30 French Fries Around the World, Ranked
Put away the cookie sheet, and turn off the oven. The traditional way to prepare french fries is a thing of the past. It’s time to introduce an air fryer to the way you prepare one of your favorite side dishes.
It doesn’t matter if it’s french fries, waffle fries, shoestring fries or tater tots — most potatoes cooked in an air fryer come out with a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior that makes a huge difference in flavor. But which types of fries truly stand out from the rest?
Here’s our ranking of the 30 best ways to make air-fryer french fries using a variety of delicious fresh-potato recipes or frozen french fry brands that you can pick up in the frozen foods section. Just be warned: Once you go air fryer, there’s no turning back.
30. Newfie Fries
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Recipe: Food Network
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 677
What makes Newfie fries worth a try: If you’ve never heard of this dish, don’t fret — it’s relatively unknown and originates in Newfoundland, Canada. The ingredients act like a Thanksgiving dinner, which is done with french fries instead of mashed potatoes in that you have crispy fries covered in dressing and topped off with rich beef gravy. The fries can be done with an air fryer to give them a crunchy texture that blends in well as a main course or midnight snack.
It is recommended to use Yukon gold potatoes sliced in half-inch-wide strips, covered with canola oil and kosher salt. The dressing and gravy can come from what you would use for Thanksgiving. The first step is essential. Put the potatoes in cold water and refrigerate them for an hour to ramp up the crunchiness.
29. Boardwalk Fries
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Recipe: Fryerly
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 660
What makes boardwalk fries worth a try: Fryerly’s version of boardwalk fries ushers in a heavy recipe. It begins with selecting russet potatoes over others because they’re best for frying and have a high starch content that helps make them crispy. The recipe also calls for a tablespoon of olive oil for a richer flavor. Even cornstarch comes into play as a coat for the fries. Two teaspoons of Kosher salt follow that. It’s more expensive than regular salt, but it’s worth it.
After preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, scrub and rinse the potatoes and cut the tops and bottoms so they can stand independently (don’t worry if a couple of falls). Slice the potatoes lengthwise into quarters, and put them in the fryer for 25 minutes.
28. Carne Asada Fries
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Recipe: The Happy Mustard Seed
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 551
What makes carne asada fries worth a try: These can be served as a meal but are usually served as an appetizer. The recipe calls for melted cheddar, mozzarella cheese, pico de gallo, tomato, and sour cream. Then, you top things off with tender sirloin steak marinated in pineapple juice, tomato sauce and sugar, and it’s hard to beat these fries. This dish is quite yummy with olive oil, garlic, vinegar, seasoning, onion powder, cumin and chili powder.
When cooking, you will do double time attempting to manage the fries and steak. The key is cutting the steak into strips as well as the potatoes.
27. Patatje Oorlog Fries
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Recipe: Jango Recipes
Serving size: 6
Calories per serving: 525
What makes patatje oorlog fries worth a try: These fries are also known as Dutch War fries, and they were caught on by the Dutch Resistance during World War II and became authentic Dutch food. Tackling this delicate dish can leave one with their imagination.
Traditionally, the ingredients for patatje oorlog fries include russet potatoes, slightly fried onions, tomato sauce, lemon or ketchup, and mayonnaise or mustard. But other ingredients have been, but not limited to, peanut oil, sambal oelek, ginger, garlic chicken broth and dark brown sugar. However you want to air fry them up and serve them is up to you.
26. Dirty Fries
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Recipe: Splash of Taste
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 443
What makes dirty fries worth a try: Dirty fries are seasoned french fries loaded with bacon, onion, bell pepper, tomato, green onions and tons of melted cheese. This description would raise anyone’s curiosity. Start by using frozen french fries, and add your favorite toppings, like red chili pepper slices, to heat things up.
Put the raw fries in a mixing bowl, and add a drizzle of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning and kosher salt. Cooking time is generally 25 minutes.
25. Wavy Fries
Brand: Denny’s
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 400
What makes wavy fries worth a try: Wavy fries are often confused with the more commonly seen crinkle-cut fries, but these ones feature grooves cut lengthways into the potatoes.
To achieve this effect, use a ripple-bladed cutter and rotate the potato between cuts. Another option is a visit to Denny’s Restaurants.
24. Bistro Fries
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Recipe: Fast Food Bistro
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 356
What makes bistro fries worth a try: Unlike most other fries cooked in an air fryer, you can cook bistro fries without oil, and they still taste as good as other fries. Bistro fries generally contain enough oil to get nice and golden brown. Tossing the fries is an excellent way to get them crispy and golden.
Also, the good news here is you can cook them without worrying about any additional fat. Preheat your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, set the time for 22 minutes, and don’t forget to toss them every 5 minutes.
23. Poutine Fries
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Recipe: Everything Air Fryer
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 191
What makes poutine fries worth a try: This dish contains ingredients that will satisfy anyone — crinkle-cut fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. The process begins with preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, adding fries and cooking for 10 to 14 minutes.
Make sure to shake the basket to toss the fries for more crispiness. Meanwhile, prep the gravy. Once the fries are finished cooking, top with cheese curds and lots of gravy.
22. Shoestring (or Julienne) Fries
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Recipe: Savory Thoughts
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 335
What makes shoestring fries worth a try: Who doesn’t love shoestring fries, both as a side dish or a nighttime snack? Just ask Mirlene from Savory Thoughts, who says seasoning is the No. 1 ingredient to transform regular fries into “amazing.”
Start with fresh potatoes, cut them half-inch thick, and soak them for at least 30 minutes. You can wash them overnight to be extra crispy. Other ingredients include paprika (add a little heat), kosher salt (season the fries), ground black or white pepper, and olive oil to coat the fries. Add the potatoes, then the seasoning, and toss in a large bowl. Cook the fries at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes. Do not go past 20 minutes.
21. Disco Fries
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Recipe: Simple and Savory
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 326
What makes disco fries worth a try: This classic delight originated in New Jersey, and they’re also known as Elvis fries, gravy fries, gravy cheese fries or diner fries. They’re very similar to poutine, except for the type of cheese used, and they sometimes include additional toppings like chicken or beef.
The word “disco” is fitting in that they’ve been around since the early 1980s during the disco era. The ingredients include russet potatoes, olive oil, vegetable broth, flour, cheese, onion and Tamari sauce. Besides the air fryer, you need a small saucepan, a crinkle cutter and a wire whisk for this recipe. Of course, you could also keep it simple and just use store-bought frozen fries. Whatever you decide, you’re guaranteed to love the outcome.
20. Tornado Potatoes
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Recipe: The Busted Oven
Serving size: 3
Calories per serving: 315
What makes tornado potatoes worth a try: This is one dish you can have some fun with. Tornado fries or potatoes are crispy and cut in a spiral form so that you can brush them with butter, garlic and herbs. Use a skewer to slide the potatoes on, and when it’s done cooking, the potato slices easily pull apart for dipping.
This recipe is reminiscent to hassle-back potatoes, except when sliced, the potato is made into one long spiral. Tornado fries can be served like a baked potato, in that you can top them with sour cream, onions or bacon (or really whatever you want to put on them). Sky’s the limit!
19. Waffle Fries
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Recipe: The Recipe Critic
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 295
What makes waffle fries worth a try: For those who never find waffle fries to be crispy enough, the air fryer will be your new best friend. Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic has the idea of preparing excellent waffle fries, and it’s effortless to make.
Unlike most preparers, Rivers simply puts the fries in an air-fryer basket and spray them lightly with olive oil spray. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, shake the fries and cook another 5 to 10 minutes until crispy. Finally, season with salt and call it a day. Rivers’ best tips are to shake the fries gently halfway through the cooking process and not to overfill the fryer.
18. Crinkle-Cut Fries
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Recipe: Air Fryer World
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 295
What makes crinkle-cut fries worth a try: Crinkle-cut fries have been one of the most consumed versions since the beginning of fries, either home-cooked, at a restaurant or a fast-food place. Now, we take it to another level by using an air fryer.
This particular recipe will give the fries a crispy edge and soft center. All you need to do is take the fries from the freezer to the air fryer without additional oil. Crinkle-cut fries come in different sizes, so you must figure out the perfect time for your first batch. A reminder is to cook in an even layer and not overfill the air-fryer basket, so you have an even cook.
17. Chili Cheese Fries
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Recipe: Fork to Spoon
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 288
What makes chili cheese fries worth a try: Imagine a plate of homemade chili cheese fries smothered in cheese and chili with chives thrown in the mix. Sound good? So, why not cook them in an air fryer?
To begin, pour a hefty amount of frozen french fries into the air-fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. Shake the basket, flip the fries with tongs, and cook for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, you’re also cooking chili sauce with or without beans. Finally, add the chili sauce with shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon and diced chives. Now, you’re ready to enjoy yourself.
16. Tyson Anytizers Chicken Fries
Brand: Tyson
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 280
What makes Tyson Anytizers chicken fries worth a try: OK, we get it. This fry’s a bit of a stretch since it’s made of chicken instead of potatoes. But if you’re in a hurry and looking for a quick snack or weeknight meal with some protein, this delight only takes about 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer
Just preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a single layer of chicken fries for the best results and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. And don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce.
15. Cheese Fries
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Recipe: Domestic Superhero
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 271
What makes cheese fries worth a try: Cheese fries are always worth the calories, but when an air fryer is in the mix, get ready for a treat. Find your favorite brand of frozen french fries, and put them in the air-fryer basket. You want the fries to cook evenly, so don’t stack them too high. Set the air fryer for 8 minutes. From there, we play an open-and-shake game, meaning you open the basket and shake the fries. Close and set for 5 minutes, then open and shake.
Add salt and sprinkle cheese (and maybe some bacon if you want to go wild), and cook for another minute before pulling out this melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
14. Sidewinders
Brand: Dream Dinners
Serving size: 3
Calories per serving: 270
What makes sidewinders worth a try: The unique shape of these fries makes them very appetizing to the eye. Since they’re not regular fries, serving this style with their fun plating potential can be the talk of a party or a simple get-together. These fries are ideal for a side dish to hamburgers or sandwiches.
Preheat the air to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and arrange the fries in a single layer. Once they cook to a golden brown, cook for an additional 10 minutes for ultimate satisfaction.
13. Tater Tots
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Brand: Ore-Ida
Serving size:1
Calories per serving: 212
What makes Ore-Ida tater tots worth a try: Here’s an example where all you have to do is buy Ore-Ida frozen tater tots and throw them in the air fryer. You don’t need to add oil or cooking spray.
Place the tots in the air fryer in a single layer, and cook for 13 minutes. Halfway through, remove the basket and shake the tots. Remove the basket and sprinkle on salt and your favorite seasonings when the timer goes off.
12. Seasoned Fries
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Recipe: Air Frying Foodie
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 207
What makes seasoned fries worth a try: How can you resist such a way to prepare fries? Making these fries from scratch is far better than ones served in a restaurant. The ingredients make this happen.
Besides using russet or Yukon gold potatoes, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, two teaspoons of paprika, a teaspoon of kosher salt, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of onion powder and half teaspoon of black pepper. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or chili powder to spice things up. You will probably never order seasoned fries from a restaurant again.
11. Nathan’s Famous Crinkle-Cut Fries
Recipe: The Brilliant Kitchen
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 190
What makes Nathan’s Famous crinkle-cut fries worth a try: When you think of french fries as a snack, health-minded individuals tend to back away because they’re high in calories and fat. However, Nathan’s fries are a great snack with fewer calories than most french fries if you use an air fryer. Also, you only need a little oil to add flavor.
We know we already listed crinkle-cut fries on here, but specifically, Nathan’s Famous fries are superior, and making them is a snap. Cut the potatoes into fry-size shapes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, dry them, put them in the air fryer, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Add a dipping sauce, and you have it made. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have the Nathan’s Famous branded frozen french fries at your local grocery store, you can always just buy those.
10. Arby’s Air-Fryer Curly Fries
Brand: Arby’s
Serving size:1
Calories per serving: 180
What makes Arby’s air-fryer curly fries worth a try: Curly fries are an excellent alternative to regular french fries. However, Arby’s branded version of curly fries has excellent taste and is nutritional, making it a great sidekick for a main course, such as hamburgers, hot dogs or chicken tenders.
To begin with, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the Arby’s frozen curly fries in the air fryer, coat them with olive oil, and season them with salt. Either shake the basket often or flip them over in the air fryer. Note: Do not defrost the curly fries before cooking, or they will become mushy.
9. Sweet Potato Fries
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Recipe: Feel Good Foodie
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 149
What makes sweet potato fries worth a try: Yumna Jawad, founder of Feel Good Foodie, ushered out a lighter alternative to deep-fried sweet potato fries that carries fewer calories, less fat and cooks in less than 15 minutes. The key is the potatoes.
Jawad starts with two medium-sized sweet potatoes but ones that are not too long. That way, you can cut the entire length of the sweet potatoes as the length of the fry. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise to make them easy to lay them flat. The thinner the cut, the more crispy they will be. Preheat the air fryer and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper seasonings. Put the fries in the air fryer evenly, and cook until your desired crispness.
8. Cottage Fries
Recipe: air fryeryum
Serving size: 6
Calories per serving: 148
What makes cottage fries worth a try: Cottage fries are a different option for potatoes in your air fryer. Cottage fries are round potato fries sliced into thicker slices. This recipe is unique because it recommends adding rosemary to the ingredients, and it’s a great dish for someone who likes gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian diets.
First, wash the potatoes and cut them into quarter-inch slices. Add oil and seasoning, and mix until evenly coated. Put the potatoes in the air-fryer basket, and cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes. You can get creative with the seasoning by using Cajun or Jerk seasoning, for example, or just go for it with lots of cheese.
8. Potato Chips
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Recipe: Taste of Home
Serving size: 6
Calories per serving: 148
What makes potato chips worth a try: Anyone who likes potato chips is in for a treat when you make them in an air fryer. Imagine fresh crunchy chips with your favorite toppings. And the calorie count is decent. There are many ways to do this, but the easiest way comes from Taste of Home.
While preheating the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to cut the potatoes into thin slices. Put them in a large bowl and add ice water to cover them. Let them soak for 15 minutes and drain. Then, do it again for another 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, place them on towels, and add cooking spray and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown, turning every 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Chips (British Version)
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Recipe: BBC Good Food
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 140
What makes British chips worth a try: Chips are one of the best healthy options of all the recipes featured here. An air fryer makes them super crispy, and less oil is used.
You begin with four or five large potatoes and a tablespoon of sunflower oil. Peel the potatoes and round the edges to become rectangular blocks. Cut the blocks into batons with sizes between fries and thick chips. The next step is to tip the chips into the bottom of the air fryer, add oil, and toss them in the oil to make them evenly coated. Program the fryer for 30 minutes using the paddle. Make sure they are tender and cooked throughout.
5. Golden Fries
Brand: Ore-Ida
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 90
What makes Ore-Ida french fries worth a try: Ore-Ida is not bashful about its frozen french fries, claiming they are the best out there. And you know what? At worst, they are right up there with the best.
Cooking them in an air fryer is slightly different from others featured on this list. You must still go from freezer to fryer, cooking them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. But note that Ore-Ida french fries cook much faster than other frozen fries in an air fryer — they cook for only 8 minutes, so set a timer to ensure they don’t overcook.
4. JoJo Fries (aka Potato Wedges)
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Recipe: Allrecipes
Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 129
What makes potato wedges worth a try: If you want to make your potato wedges a little more crispy and delicious, the air fryer is the way to go. In just 30 minutes, you can have a fantastic side dish with ketchup, or if you want to go cheesy, throw in some grated Parmesan.
The best potatoes for this venture are russets or Yukon golds. Cut the potatoes into wedges half lengthwise, then half again on a cutting board. Season the wedges with paprika, parsley, chili, salt and pepper. Then, place them in the air-fryer basket, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip them with tongs and cook for another 5 minutes. There is no pre-soaking required for this recipe.
3. Wedge Fries
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Recipe: Allrecipes
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 129
What makes wedge fries worth a try: Wedge fries can often be bland in the middle of the fry. But that won’t happen when you put them in your trusty air fryer. That will increase the crunchiness on the outside and have a fluffy effect on the inside.
Use russet potatoes or Yukon golds. Cut the potatoes into wedges and slice them in half lengthwise; place the cut side onto the cutting board and cut it in half again to create quarters. Repeat with the other half. Season the wedges, put them in the basket, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the wedges with tongs, and cook for another 5 minutes for more crispiness. Season the wedges with paprika, parsley, chili, salt and pepper.
2. Oster French Fries
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Recipe: Oster
Serving size: 6
Calories per serving: 128
What makes Oster french fries worth a try: The ingredients are essential, and that’s why these french fries stand out compared to regular fries.
Use three to four potatoes and cut them into half-inch strips. Brush the potato strips with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes in an Oster air fryer, and cook at 365 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the air fryer, and shake them to increase the crunch. Put the potatoes back in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
1. Steak Fries
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Recipe: Mashed.com
Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 118
What makes steak fries worth a try: Compared to many of the fries that have been mentioned, steak fries are bigger and wider than most, so for true potato lovers, these are the cream of the crop. This recipe is unique and brings out a delightful taste.
It calls for two russet potatoes, two teaspoons of avocado oil spray, half teaspoon of salt, onion granules, garlic granules and pepper. Make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into hefty fries. Then, place the potatoes in a bowl, spray with avocado oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. When you put the potatoes in the air-fryer basket, the fries shouldn’t be touching. Set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Shake the basket and turn each wedge over when they are half done. Go another 15 minutes until the desired crunchiness.
