Air fryers have transformed home cooking, delivering crispy, golden French fries with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving restaurant-style fries or experimenting with homemade recipes, the right air fryer makes all the difference. Below, we explore top air fryers for French fries, provide a buying guide, and answer common questions to help you choose the perfect model.
Top Air Fryers for Perfect French Fries
1. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer has impressed us time and again as the best air fryer with crispy results and a user-friendly interface. It cooks quickly and efficiently and has a touchscreen display with a knob for quickly changing the temperature and time. Even factoring in preheating, the Instant Vortex Plus cooked food the fastest in our tests, including evenly cooked hand-cut fries in just 14 minutes. You can fit a whole bag of frozen French fries in here easily, up to two pounds of chicken breasts and even a larger cut of meat. The square basket offers ample cooking space, and the clear window lets you monitor fries without opening the fryer.
Pros:
- Fast cooking times
- Easy-to-use touchscreen and knob controls
- Large 6-quart capacity for family-sized batches
- Clear window for monitoring
Cons:
- Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- Exterior can get hot during use
2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4-Quart
This Ninja air fryer was the most well-rounded of the bunch, producing crispy, evenly cooked results in our tests for French fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. The Ninja AF101 has a relatively small footprint, making it a great choice for small kitchens, and its intuitive digital control panel is easy to navigate. It also comes with a multi-layer rack for air frying or dehydrating multiple foods at once. In our tests, frozen fries came out golden and crispy in about 15 minutes, and hand-cut fries were equally impressive with a quick shake halfway through.
Pros:
- Compact design for small spaces
- Consistent, crispy results
- Multi-layer rack for versatility
- Easy-to-clean basket
Cons:
- Smaller 4-quart capacity limits batch size
- No window to check food
3. Cosori Pro II 5.8-Quart Air Fryer
The Cosori Pro II 5.8-Quart Air Fryer is a standout for its sleek design and reliable performance. It produced some of the crispiest fries in our tests, with frozen fries ready in under 15 minutes and homemade fries achieving a perfect balance of fluffy interior and crunchy exterior. The digital touchscreen offers 11 presets, including one specifically for fries, making it beginner-friendly. Its 5.8-quart basket can handle large batches, and the non-stick coating simplifies cleanup.
Pros:
- Crispy, consistent results
- Large capacity for families
- User-friendly presets
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space
- Slightly noisier than competitors
4. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is a splurge-worthy option for those who prioritize capacity and premium features. Its 7-quart basket can cook up to 3 pounds of fries at once, perfect for large families or gatherings. In our tests, it delivered exceptionally crispy fries with minimal oil, thanks to Philips’ patented Fat Removal Technology. The digital interface is intuitive, and the keep-warm function ensures fries stay hot until serving.
Pros:
- Massive 7-quart capacity
- Excellent fat reduction for healthier fries
- Keep-warm function
- High-quality build
Cons:
- Expensive
- Large footprint
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Air Fryer for French Fries
Capacity
Consider how many people you’re cooking for. A 4-quart air fryer suits small households, while 6-quart or larger models are better for families or entertaining. For French fries, ensure the basket is wide enough for even air circulation to avoid soggy results.
Cooking Performance
Look for air fryers with powerful fans and high wattage (1500W or more) for crispy fries. Models with rapid air technology or dual heating elements excel at evenly cooking frozen or fresh fries.
Ease of Use
Digital controls with presets for fries simplify operation, especially for beginners. A clear window or shake reminder can also improve results without constant monitoring.
Cleaning
Non-stick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier. Avoid models with hard-to-reach crevices where grease can build up.
Additional Features
Some air fryers offer dehydrating, roasting, or baking functions, adding versatility. A multi-layer rack can increase capacity for cooking fries alongside other foods.
For more tips on selecting an air fryer, check out Consumer Reports’ Air Fryer Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes an air fryer good for French fries?
An air fryer excels at making French fries when it has strong air circulation, high wattage, and a spacious basket for even cooking. Presets for fries and shake reminders also help achieve crispy, golden results.
2. Can I cook homemade fries in an air fryer?
Yes, homemade fries cook beautifully in an air fryer. Soak cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes to remove starch, pat dry, toss with a little oil, and air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. How do I prevent soggy fries in an air fryer?
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this traps steam and prevents crisping. Preheat the air fryer, use minimal oil, and shake or flip the fries midway for even cooking.
4. Are air fryer fries healthier than deep-fried fries?
Air fryer fries are generally healthier, requiring only a tablespoon or less of oil compared to deep frying. This reduces fat and calorie content while maintaining a crispy texture.
5. How do I clean an air fryer after cooking fries?
Let the air fryer cool, then remove the basket and tray. Wash with warm soapy water or place in the dishwasher if safe. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth to remove grease.
For additional air fryer recipes and tips, visit Serious Eats’ Air Fryer Collection.
Conclusion
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer stands out as the best overall for French fries, balancing speed, capacity, and ease of use. For small kitchens, the Ninja AF101 is a compact powerhouse, while the Cosori Pro II and Philips Premium Airfryer XXL cater to larger households or premium preferences. Use our buying guide and FAQs to find the air fryer that fits your needs, and enjoy crispy, delicious fries at home with minimal effort.