the Tater Tots. Remove the basket and sprinkle on salt and your favorite seasonings when the timer goes off.  

Seasoned Fries

Brand: Air Frying Foodie

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 207

What Makes Seasoned Fries Worth a Try: How can you resist such a way to prepare fries? Making these fries from scratch is far better than ones served in a restaurant. The ingredients make this happen. Beside russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, two teaspoons of paprika, a teaspoon of kosher salt, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to spice things up. You will probably never order seasoned fries from a restaurant again. 

Nathan’s Famous Crinkle Cut Fries

Brand: The Brilliant Kitchen

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 190

What Makes Nathan’s Famous Crinkle Cut Fries Worth a Try: When you think of french fries as a snack, health-minded individuals tend to back away because they’re high in calories and fat. However, Nathan’s fries are a great snack with fewer calories than most french fries, which involves using an air fryer, increasing the crunch factor. Also, you only need a little oil to add flavor. Making Nathan’s fries is a snap. Cut the potatoes into fries-size, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, dry them, put them in the air fryer, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Add a dipping sauce, and you have it made. 

Arby’s Air Fryer Curly Fries

Brand: Arby’s

Serving size:1

Calories per serving: 180

What Makes Arby’s Air Fryer Curly Fries Worth a Try: Curly fries are an excellent alternative to regular french fries. However, Arby’s version of curly fries has excellent taste and is nutritional, making it a great sidekick for a main course, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, or chicken tenders. To begin with, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Then place the Arby’s Curly Fries in the air fryer, coat them with olive oil, and season them with salt. Either shake the basket often or flip them over in the air fryer. A few tips: do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to cook evenly; do not defrost the curly fries before cooking, or they will become mushy, and toss them with olive oil. 

Sweet Potato Fries

Brand: Feel Good Foodie

Serving size: 2

Calories per serving: 149

What Makes Sweet Potato Fries Worth a Try: Yumna Jawad, founder of Feel Good Foodie, ushered out a lighter alternative with an air fryer to deep-fried sweet potatoes that carries fewer calories, less fat, and cooks in less than 15 minutes. The key is the potatoes. Jawad starts with two medium size sweet potatoes, but not too long. That way, you can go the entire length of the sweet potatoes as the length of the fry, but they will shrink after cooking. Then, peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise to make them easy to lay them flat. The thinner the cut, the more crispy they will be. Preheat the air fryer and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper seasonings. Put the fries in the air fryer evenly. Go to the link for more details. 

Cottage or Round Fries

Brand: air fryeryum

Serving size: 6

Calories per serving: 148

What Makes Cottage Fries Worth a Try: Cottage fries are a different option for potatoes in your air fryer. Cottage fries are round potato fries sliced into thicker, deep-fried slices than the normal size of fries. This recipe is unique because it recommends adding rosemary to the ingredients, and it’s a great dish for someone who likes gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian diets. First, wash the potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch slices. Add oil and seasoning, and mix until evenly coated. Put the potatoes in the air fryer basket and set them for 400 degrees over 15 to 18 minutes. You can get creative with the seasoning, such as Cajun or Jerk seasoning, or go for it with lots of cheese. 

Potato Chips

Brand: Taste of Home

Serving size: 6

Calories per serving: 148

What Makes Potato Chips in an Air Fryer Worth a Try: Anyone who likes potato chips is in for a treat when you have potato chips from an air fryer. Imagine fresh crunchy chips with your favorite toppings. And the calorie count is decent. There are many ways to do this, but the easiest way comes from the Taste of Home website. While preheating the air fryer to 360 degrees, use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to cut the potatoes into thin slices. Put them in a large bowl and add ice water to cover them. Let them soak for 15 minutes and drain. Then, do it again for another 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, place them on towels, and add cooking spray and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown, turning every 5 to 7 minutes. 

Chips (British version)

Brand: BBC Good Food

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 140

What Makes Chips Worth a Try: Chips are one of the best healthy options of all the recipes featured here. An air fryer makes them super crispy, and less oil is used. You begin with four or five large potatoes and a tablespoon of sunflower oil. There are two steps to making this treat. Start by peeling the potatoes and round the edges to become rectangular blocks. Cut the blocks into batons with sizes between fries and thick chips. The next step is to tip the chips into the bottom of the air fryer, add oil, and toss them in the oil to make them evenly coated. Program the fryer for 30 minutes using the paddle. Make sure they are tender and cooked throughout. 

French Fries

Brand: Ore-Ida

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 140

What Makes Ore-Ida French Fries Worth a Try: Ore-Ida is not bashful about its French Fries, claiming they are the best out there. And you know what? At worst, they are right up there with the best. Cooking them in an air fryer is slightly different from other potatoes that have been featured. You must still go from freezer to fryer, cooking them at 400 degrees. But note that Ore-Ida French Fries cook much faster than other frozen fries in an air fryer – they cook for only 8 minutes, so you have to be on top of it to ensure they don’t overcook. 

JoJo Fries (aka Potato Wedges)

Brand: Allrecipes

Serving size: 1

Calories per serving: 129

What Makes Potato Wedges Worth a Try: If you want to make your potato wedges a little more crispy and delicious, the air fryer is the way to go. In just 30 minutes, you can have a fantastic side dish with ketchup, or if you want to go cheesy, throw in some grated Parmesan. The best potatoes for this venture are russet or Yukon Golds. Cut the potato into wedges half lengthwise, then half again on a cutting board. Season the wedges with paprika, parsley, chili, salt, and pepper, place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Flip them with tongs and cook for another 5 minutes. There is no pre-soaking for this recipe. 

Wedge Fries

Brand: Allrecipes

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 129

What Makes Wedge Fries Worth a Try: Wedge Fries can often be bland in the middle of the fry. But that won’t happen when you put them in your trusty air fryer. That will increase the crunchiness on the outside and have a fluffy effect on the inside. Use russet potatoes or Yukon Golds. Cut the potatoes into wedges and slice them in half lengthwise; place the cut side onto the cutting board and cut it in half again to create quarters. Repeat with the other half. Season the wedges, put them in the basket, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the wedges with tongs and cook for another 5 minutes for more crispiness. Season the wedges with paprika, parsley, chili, salt, and pepper. 

Oster French Fries 

Brand: Oster 

Serving size: 6

Calories per serving: 128

What Makes Oster French Fries Worth a Try: The ingredients are essential, and that’s why these french fries stand out compared to regular fries. Use 3 to 4 potatoes and cut them into ½ inch strips. Brush the potato strips with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes in an Oster air fryer and cook at 365 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and shake them to increase the crunch. Put the potatoes back in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. 

Steak Fries

Brand: Mashed.com

Serving size: 4

Calories per serving: 118

What Makes Steak Fries Worth a Try: Compared to many of the fries that have been mentioned, steak fries are bigger and wider than most. Putting them in an air fryer is much better than a cookie sheet in the oven because you get a better crisp effect. This recipe is unique and brings out a delightful taste. The recipe calls for two russet potatoes, two teaspoons of Avocado oil spray, ½ teaspoon of salt, onion granules, garlic granules, and pepper. Make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into large wedges. Then, place the potatoes in a bowl, spray with avocado oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. When you put the potatoes in the air fryer basket, the wedges shouldn’t be touching. Set at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Shake the basket and turn each wedge over when they are half done. Go another 15 minutes until the desired crunchiness.