😩 Soggy Fries? Yeah, I’ve Been There…
Let me tell you a quick story.
I used to think homemade fries were just meh. No matter what I did, they came out soggy or half-burnt. And deep frying? Ugh. The oil, the mess, the smell… no thanks.
But everything changed when I got an air fryer. I was honestly shocked. My fries were crispy. Like real fast-food crispy. And I didn’t use any oil. None!
Since then, I’ve tried a bunch of models. Some were great. Some were just hype. But five stood out — and I’m here to share them with you, friend to friend.
Quick Summary: Which Air Fryer Is Right for You?
- Emeril Lagasse French Door Oven (26QT): Best For Big Families or Hosting
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus (6QT): Best For Sleek Design + Recipes App
- Ninja AF161 Max XL (5.5QT): Best for Everyday Crisp & Simplicity
- COSORI 9-in-1 Turbo Air Fryer (6QT): Best For Fast + Crispy Results
- Nuwave Brio Plus (8QT): Best For Quiet, No-Fuss Cooking
Top 5 Air Fryers for French Fries (My Real Results)
1. Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven (Best for overall): Best for Families + Big Meals

Okay, this one’s a showstopper — not just in size, but in looks and performance. Whether it’s Friday night fries or Sunday roast, this air fryer oven does it all — and looks really good doing it.
- Capacity: 26 quarts (yep, it’s huge — serves 4–6 easily)
- 25 Presets: Ribs, roast, pizza, toast, chicken, pastries, slow cook, reheat, defrost, and more
- Dual-Speed Fan: Fries come out crisp on the outside, tender inside — thanks to 360° hot air
- Smart Toast Control: Toast stops automatically when the timer ends (no burnt edges!)
- Easy Monitoring: Built-in light + French doors = no need to open it mid-cook
- Stainless Steel Finish: Looks elegant on your counter, perfect for party hosts
- Bonus: Fits a 6-lb rotisserie chicken or a 12″ pizza with room to spare
My Take: I used this during a holiday dinner — fries, wings, garlic bread and pizza, all in one. It didn’t even break a sweat. And the French doors? Super handy (and they make me feel fancy).
✅ Perfect for: Big families, entertainers, or anyone who wants a gorgeous, high-capacity air fryer oven.
2. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer: Best for Stylish Kitchens + All-in-One Simplicity

Okay, I had to add this one. If you love cooking quick meals and want something sleek on your counter, this one’s a gem. It’s from the makers of Instant Pot, so you know they get home cooking right.
- Capacity: 6 quarts – perfect for 4–6 servings
- Functions: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, reheat
- EvenCrisp™ Technology: Fries come out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
- One-Touch Programs: Wings, veggies, garlic potatoes, cookies… all pre-set
- Fast Preheat: Go from frozen to golden in minutes
- Clean-Up: Basket and tray are non-stick + dishwasher-safe
- Bonus: Free app with 100+ recipes for inspiration
My take: I tried this on a whim after a friend couldn’t stop talking about it. Fries were done in 13 minutes—crispy, golden, and no flipping needed. Also… it looks really nice on the counter.
3. Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer: Best for Quick Crisp Fries with Less Fat

I’ve had this one in my kitchen for months now — and it’s a workhorse. If you want French fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside without oil, this is your best friend.
- Capacity: 5.5 quarts – great for 2–4 people
- Max Crisp Technology: 450°F super heated air = fast, crispy fries
- Fat Cut: Up to 75% less fat than deep frying (yes, it’s true)
- 7-in-1 Functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Clean-Up: Ceramic basket = nonstick & dishwasher safe
- Extras: Comes with a 20-recipe book inspired by real chefs
Why I recommend it: I made a full 3-pound batch of fries in one go — they were evenly cooked, golden, and crispy. No flipping needed. And cleanup? Done in under 2 minutes.
✅ Perfect for: Quick, guilt-free meals, everyday frying, and anyone who wants crisp without the calories.
4. COSORI 9-in-1, 6-Quart Air Fryer:Best for Fast Fry Cravings

This one’s built for speed. It heats fast and gets those fries crunchy quick.
- Turbo modes = faster cooking
- Temp range: 90°F to 450°F
- 9 functions, all one-touch
- Dishwasher-safe parts (a blessing!)
Story time: I was starving one night. Tossed in some frozen fries. In 12 minutes? Crunch heaven.
5. Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer: Best for Quiet, Clean Cooking

This one surprised me. It’s big, fast, and weirdly quiet. Oh, and self-cleans!
- 8-quart size
- 150 presets for easy cooking
- Super quiet (you won’t even notice it’s on)
- PFAS-Free + self-cleaning feature
My review: The fries were crispy and I didn’t have to scrub a thing. Love that for me.
Final Thoughts: Crispy Fries, No Fuss
Homemade fries should be easy. And fun. These air fryers do all the hard work, so you can focus on the good stuff — eating.
I’ve tested these with frozen fries, fresh cut potatoes, sweet potato wedges, you name it. And I can honestly say: these five fry the best.
So go on. Treat yourself. Your perfect French fry moment is just a click away.