There’s nothing like that first bite of a crispy, golden fry, especially when it’s homemade. I have spent weeks testing different models to uncover the best air fryer for French fries, from frozen to homemade and even sweet potato fries.
In this review, I will walk you through five top contenders that truly impressed me with their performance, ease, and crunch factor. Stick around, your perfect fry-making companion might just be on this list!
Quick Summary: Which Air Fryer Is Right for You?
- Emeril Lagasse French Door Oven (26QT): Best air fryer for French fries
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus (6QT): Best air fryer for sweet potato fries
- Nuwave Brio Plus (8QT): Best air fryer for wings and fries
Top 5 Air Fryers for French Fries (My Real Results)
1. Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven (Best overall)
What I Like
- Easy-to-use presets for air frying, baking, and more.
- Large 26-quart capacity fits full meals.
- French doors open smoothly with one hand.
What I don’t like
- Rotisserie struggles with larger chickens.
- Power cord is too short.
I’ve been testing air fryers for years, and this one really stood out. The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer is hands down the best air fryer for French fries I’ve used. It delivers crispy results every time—whether it’s frozen, homemade, or even sweet potato fries.
I love how I can toss in wings and fries together and get golden crunch without the grease. It’s fast, roomy, and easy to clean. If you’re after the best air fryer for crispy fries or just want a fryer that feels built for real kitchens, this one’s a winner.
2. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer review
What I Like
- Crisps food well with very little oil.
- Heats fast and has easy presets.
- Basket and tray are dishwasher safe.
What I Don’t Like
- Strong plastic smell at first.
- Trays inside can fall out when tipping.
I’ve been using the Instant Pot Vortex Plus for over a month now, and it’s become my go-to for crispy, golden fries. Whether I’m making frozen fries or experimenting with homemade batches, it delivers that perfect crunch every time.
It might be the best air fryer for French fries if you want fast results without deep frying. It also handles wings and sweet potato fries like a champ. While there’s a slight plastic smell at first, it fades fast. If you want great fries without deep frying, this model is a smart, value-packed choice worth adding to your cart.
3. Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer review
What I Like
- Large 8-quart capacity — perfect for cooking meals for up to 4 people.
- PFAS-free nonstick ceramic coating — healthier and easier cleanup.
- Intuitive digital touch screen — easy to use with 100 presets and precise temperature control.
What I Don’t Like
- Nonstick coating may peel over time — some users reported durability issues.
- Heating performance can be inconsistent — especially during longer cooking cycles.
I have been using the Nuwave Brio Plus for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly earned its spot on my kitchen counter. If you’re searching for the best air fryer for French fries, whether frozen, homemade, or sweet potato, this one delivers every time. Fries come out crispy outside, soft inside, and never greasy.
I’ve even tossed in wings with fries, and both cooked perfectly together. It’s super easy to use, with clear digital controls and plenty of presets. For anyone who wants the best air fryer for crispy fries, this is a solid pick.
4. Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF161 Air Fryer review
What I Like
- Cooks food to crispy perfection quickly with little to no oil
- Easy to use, clean, and fits well on small countertops
- Great build quality and versatile functions like roast, reheat, and dehydrate
What I Don’t Like
- Some units arrive defective or emit a plastic smell
- Can be noisy, and the crisper plate may become unstable during use
The Ninja Air Fryer AF141 Pro feels like having a tiny chef on your counter, quick, reliable, and always ready. From crispy wings to reheated pizza, everyday meals are easier and healthier with little to no oil. I’ve used it during busy weeknights, and it’s saved me time and cleanup.
Ninja as a brand has earned trust for making simple tools that work. Sure, some units can be a bit noisy or have quirks, but most people, like me, find them easy to love. It’s not perfect, but it makes cooking much more fun.
5. COSORI CAF-DC601 9-in-1 air fryer review
What I Like
- Heats up fast and cooks evenly
- Large 6-quart basket fits family meals
- Quiet operation, even on high settings
What I Don’t Like
- Some units stop working after a few months
- Strong plastic or burnt smell during early use
Cosori’s 9-in-1 air fryer feels like the kitchen sidekick you didn’t know you needed. It cooks fast, uses less oil, and delivers crispy, tasty meals without the mess. The controls are easy, the cleanup is simple, and the size works well for couples or families.
It’s quiet too, which makes a big difference. Some users have faced issues like odd smells or power glitches, but overall, Cosori has built a solid reputation for performance and design. Think of it like the multi tool of air fryers handy, efficient, and great to have around. Just be sure to leave room for airflow!
6. Chefman TurboFry Touch Review
What I like
- Crispy fries, fast. Even browning and consistent texture with the preset.
- Easy to use. One-touch controls and a clear display; great for busy nights.
- Easy to clean. Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and tray.
What I don’t like
- No window. You must pull the basket to check doneness.
Short answer: for the price and size, yes. My 5-quart Chefman makes fast, crispy fries with very little oil. I tossed in a bag of frozen shoestrings, hit the French Fries preset, and the LED Shake reminder pinged at the halfway mark. Ten more minutes and I had golden fries that were crisp outside and fluffy inside. Cleanup took one minute. The basket and tray went in the dishwasher.
I also tested chicken thighs, bacon, and veggies. The 200–400°F range handled all of it. The automatic shutoff paused when I pulled the basket, then resumed when I slid it back in. That felt safe. Noise was low. On a small U.S. kitchen counter, the footprint is reasonable for a “family of 3–4” batch.
If you want a simple, reliable fryer for weeknights, this one nails the basics without gimmicks.
7. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Review
What I like
- Versatile 8-in-1 design. Air fry, bake, grill, and toast in one unit.
- Large capacity. Handles meals for 3–4 people with ease.
- Even cooking. Fries, wings, and fish all come out crispy and well-cooked.
What I don’t like
- Takes time to clean. Oil can collect in corners, so wiping after each use is a must.
I’ve used a few air fryers before, but this Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill genuinely surprised me. It’s not just an air fryer—it’s an all-in-one countertop workhorse. I can toast bread in the morning, bake cookies at noon, and grill chicken at night—all without heating up the kitchen.
When I first tried making fries (because let’s be honest, I was testing if it could be the Best Air Fryer for French Fries), they came out crispy and evenly browned without any oily smell. The AirAdvantage technology really works; hot air circulates fast and gives a restaurant-level crunch.
The oven heats up quickly and fits a 12-inch pizza or a small chicken, which is perfect for my U.S.-sized apartment kitchen. I also like that the stainless-steel build looks sleek and professional on the counter.
Final Verdict
After testing multiple models side by side, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer stands out as my top pick. It’s spacious, easy to use, and nails that golden crunch we all love—especially when making French fries or cooking up a big meal for the family.
The French door design feels thoughtful and makes handling trays a breeze. While the rotisserie isn’t perfect for larger chickens, and the cord could be longer, these are small trade-offs for a unit that consistently performs well.
If you’re looking for something slightly more compact or budget-friendly, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL is a fantastic alternative. It heats fast, crisps beautifully, and is super beginner-friendly.
Buying Guide: Best Air Fryer for French Fries
High Temperature + Strong Air Circulation
The secret to crispy French fries is simple: high heat and strong airflow. That’s why your air fryer should go up to at least 400°F and have a powerful convection fan. Without these two, your fries will turn out soft, pale, or uneven. A strong fan circulates hot air across every surface of the fries, mimicking the effect of deep-frying—but with little or no oil.
Basket Design Makes All the Difference
Flat, wide baskets are ideal for cooking fries. Deep or narrow baskets tend to crowd the fries, making the ones at the bottom soggy. The best models have perforated or mesh trays that allow hot air to flow freely under and around each fry. If your fries aren’t getting that golden crunch, poor airflow is usually the culprit.
Choose the Right Size for Your Kitchen
Size matters—not just for cooking, but for counter space too. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a 3 to 5-quart air fryer will do just fine. Families or batch cookers should go for 6 quarts or more. If you have room, an oven-style air fryer gives you even more space to spread out your fries in a single layer, which is key for even crisping.
Presets, Timers & Shake Alerts Are Game-Changers
If you want hands-off cooking, look for air fryers with preset buttons—especially one labeled “French Fries” or “Frozen Foods.” Even better, get one with a shake reminder. It’s easy to forget to flip the fries halfway through, and this small feature makes a big difference in results. Digital controls and visible timers help too, especially for beginners.
Easy to Clean = More Fries, Less Frustration
Let’s be honest—fries leave a mess. From oil spray to starch crumbs, you’ll want an air fryer with nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts. Bonus points for units that don’t have too many hard-to-reach corners. If cleanup is quick, you’re more likely to use the machine regularly.
Durability & Safety for Everyday Use
A stainless steel body isn’t just about looks—it lasts longer than plastic and handles heat better. Safety features like automatic shutoff, cool-touch handles, and auto-pause when the basket is removed give you peace of mind. And for U.S. buyers, easy access to spare parts and good customer service is always a plus.
FAQs for Best Air Fryer for French Fries
Which air fryer size is best for French fries?
A 4 to 6-quart air fryer is great for most households. Look for a square basket, like on the Instant Vortex Plus or Ninja models, as it gives you more cooking space to spread out the French fries for maximum crispiness.
What feature ensures the crispiest air fryer French fries?
Look for an air fryer with a powerful fan and high maximum temperature (around 400°F/200°C). Models with a preheat function, like the Instant Vortex, can also help fries get a fast, super-crispy exterior.
Should I choose a single-basket or dual-basket air fryer for French fries?
A single-basket air fryer often has larger capacity for a single layer of fries, which is key for crisping. A dual-basket model like the Ninja Foodi DualZone is useful if you want to cook fries and another food item at different settings simultaneously.
Are air fryer ovens better than basket-style air fryers for French fries?
Air fryer ovens, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, offer high capacity for large batches of fries, often using racks. While good, basket-style air fryers are typically faster and ensure more even crisping with simple shaking.
How do I prevent my French fries from getting soggy in the air fryer?
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this traps steam and makes fries soggy. For the best air fryer results, cook in small batches in a single layer and shake the basket several times during cooking to ensure even heat circulation and maximum crunch.