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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Crispy Air Fryer Steak Fries (Fresh or Frozen + Cook Time)

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    Modified: May 3, 2026 · Published: Sep 15, 2024 by Mindy Boyd · Leave a Comment
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    ⏲ 28 minutes minutes
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    Looking for crispy air fryer steak fries that turn out perfectly every time? These homemade steak fries are golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and ready in about 15–18 minutes. You can make them with fresh potatoes or frozen fries using the same simple method.

    How Long to Cook Steak Fries in the Air Fryer

    Air fry steak fries at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

    A red basket lined with parchment paper and filled with air fried steak fries and a small silver bowl of ketchup.

    This easy air fryer steak fries recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and gives you that classic steak fry texture without deep frying. Below, you’ll find exact cook times, tips for getting them extra crispy, and how to adjust for different air fryers.

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    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Ingredient Notes
    • How to Cut Steak Fries
    • How to Make Crispy Steak Fries in the Air Fryer
    • Additions
    • Dipping Sauce Ideas
    • Storage and Reheating
    • FAQs
    • Try these simple air fryer recipes next!
    • Air Fryer Steak Fries

    Best of all, you won’t have to compromise on flavor or texture because these fries are deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s my absolute favorite way to make fries!

    A small red parchment paper lined basket filled with cooked steak fries.

    Ingredients

    Two whole unpeeled potatoes, a small bowl of canola oil and a small bowl of salt sitting on the counter with the air fryer and a wooden cutting board.

    Ingredient Notes

    See recipe card for exact amounts.

    • Potatoes – we use russet potatoes that are peeled. 
    • Oil – I like canola oil for this, olive oil or vegetable oil will work. 
    • Seasonings – we just add a little salt to our homemade fries. Regular salt, kosher salt or sea salt are all good options. See below in the additions section of this post for some suggestions on other ways to season your fries. 

    How to Cut Steak Fries

    Steak fries are not cut the same as potato wedges, but rather more squared off. Peel the potato and cut it in half on the longest side of the potato. Lay the cut side down on the cutting board and slice the potato straight down into about ⅜ – ½ inch slices. Be sure to keep the cuts straight up and down so the fries will be sort of square. 

    I don’t fuss over getting them exactly the same size because thinner fries will get a little more crispy and thicker fries will be softer. This works well for my family because some of us like them lighter and some of us like them darker. This way we get a mixture of both and everyone is happy.

    A wooden cutting board with the steak fries cut to illustrate how to cut them.

    How to Make Crispy Steak Fries in the Air Fryer

    1. Peel potatoes, rinse, dry with paper towels, and cut into fries. 
    2. Toss with canola oil in a large bowl. 
    3. Spray the basket of your air fryer with nonstick spray. Pour the fries into the basket and spread them out as good as you can, some will touch. 
    4. Cook for 15-18 minutes shaking them about halfway. Check fries after 15 minutes to see if they are tender and crispy. 
    The cut raw potatoes in a large bowl after they were tossed in canola oil and salt, ready to go in the air fryer.
    Side-by-side images of the steak fries in the air fryer basket, before being air fried on the left and after on the right.

    Additions

    We season our fries simply most of the time but occasionally add additional seasoning. Below are some of our favorites.

    • onion powder
    • garlic powder
    • paprika
    • dried parsley
    • Italian seasoning
    • black pepper

    Sometimes we sprinkle a little parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese over the warm fries. 

    Dipping Sauce Ideas

    I’ve gotta say that my favorite sauce is ketchup, but below are some other sauces we use occasionally. Did I leave out your favorite dipping sauce? Let me know with a comment. 

    • ketchup
    • spicy mayo
    • ranch dressing
    • chili sauce
    • barbecue sauce
    • avocado lime ranch dressing
    • buttermilk honey mustard dressing
    Overhead view of air fryer steak fries ready to be served in a red restaurant style red basket.

    Storage and Reheating

    Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Warm in the air fryer at 400° for 3-4 minutes. 

    FAQs

    How do I keep air fryer fries from sticking?

    Toss the uncooked fries in oil and spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

    Do I need to soak potatoes before air frying steak fries?

    While soaking the raw potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes will remove some of the starch I find it isn’t necessary to achieve crispy steak fries.

    Try these simple air fryer recipes next!

    • Country Style Ribs – Tender and juicy ribs are cooked in the air fryer and ready in 20 minutes.
    • Grands Biscuits – Great for busy weeknight dinners or a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch. 
    • Zucchini Fries – Learn how to make these amazing zucchini fries in just a few simple steps.

    Love this recipe?

    Leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Feature image of the cooked air fryer steak fries and a small bowl of ketchup.

    Air Fryer Steak Fries

    Author Mindy Boyd
    Homemade Steak Fries in the Air Fryer are the perfect easy side dish, appetizer, or snack. A budget-friendly and healthy alternative to frozen fries, they're sure to be a hit with the whole family!
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    Print – Email Required Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 18 minutes mins
    Total Time 28 minutes mins
    Servings 4 servings
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium-sized potatoes about 1 pound total
    • 1 tablespoon canola oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
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    Instructions
     

    • Peel potatoes, rinse, pat dry with a paper towel and cut into fries.
      2 medium-sized potatoes
    •  Toss with canola oil and salt in a large bowl. 
      1 tablespoon canola oil, ½ teaspoon salt
    • Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Pour fries into basket and spread them out as good as you can, some will touch. 
    • Cook on 400° for 15-18 minutes shaking about halfway. Check after 15 minutes to see if they are tender and crispy. 

    Notes

    Did you make this recipe? We would love it if you would leave us a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
     
    Nutritional information is only an estimate and may not be correct for the specific ingredients used.  
     
    See notes, tips and other valuable information in the post above.
     
    Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 6983mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

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    About Mindy

    Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

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