French Fries in the Air Fryer (Chips)
Ready in about 33 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook homemade french fries, or chips, in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until they are deep golden.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 800 g potatoes, cut into thin fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1Soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry thoroughly.
- 2Toss with the oil, salt and pepper.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
- 4Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until deep golden.
- 5Season with a little more salt and serve hot.
Tips for the best results
- Homemade fries that are crisp outside and fluffy inside, using a fraction of the oil. Soaking the potatoes is the secret to great crunch.
- Dry the fries really well after soaking for maximum crunch.
- Cook in batches and keep them in a single layer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer french fries steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the shake every 5 min, which leaves one side pale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook chips in an air fryer?
Fresh-cut chips take 15-20 minutes at 200°C / 400°F after a soak and a thorough dry. Shake every 5 minutes. Frozen chips are a different timing: see the frozen fries page.
What temperature and time for air fryer french fries?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 min, shake every 5 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer french fries ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer french fries serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
Do I need to soak the potatoes?
Soaking removes surface starch and gives crispier fries, but you can skip it if short on time.