Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. These versatile appliances use hot air circulation to crisp up food, reducing the need for excessive oil. French fries, a beloved comfort food, are one of the most popular dishes to prepare in an air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, rivaling their deep-fried counterparts.
Making french fries in an air fryer is not only healthier but also more convenient than traditional methods. It requires less oil, produces less mess, and often cooks faster than oven-baking. Air fryer french fries can be made from fresh potatoes or frozen pre-cut fries, offering flexibility for different preferences and time constraints.
When choosing an air fryer for making french fries, consider the basket size, temperature range, and ease of cleaning. A larger basket allows for cooking more fries at once, while a wide temperature range provides versatility for different recipes. Non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze. We tested multiple air fryers to find the best options for creating perfectly crispy french fries at home.
Best Air Fryer French Fries
We’ve tested dozens of air fryers to find the top options for making crispy, golden french fries. Our list highlights air fryers that consistently produce restaurant-quality fries with minimal oil and effort, saving you time and calories without sacrificing taste or texture.
Emeril’s Versatile Air Fryer
This multi-functional air fryer is a game-changer for home cooks seeking convenience and versatility in their kitchen appliances.
Pros
- Spacious 26-quart capacity
- Multiple cooking presets
- Elegant stainless steel design
Cons
- Bulky size for smaller kitchens
- Learning curve for some features
- Higher price point
We’ve been using Emeril’s air fryer for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to appliance. The 26-quart capacity is perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. We’ve successfully air fried, baked, and roasted various dishes with consistently delicious results.
The stainless steel exterior gives our kitchen a sleek, professional look. We appreciate the French doors that open with a single pull, making it easy to check on our food. The interior light is a nice touch, allowing us to monitor cooking progress without opening the doors.
One of our favorite features is the dual-speed fan. It circulates hot air evenly, resulting in crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. We’ve found the 25 cooking presets to be accurate and time-saving. From defrosting to slow cooking, this appliance handles it all with ease.
While the size is great for cooking larger portions, it may not be ideal for those with limited counter space. We did experience a slight learning curve with some of the more advanced features, but the included accessories helped us experiment with different cooking methods.
Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer
We highly recommend this versatile air fryer for its ability to crisp food with less oil and its user-friendly features.
Pros
- Cooks with up to 75% less fat
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F)
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Requires preheating time
- 4-quart capacity may be small for large families
- Ceramic coating may wear over time
We’ve been using the Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer for a while now, and it’s become an indispensable part of our kitchen. The 4-quart ceramic-coated basket is perfect for whipping up crispy french fries or chicken wings for a small family or couple. We love how it uses circulating hot air to cook food evenly, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.
One of our favorite features is the wide temperature range. We’ve successfully used the lower settings to dehydrate fruits for healthy snacks, while the higher temperatures are great for quickly crisping up frozen foods. The programmable controls are intuitive, making it easy to set the perfect time and temperature for various recipes.
Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze. The basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack are all dishwasher safe, which saves us time and effort. We appreciate the included recipe booklet, which has given us some great ideas to expand our air frying repertoire. While it does require a brief preheating period, we find the results are worth the short wait.
Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt
We recommend this air fryer for its generous capacity, user-friendly features, and versatile cooking options.
Pros
- Large 8-quart capacity
- One-touch digital controls
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- May be overkill for small households
- Learning curve for perfect results
The Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt air fryer impressed us with its family-sized capacity. We found it perfect for cooking large batches of crispy french fries and other favorites. The digital controls made operation a breeze, allowing us to select from four preset functions or adjust the temperature manually.
We appreciated the LED shake reminder, which ensured our food cooked evenly. This feature was especially helpful when preparing french fries, as it prompted us to redistribute them for consistent crispiness. The temperature range of 200-400°F gave us flexibility to cook various dishes to perfection.
Cleaning up after use was surprisingly easy. The nonstick basket and removable parts are dishwasher-safe, saving us time and effort. While the air fryer’s size might be a concern for smaller kitchens, we found its cooking performance and convenience outweighed this drawback for most family homes.
Chefman Multi-Function Air Fryer
The Chefman Multifunctional Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen powerhouse that’s worth considering for its wide range of cooking options and large capacity.
Pros
- Spacious 10-liter capacity
- 17 preset cooking functions
- Includes rotisserie and dehydrator features
Cons
- Bulky size may not suit small kitchens
- Learning curve for multiple functions
- Some foods may cook unevenly on different racks
We’ve been impressed by the Chefman Multifunctional Air Fryer’s ability to handle various cooking tasks. Its 10-liter capacity is perfect for preparing family-sized meals or batch cooking. The 17 preset options make it easy to air fry, roast, bake, and even dehydrate foods with just a touch of a button.
The rotisserie function is a standout feature. We’ve cooked whole chickens that turn out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The three air flow racks allow for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, which is a real time-saver during busy weeknights.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts and removable drip tray. We appreciate the large viewing window and interior light, which let us monitor our food without opening the door and losing heat. While it might take some trial and error to master all its functions, we find this air fryer to be a valuable addition to our kitchen arsenal.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro
We highly recommend this versatile air fryer for its excellent performance and user-friendly features.
Pros
- Crispy results with minimal oil
- Large 5-quart capacity
- Easy to clean nonstick basket
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Limited preset functions
- May require experimentation for best results
We’ve been using the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to kitchen appliance. The 5-quart capacity is perfect for our family of four, easily accommodating a batch of fries or a whole chicken. We love how it crisps up food with just a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying.
The air fryer’s four cooking functions – Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate – offer plenty of versatility. We’ve made everything from crispy Brussels sprouts to juicy chicken wings. The temperature control is precise, and the timer ensures we never overcook our meals.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the nonstick basket and crisper plate. We appreciate the compact design, though it does take up some counter space. While it lacks some of the preset functions found in pricier models, we find the simplicity refreshing. It may take a few tries to perfect cooking times for different foods, but the results are worth it.
Buying Guide
When selecting an air fryer for making French fries, we recommend considering several key factors.
Capacity
Choose a size that fits your needs:
- Small (1-2 quarts): Ideal for 1-2 people
- Medium (3-5 quarts): Good for families of 3-4
- Large (6+ quarts): Best for larger families or entertaining
Power
Look for models between 1400-1700 watts for optimal cooking performance. Higher wattage generally means faster, more even cooking.
Temperature Range
We suggest an air fryer with a wide temperature range, ideally 200°F to 400°F. This allows versatility for different recipes.
Preset Functions
Many air fryers offer preset cooking programs. A French fry setting can be convenient for consistent results.
Ease of Cleaning
Non-stick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup much simpler. We recommend checking these features before purchasing.
Additional Features to Consider
- Digital vs. manual controls
- Timer function
- Auto shut-off for safety
- Viewing window to monitor cooking
By carefully evaluating these aspects, we can choose an air fryer that best suits our French fry-making needs. Remember to read user reviews and compare specifications before making a final decision.