Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer French Fries
How long to cook French fries in an air fryer — times for fresh-cut and frozen fries, the best temperature, and the soak-and-shake trick for maximum crunch.
200°C / 392°F
12–22 min
How long to cook French fries in an air fryer?
Air fry frozen French fries at 200°C (400°F) for 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Fresh-cut, soaked fries take 15–20 minutes at 200°C. Cook in a single layer and shake at least once for even, crispy results.
Air fryer fries are the gateway dish — crispy, golden and a fraction of the oil of deep-frying. Whether you're starting from frozen or hand-cutting potatoes, the rules are the same: high heat, a single layer, and a good shake.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen, thin / shoestring | 200°C | 10–12 min | Shake at 6 min |
| Frozen, regular cut | 200°C | 12–16 min | Shake at 8 min |
| Fresh-cut (soaked) | 200°C | 15–20 min | Shake twice |
| Thick / steak-cut | 200°C | 18–22 min | Shake twice |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry French fries
- 1
For fresh fries, cut into even 1 cm batons and soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch.
- 2
Drain and dry the fries thoroughly — wet fries steam instead of crisping.
- 3
Toss with 1–2 teaspoons of oil (skip the oil for frozen fries, they already have some).
- 4
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- 5
Cook in a single layer, shaking the basket every 5–6 minutes, until deep golden and crisp.
- 6
Season with salt the moment they come out, while still glistening.
Pro tips
- Don't overfill — a thin, single layer is the single biggest factor in crispy fries. Cook in batches.
- The cold-water soak is the secret to fresh fries that crisp outside and stay fluffy inside.
- A light spritz of oil halfway through gives frozen fries a fresh-fried crunch.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature for French fries in an air fryer?
200°C (400°F) for both fresh and frozen fries. It's hot enough to crisp the surface without burning before the inside is cooked.
How long do frozen fries take in an air fryer?
About 12–16 minutes at 200°C for regular-cut frozen fries, shaking the basket halfway. Thin fries need less; thick-cut need more.
Do you need oil for air fryer fries?
Frozen fries already contain oil and need none. Fresh-cut fries crisp best with just 1–2 teaspoons tossed through before cooking.
Why are my air fryer fries soggy?
Almost always overcrowding or moisture. Dry fresh fries thoroughly, use a single layer, and shake the basket so every fry gets airflow.
French fries recipes to try
SnacksPerfect Air Fryer French Fries
Golden, fluffy-inside fries from scratch with a fraction of the oil. The cold-water soak makes them shatteringly crisp.
SnacksAir Fryer Frozen Dumplings: How Long for Potstickers, Gyoza, and Mandu
Air fryer frozen dumplings cook from frozen in about 8–12 minutes, with no thawing needed. Use 360°F for softer wrappers or 380°F for crispier edges.
SnacksHow Long to Air Fry Frozen Tater Tots at 400°F
Frozen tater tots cook in the air fryer at 400°F for about 10–15 minutes, straight from frozen with no oil needed.
SnacksCrunchy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Golden, stretchy mozzarella sticks with a crisp herby crumb — no deep fryer and no greasy mess.