Munching on french fries feels so good. What’s better than having a plate full of warm crispy fries on a holiday evening? And thanks to the booming popularity of fries, that you can now easily find them in the frozen section of any supermarket. You just need to tear the packet, add the frozen fries to the air fryer, and wait till the machine turns the frozen produce into a hot snack. So today we’ve picked some of the best air fryers for french fries that will definitely fascinate all the fries lovers.
Not only for store-bought frozen fries, but a good quality air fryer is great to air fry different types of french fries. For example, you can cut potatoes for french fries at home to add in the hot fryer. The built-up and working of the unit determines how crispy and evenly air-fried your french fries will be.
Are air fryers good for french fries?
Before jumping to the reviews, it is important to know whether the appliance you’re buying to make crispy french fries at home is actually worth the investment or not. And undoubtedly, air fryers are good for making french fries. It’s the fast hot air circulation that makes them perfect to make crispy snacks at home that too use very little oil.
Many people step back from buying an air fryer thinking it is the same as a convection oven. Yes, no doubt, both of them use hot air to cook or bake food but still the working is different. While the convection oven circulates hot air slowly in the cooking chamber, an air fryer works by circulating hot air fast.
This results in a crispy exterior while the inside remains soft. On the other hand, slow hot air circulation in a convection oven leaves both the exterior and inside soft. Even if you bake a portion of food for long, a convection oven only crisps the exposed layer.
Best Air Fryer for French Fries
And if you’re a hardcore french fry lover who loves the crispy texture of the food, then go for the best quality air fryer. Not only will the machine help you cook fries quicker but also healthier. As you’ll read the air fryer reviews below, you’ll come to know how smartly these appliances can remove fat from the food so you can enjoy fries without counting.
1) COSORI Air Fryer(100 Recipes), 5.8QT Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven, Red
Checking on excess pounds you’ve gained? Then take a dig at Cosori hot air fryer that will make you delicious meals without adding too much fat. And by meals, we mean, you can prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even desserts with this digital air fryer. Thanks to its 11 one-touch preset menu that works best for most of the popular frozen foods. The settings include poultry, seafood, vegetables, french fries, bread, etc.
Instead of a round basket with an attachment in middle, the Cosori air fryer is equipped with a square basket. This lets you add generous frozen/homemade fries to finish air frying in one go.
For even air frying, it is recommended to pause the function in the middle of the cycle to shake things up. It could be for one or more times, depending on the food you’re cooking. But with Cosori electric air fryer you no longer need to set an alarm in your smartphone as the machine itself reminds you when to shake the contents for an even fry.
In addition to a shake reminder, Cosori’s large air fryer for french fries features a preheating function. We recommend you always preheat the unit before air frying french fries or chicken wings. Preheating will take only 3-5 minutes but improve the texture of your food and provide that crispy exterior that you love the most about fries.
Pros:
- Smart user-friendly functions like shake alert, keep warm and preheat
- PFOA-free nonstick basket is completely removable for easy cleaning
- Best large air fryer for crispy french fries at home
- Award-winning design; Angeled digital display increases visibility for quick selection of various functions
- 5.8-quart capacity is enough to cook up to 8 servings of roasted shrimps, 6 servings of brownie, 6-8 servings of chicken wings, etc
- Includes a recipe book that contains 100 original and delicious air fryer recipes
- The wide temperature range varies from 170ºF-400ºF
- Backed by 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- The plastic cover over the basket release button is sensitive so you want to make sure not to touch it accidentally or else it will release the inner basket
Key Features:
- 5.8 qt capacity
- 11 presets
- Rapid heat circulation
- 1700 W
- ETL listed
- Square basket
- Weighs 16.37 pounds
2) Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology, Black, HD9630/98
Philips is a well-known brand in many parts of the world now. And if you’re seeking a good value air fryer then go for Philips Premium HD9630/98 with fat removable technology. This particular model, in our opinion, is the best for making the crispiest french fries at home no matter whether you add in homemade or frozen fries in the basket. It provides a texture very much similar to that of deep-fried fries but with up to 90% less fat.
The credit behind such a healthy air frying goes to its fat reduction technology. This technology removes and captures excess fat on the bottom tray leaving you with the healthiest and tastiest fries. And with a 4-quart basket size, you can make french fries for up to 6 people in one go.
The XXL air fryer is large enough to fit a whole chicken or 2 bags of frozen fries that is enough to entertain a small group.
Once the cooking is complete, wait for the unit to cool down a bit before you detach the tray. You’ll see all the excessive fat and grease have collected in the tray that is easy to pour in a glass or plastic bag for safe disposal. Then either handwash the basket or simply pop it in the dishwasher for effortless cleaning.
Pros:
- The only unit with far removal technology that extracts and captures up to 90% of fat, more than other same range competitors
- Conveniently placed temperature control dial that varies from 175-400ºF
- Come with a free recipe book that has more than 30 delicious ideas and tips from professional chefs
- Both the basket and removable nonstick drawer are dishwasher-safe
- Best home air fryer for frozen french fries and chicken wings
- No preheating required; the hot low-fat fryer is ready to use within seconds after turning it one
- Philips Avance XXL is backed by a full 12-month warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- The bulky design will take up good countertop space
Key Features:
- 4-qt capacity
- 1725 watts
- Twin-Turbostar technology
- Fat-Reduction technology
- 60-minute timer
- Adjustable temperature dial
- Weighs 18.74 pounds
3) Ninja Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, and Dehydrates, with 4 Quart Capacity
If you’re looking for a unit that is both good-looking and well functional, then go for Ninja air fryer. The sleek design of the Ninja 4-quart air fryer with a high gloss finish looks great on various kitchen countertops. Plus, it does not take up much counter space even though it cooks a generous 2 lbs of fries at once. This makes the unit perfect for kitchens that are already filled with multiple appliances.
In addition to a sleek, space-saving design, Ninja electric air fryer is a lightweight appliance. It weighs only 4.9 pounds despite providing a good 4-qt basket capacity. This means you can easily store in your kitchen cabinet and take it out for cooking easily without breaking back.
Ninja AF101 offers 4 functions to elevate your cooking game. These functions include air fry, air roast, reheat, and dehydrate. So apart from air frying, you can use the appliance for roasting chicken legs, vegetables, etc. It also includes a multi-layer rack that increases dehydrating capacity to make healthy, thin, crispy snacks at home. In short, it is a perfect air fryer and dehydrator combo.
Unlike other same-range models, Ninja AF101 offers the lowest temperature of 105ºF. The combination of low temperatures along with a low-speed fan enables even and proper dehydration of various foods. While air frying in high temperatures results in the crispy french fries we all love.
Pros:
- Comes with a multi-layer rack that increases cooking/dehydrating capacity
- The lowest temperature of 105ºF is ideal for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, jerky, etc
- All the removable parts, plus, the included accessory is dishwasher safe
- Programmable roast function eliminates the need for a convection oven to make favorite casseroles, roasted veggies, etc
- Best air fryer with dehydrator function that is great for making french fries plus a crispy thin layered dehydrated snack
- Lightweight appliance with a sleek space-saving design
- Backed by a limited 1-year warranty
Cons:
- The inside basket can get really greasy which is why it is recommended to handwash or give a good pre-rinse before popping in the dishwasher
- Lacks the shaking alerts in between cooking cycle
Key Features:
- 4-quart capacity
- 4 programmable functions
- 1500 W
- Preheat function
- 2.6 ft cord length
- Weighs 4.9 pounds
4) Ultrean Air Fryer – 4.2 Quart (4 Liter) Electric Hot Air Fryers with LCD Digital Screen
We understand that not all have a high budget to spend on a single kitchen appliance. But a low costing unit does not mean it cannot provide you good results. And Ultrean 4.2-quart budget air fryer is the best example. This affordable yet functional appliance is perfect for home use to make crispy fries no matter homemade or frozen.
The simple control panel with buttons and a round bright LCD display is perfect for beginners. Press the buttons to set the temperature and time for a particular recipe. All the settings will be displayed on the LCD screen which leaves you with no confusion and perfect crispy texture every time.
Speaking of crispiness, thanks to Ultran’s rapid air technology that cooks food evenly and quickly. Its 360º fast heat circulation not only saves your time but oil. Plus, even heat distribution in all directions provides a golden-brown crisp layer that looks and tastes very much like deep-fried french fries but with much less oil and fats.
It is quite common to forget to turn the machine off when it takes a couple of minutes to air fry food. So Ultrean mid-size air fryer features an auto switch-off timer(0-30 minutes) that turns the unit off automatically when the cycle is complete.
Pros:
- Cookes with 85% less fat than traditional deep frying methods
- Sleek, scratch-free, modern design
- Detachable cooking pot for convenient cleaning
- ETL/UL certified and backed by a 1-year warranty
- Nonstick pan with a heat-resistant handle to serve hot fries directly on the dinner plate
- Best rated air fryer under $100
- Comes in 4 basic colors, Black, Blue, Red, and White
- Automatic shut off timer with a temperature range of 180ºF-400ºF
Cons:
- No preset menu
- Big footprint
Key Features:
- 4.2-quart capacity
- Rapid air technology
- Auto switch-off
- LCD display
- 1500 W
- ETL/UL certified
- Weighs 9.98 pounds
5) Instant Vortex Air Fryer 4 in 1, Best Fries Ever, Roast, Bake, Reheat, 6 Qt, 1700W
Entertain your friends or family with healthy snacks at home by using Instant Vortex large-capacity air fryer. This 4-in-1 appliance can do air frying, roasting, baking, and reheat food back to its original crispiness without drying them up. In short, it is a perfect unit for home use for various purposes.
The impressive basket size of Instant Vortex can fit 2 pounds of french fries at once. This capacity is enough to serve up to 8 people with delicious toppings. Thanks to the powerful 1700 watt heating element of the unit that requires no too little preheating time. You’ll not have to wait for hours for your crispy homemade fries to be made with an Instant Vortex digital air fryer.
Not only for air frying frozen french fries but the xl air fryer is perfect for roasting veggies/chicken for lunch and baking sweet for desserts. A powerful fan circulates super-hot air around the food that results in a crispy exterior and soft interior. And it becomes hard to resist food that has a delicious crispy golden layer.
Even though it offers a large capacity, the sleek design of the unit saves space. You can keep it on the countertop or tabletop without making many adjustments. And once the cooking is done, simply put the air-fry basket and cooking tray in the dishwasher to get rid of all debris and grease.
Pros:
- A powerful fan circulates heat rapidly for desired crispiness
- Uses up to 95% less oil and grease than deep-frying
- Modern design that blends in perfectly with other countertop appliances
- 8 easy to select and read simple touch controls
- Wipe clean the exterior surface to get rid of dust and debris
- Best digital air fryer for sweet potato french fries under $100
- Vortex has a safety auto shut off if left unattended for too long with no preset cooking program set
Cons:
- The fan runs a bit loud
- Short electric cord
Key Features:
- 6-qt capacity
- 4 built-in smart programs
- Digital display panel
- Touchscreen button
- 1700 W
- Weighs 15.72 pounds
6) DASH DMAF355GBBK02 Deluxe Electric Air Fryer with Auto Shut off Feature, 3qt, Black
Say goodbye to the greasy mess with Dash Deluxe electric air fryer. Its unique Aircrisp technology reduces fat by up to 75% without taking away the delicious flavor of your fried food. So you can have crispy fries at home without adding in many calories and fat. Why only use the machine for fries when you can cook/bake/air fry tofu, chicken, sweet potatoes, steak, seafood, etc.
While the machine does not offer preset menu settings, there are two easy to rotate knobs on the front panel. These knobs are helpful to set temperature and time for precise air frying every time. Do not worry if you’re buying the machine for the first time as it comes along with a recipe booklet that contains several delicious air fryer recipes.
Overcooking is common with low-fat fryers if you leave them unattended for a long while. And no one loves to eat a plateful of burnt fries or wings. But do not worry about overheating with Dash compact air fryer features an auto shut-off function that prevents the burning of food. Plus, it helps to save energy by turning the device off.
A small footprint of the unit is ideal for picky eaters or a small family. You can quickly cook a small batch of fries, a few pieces of chicken wings, etc, to satisfy your cravings. Plus, remove the basket easily and pop it in the dishwasher for quick mess-free cleaning.
Pros:
- The small nonstick basket makes up to 1 lb bag of fries or up to a dozen wings
- Safety 30-minute auto shut off
- Adjustable dials allow precise control over time and temperature
- Includes a recipe guide that helps you start smoothly with the appliance
- Best small air fryer for homemade sweet potato fries
- Unique AirCrisp technology makes crispy meals with 75% less fat
- You get 4 color choices
Cons:
- Good for 1-2 people only
- Small reading on both timer and temperature knobs
Key Features:
- 3-quart capacity
- AirCrisp technology
- Analog interface
- 1200-watt
- Auto shut off
- Weighs 11.03 pounds
7) GoWISE USA GW22921-S 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer with Recipe Book, 5.0-Qt, Black
Satisfy your craving without guilt with GoWise USA 8-in-1 digital air fryer. This affordable, stylish, and user-friendly unit is perfect for daily home use. You can make crispy potato chips, roast salmon, and even bake a cake. Thanks to its modern digital touchscreen with an advanced menu that lets you air fry a variety of items without having to look for a recipe book.
In addition to the preset menu, GoWise USA economical air fryer offers a bonus feature. This feature lets you change the program mid-cycle by pressing the start/stop button. Besides, there’s a built-in alarm function that reminds you to shake ingredients in increments of 5, 10, and 15 minutes.
Equipped with adjustable temperature control, GoWise USA offers a wide temperature range from 180ºF to 400ºF. Such a wide range is great for making crispy fries, chicken wings, vegetables, shrimp, steak, salmon, etc. And the best part about Gowise USA GW22921-S is you can use a divider accessory in between that lets you cook 2 meals at once.
Many of us are worried about the toxic nonstick layer. But do not worry about nonstick coating as Gowise USA comes with a nonstick FDA-certified and PFOA-free air pan that is all safe to use. Plus, the cool-touch handle makes it easy for you to shake and remove the hot basket from the appliance.
Pros:
- Modern touchscreen with 8 smart preset programs
- Smart remainder function that works on 5, 10, or 15 minutes, as you set
- FDA certified and PFOA free nonstick inner basket
- Includes a recipe book with 50 recipes specially designed for this Gowise USA unit
- Cool-touch handle with removable crisp tray for easy serving and cleaning
- Best affordable air fryer with large basket capacity for home use
- Rapid air circulation technology circulates heat around ingredients for a crunchy exterior
- Comes with a basket divider that lets you cook 2 meals at the same time; perfect appliance for a family with picky eaters
Cons:
- Do not place it close to any appliance or wall as it expels hot air from behind
Key Features:
- 5.0-qt capacity
- 8 presets
- 1700 W
- Modern touchscreen
- Built-in alarm function
- Crisper tray
- 30-minute timer
- Weighs 12.97 pounds
Can I use frozen french fries in an air fryer?
Frozen french fries and an air fryer is a perfect combination. Once you learn to air fry frozen french fries the right way, you’ll forget about the oily deep-fried ones. Plus, it is very easy to cook frozen fries in an air fryer. Many high-end models come with a cooking guide on the front panel for popular foods that include frozen fries.
If there is no preset menu or cooking guide, the appliance always comes with a recipe booklet. And you can easily find the recipe to make perfect crispy potato fries in the book. The best part about adding frozen french fries to the basket is you get restaurant-like results at home without extra calories or fat. And this makes an air fryer best for frozen french fries.
Air French Fries Recipe
Air frying fries begins with the selection of potatoes. And one common question a lot of people ask is, what kind of potatoes are best to make french fries for air frying. Experts recommend using Yukon gold or Russets for frying as they bring out the perfect flavor while leaving a crispy layer.
Ingredients Required:
- Cooking spray
- 1 medium russet potato(unpeeled)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- It is best to preheat the air frye0r before making fries for excellent crispiness. So preheat your appliance to 380ºF for a few minutes after spraying cooking oil on the basket.
- Then, lay the equally cut russet potato fries on the basket. Spread them evenly and set the temperature to 400ºF for 15-18 minutes.
- Shake the fries through halfway for even heating and better crispiness.
- Once the cycle is complete, release the basket and toss them out in a bowl.
- Add seasoning(salt, pepper, etc) when the fries are still hot and serve.
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Conclusion
Do not let the oil, excessive fat, or calories take away your fun of having delicious french fries. Buy the best air fryer for french fries and make delicious fries at home with up to 90% less fat. No matter whether you add homemade fries or frozen ones, a good quality low fat fryer will always provide the desired crispiness that we all seek. We’ve done our part of finding you the best french fries air fryers, now it’s time for you to decide which model meets the maximum of your needs.
