With just four simple adjustments to your air fryer routine, you can make homemade french fries that come incredibly close to the deep-fried ones, according to a popular CNET cooking guide circulating among home cooks.
If you’ve ever pulled out a batch of floppy, sad fries from your air fryer and wished they looked like the crispy, golden ones from your favorite burger joint, you’re not alone. The air fryer, which circulates hot air at high speed to mimic frying, can make fantastic fries. However, many people skip the crucial steps that lead to better results.
The Four Steps That Change Everything
1. Soak the Cut Potatoes in Cold Water
Before you apply any heat, let your potato slices soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This process removes excess starch, which is the main culprit behind soggy fries. Think of starch like a sponge: if you don’t eliminate some of it, it retains moisture during cooking and steams the fry from within instead of allowing it to crisp up outside.
2. Dry Them Completely
After soaking, make sure to pat every fry dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Any leftover water will create steam in the air fryer basket, and steam destroys crunchiness. This step may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked because of impatience. So, don’t rush it!
3. Use the Right Amount of Oil — Not Too Much, Not Too Little
Air fryers need some oil for proper crisping, but using too much makes fries greasy. Aim for about one to two teaspoons per pound of potatoes, ensuring an even coating. A light layer of oil lets the hot air do its work without drowning the fries in fat.
4. Cook in a Single Layer and Shake Halfway Through
Overcrowding fries blocks airflow, which defeats the purpose of using an air fryer. Cook them in a single layer, even if it means making two batches. Shake the basket halfway through so each fry gets a chance to cook evenly. Most air fryers perform best at around 380°F to 400°F, with fries usually taking 15 to 20 minutes depending on their thickness.
What This Means for You
If you own an air fryer and haven’t been thrilled with the results, you don’t need to buy anything new. No special accessories or fancy potatoes are required. The biggest change involves time — specifically, allowing 30 minutes for the cold water soak. If you plan ahead, you can prep the potatoes while you’re getting the rest of dinner ready, ensuring everything is done at the same time.
For those looking to cut down on deep-frying without sacrificing crispy food, mastering the air fryer technique is essential. A deep fryer might use a quart or more of oil for one batch, while an air fryer only needs a teaspoon or two. The calorie difference is substantial, and you won’t be heating a dangerous pot of boiling oil on the stove.
This method works well with russet potatoes, the starchy variety that most restaurants prefer, but you can also use sweet potatoes if you like them better. Russets tend to get crispier due to their higher starch content, which is exactly what the cold water soak manages.
What Home Cooks Are Saying
“The soak step is legit. I thought it was overkill until I tried it side by side. Night and day difference in texture.”
“I’ve been skipping the drying step and that’s clearly been my problem this whole time. Trying this tomorrow.”
Sources
What To Watch
Air fryer technology keeps getting better. New models from brands like Ninja and Cosori now include preset modes specifically for french fries that automatically adjust temperature and timing during cooking. If you’re shopping for a new unit, look for models with a shake reminder feature, which beeps at the halfway point so you won’t forget that crucial step. Expect more guided cooking features in models released in late 2026 as manufacturers focus on ease of use over just raw capacity.
Maya Torres
Maya Torres is the Consumer Tech Editor at Explosion.com with 7 years covering product launches for major technology publications. She has reviewed over 300 devices across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart home products. Maya specializes in translating spec sheets into real-world buying advice and attends CES, MWC, and Apple keynotes as press. Her reviews focus on helping readers decide what to buy, not just what specs look good on paper.
