What are the Best Oil for Air Fryer French Fries? [5 REVIEWS]

What is an Air Fryer?

You may be wondering, what is an air fryer and what is the best oil for air fryer french fries? An air fryer is simply a high-powered countertop convection oven.  Air fryers, unlike conventional ovens, can preheat in minutes, which means food is ready faster. Read our article and find out the 7 Best Air Fryers to HAVE in Your Italian Kitchen.

The air fryer is a high-powered countertop convection oven that cooks your food without frying it. However, there is a difference between air-frying and baking. 

How to Air Fry

It is amazing to learn how to air fry french fries. A heating mechanism and a fan are in the upper part of an air fryer. When you turn on the fryer, heated air flows down and around the food in a fryer-style basket. The food becomes crisp as a result of quick circulation. You can use an air fryer in the following ways:

Place Your Food in the Basket

The air fryer basket may accommodate anywhere from 2 to 10 quarts of the food you are preparing, depending on the size of your air fryer. In most circumstances, you will need 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil to help the meal get crispy. In an air fryer, you can use foil to make cleanup a little quicker if you’re in a hurry.

Set Time and Temperature

Depending on your item, air fryer cooking durations and temperatures range from 5 to 25 minutes at 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (10.4 to 11.8 degrees Celsius). You should remember these settings whenever you want to air fry french fries.

Allow the Meal to Cook

To assist the food crisp up evenly, you must flip or turn it halfway through the cooking period. It’s critical to clean your air fryer after you finish cooking. Do you want to learn how to make crispy, golden-brown air-fried food? We’ve got air fryer suggestions to help every recipe turn out perfectly.

How Long to Cook Fries in an Air Fryer

Toss the french fries in the air fryer with the oil in a medium bowl, then season them with a half teaspoon of salt and several drops of the pepper mill. Place the fries in the basket of the air fryer so that they are evenly spaced out and do not overlap. 

If necessary, work in batches, and cook, rotating once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, which should take between 14 and 16 minutes. What is the recommended cooking time for frozen french fries in an air fryer? Place the fries in the air fryer basket, spray them with a thin layer of oil and sprinkle them with salt. 

Air-fry frozen french fries at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (11.8 degrees Celsius) for ten minutes, give them a shake, and continue cooking for another eight to ten minutes; the total cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your fries.

The Smoke Point for Different Types of Olive Oil

The smoke point for different types of olive oil:

• Extra virgin olive oil– 380 degrees Fahrenheit (11.2 degrees Celsius)
• Refines olive oil– 428 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 degrees Celsius)
• Extra light olive oil– 465 degrees Fahrenheit (13.8 degrees Celsius)

Where to Put Oil in an Air Fryer

Where in an air fryer should you place the oil for optimal results? When using an air fryer to make french fries, you do not need olive oil at all and should not use it. When you finish chopping the potatoes, please transfer them to a bowl and pour some olive oil over them using a spray bottle or a dispenser designed specifically for olive oil. 

After that, sprinkle some spice over the top. It’s not hard at all; just bear in mind the following points: You shouldn’t use olive oil in the air fryer; rather, you should use it on the fries you make. 

You can significantly improve the flavor of air-fried french fries by using extra virgin olive oil of high quality. Before air-frying french fries, a coating of olive oil will give them an extra layer of crunch on the outside.

Deep-Fried vs. Air Fryer Fries – The Differences

You will realize that there is a great difference between deep-fried fries and the fries that you prepare using an air fryer. The taste and crispiness of simple fried french chips is something that appeals to a lot of different people. 

As a consequence of this, I recommend making french fries in an air fryer as opposed to frying them in oil. This is due to the much-reduced amount of olive oil that you use, which results in a dish that is much more beneficial to one’s health.

In addition, the following are additional arguments in favor of preparing french fries in an air fryer rather than in a deep fryer: There is a lesser amount of calories. 

The french fries’ air fryer stands out because it provides a lower-fat option with less olive oil. This results in a lower total calorie count. The chips produced by air fryers have a flavor satisfying to the mouth and are crisp and delicious.

Compared to a deep fryer, an air fryer uses significantly less olive oil, and the food it produces is lower in fat and higher in nutritional value.

An Air Fryer French Fry Recipe

The air fryer allows you many options for preparing your favorite air fryer french fries. First-time frying potato chips will be straightforward and go well if you follow the simple guidelines.

Fortunately, you can use fresh, roasted, or frozen potatoes. Then, using hot air circulation and a timer, you can make cooking with a fryer simple for amateurs and professionals. Let’s take a look at three distinct varieties of air fryer fries recipes:

Recipe for Air Fryer French Fries with Fresh Potatoes

Time: 55 minutes

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Nutritional Facts

• 185 calories 
• Protein: 0.09 ounces (2.5 grams) 
• Carbohydrates: 0.82 ounces (23.3 grams) 
• Dietary fiber: 0.06 ounces (1.7 grams) 
• Sugars: 0.02 ounces (0.7 grams) 
• Fat: 0.3 ounces (9.5 grams) 
• Saturated fat: 0.05 ounces (1.4 grams) 
• Vitamin A: 97.6IU 
• Vitamin C: 0.0002 ounces (6.5 milligrams) 
• Folate 16mcg
• Calcium: 0.0006 ounces (17.1 milligrams) 
• Iron: 3.8 ounces (1.1 milligrams) 
• Magnesium: 0.0009 ounces (27.2 milligrams) 
• Potassium: 0.02 ounces (482.5 milligrams) 
• Sodium: 0.01 ounces (296.8 milligrams) 
• Thiamin: 0.35 ounces (0.1 milligrams)

Equipment Needed

1. An air fryer
2. Nonstick cooking spray for the basket

Ingredients

• 1 medium russet potato, unpeeled 
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut fresh potatoes into french fry shapes with a sharp knife.
2. To make potatoes extra crispy, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to break down any excess starch.
3. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl after draining them.
4. Using an oil sprayer, drizzle olive oil and season to taste (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika)
5. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (11.1 degrees Celsius).
6. Arrange seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the bottom of the frying basket.
7. To make fries crispy, cook them for 15 minutes and then toss them for 10 minutes.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ketchup, mayo, garlic sauce).

Recipe for Air Fryer French Fries Made With Baked Potatoes

You can also prepare homemade french fries in an air fryer using baked potatoes using the steps below:

1. Cut fresh potatoes into french fry shapes with a sharp knife.
2. Put them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Using an oil sprayer, drizzle olive oil over the top and season to taste (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika)
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (11.1 degrees Celsius).
5. Arrange seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the bottom of the frying basket.
6. Because baked potatoes don’t need baking any longer, cook/toss them for 10 minutes to get them crispy.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ketchup, mayo, garlic sauce).

Recipe for Air Fryer French Fries Made With Frozen Potatoes

Although frozen french fries may take longer to cook in an air fryer, the result will be the same: a crispy surface and a soft interior. Use the following steps to prepare french fries with frozen potatoes.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (11.1 degrees Celsius).
2. Spray frozen fries with olive oil and place them in a bowl.
3. If you desire, season with salt or another seasoning.
4. Arrange seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the bottom of the frying basket.

Our Top Pick for Air Fryer Fries and Oil

There are many options when it comes to the best oil for air fryer french fries oil. Our top pick for air fryer fries and oil is the M.G. PAPPAS – Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is the best since it’s gluten-free and has no allergens. It is also perfect for salads, dipping, and even cooking. Try it today with your air fryer fries, and you will get the best results ever.

At a Glance – the Best Oil for Air Fryer French Fries

1. M.G. PAPPAS – Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Best overall oil for air fryer french fries
2. La Tourangelle, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Best organic oil for air fryer french fries
3. Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil, Light, Subtle Flavor: Best oil for frying
4. BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil: Best non-GMO cooking oil 
5. Bertolli 100% Olive Oil Spray Can: Best oil spray for salads

What to Look for in Air Fryer French Fry Oil

The air fryer stands out from other fryers because it produces a lower-fat version of your favorite dish, french fries, in comparison to the other fryers. Olive oil is the best choice for making french fries in an air fryer. The following are factors you should consider when selecting the best oil for air fryer french fries; 

Quantity

To make delicious and crispy chips, you only need a small amount of oil and an air fryer to make delicious and crispy chips. This is just one of the numerous benefits of utilizing an air fryer.

Because you need to use a spoon to fry french fries with an air fryer, you should probably use the best cooking oil you can find. Many consider olive oil the greatest cooking oil available and the healthiest option.

Quality

We can attribute olive oil’s high quality and numerous health benefits, in part, to the high levels of antioxidants, “healthy” fats, and vitamins it contains. When you use it in moderation, olive oil has several positive effects on one’s health.

Olive oil does improve people’s health and extends their lifespans. Because of this, one of the advantages of consuming olive oil is the reduction of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by ten percent with just one teaspoon of olive oil.

Flavor

In addition, when using the air fryer, it is important to season the food appropriately. Consequently, you won’t need any other type of olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil is of a high grade, and the flavor of the food you prepare will improve significantly.

For instance, depending on your tastes, olive oil that you’ve infused yourself with chilies or herbs can give you a spicier and more flavorful dish than plain olive oil.

Smoke Point

The smoke point comes in last, but it’s still important. At this temperature, the fats in the oil start to break down, giving the meal a flavor or odor similar to burning. 

Consequently, the smoke point is essential before choosing oil for culinary applications. When making french fries in an air fryer, choosing an oil with a high smoke point is important, so the fries don’t burn.

Because of its high smoke point of 380 degrees Fahrenheit (11.2 degrees Celsius), extra virgin olive oil, for example, is ideal for use in an air fryer, in which the frying temperature for french fries is 375 degrees Fahrenheit (11.1 degrees Celsius). 

Because of this, olive oil keeps the high nutritional content before you fry it and continues to be just as beneficial as before you fried it.

Our Reviews for the Best Oil for Air Fryer French Fries

M.G. PAPPAS – Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Best Overall Oil for Air Fryer French Fries

Brand: M.G. PAPPAS

Flavor: Olive

Item form: Liquid

Package weight: 2.9 pounds (1.32 kilograms)

Item dimensions: 12.9 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches (32.8 x 7.1 x 7.1 centimeters)

Volume: 25.5 fluid ounces (714.4 grams)

Diet type: Gluten-free

Available variants: Extra virgin oil

About This Item

This is original olive oil from Greece. This EVOO is from Kalamata Olives, considered the most popular table olives in the world. 

These olives are from small olive groves in Greece’s own families.” It has a flavor reminiscent of the earth and a robust fresh fruity aroma accompanied by a wide variety of secondary smells, such as apple and almonds.

It has a mild to medium intensity, and the aftertaste is slightly peppery; the overall flavor is quite well balanced. You can drizzle it over vegetables before broiling it and use it in salads, baked meals, and mashed potatoes.”

This olive oil is free of gluten and other allergens and contains many monounsaturated fats. It has a healthy balance of omega-three and omega-six fatty acids in its composition.

Using these ingredients in dressings, marinades, grilling, roasting, and sautéing can bring out the best in your meals. Drizzle over warm freshly baked bread, summer salads, shellfish, grilled veggies, baked potatoes, spaghetti, and cooked chicken before serving.

When you are hosting your next dinner party or celebrating a holiday, impress your guests by presenting them with a bottle of M.G. PAPPAS Balsamic Vinegar or Olive Oil.

Pros

• It contains omega-three and six fatty acids.
• It is gluten-free.
• It is allergen-free.

Cons 

• It is pricey.

La Tourangelle, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Best Organic Oil for Air Fryer French Fries

Amazon’s Choice in Olive Oils by La Tourangelle

Brand: La Tourangelle

Flavor name: Extra virgin olive oil

Diet type: USDA Organic

Weight: 1.59 pounds (0.7 kilograms)

Item form: Liquid

Item dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 8 inches (8.3 x 8.3 x 20.3 centimeters)

Volume: 25.4 fluid ounces (720.1 grams)

Available variants: Extra virgin oil

About This Item

The olive oil that is extra virgin and made from 100 percent organic olives is perfectly balanced. In addition, it possesses a powerful flavor and a fruity aroma, with undertones of newly cut grass, almond, fresh olive leaves, and a piquant peppery aftertaste.

This oil is the foundation of La Tourangelle’s natural and homemade oils and comprises ingredients of the highest possible quality. You can smell the quality of this oil. The flavor of La Tourangelle is versatile and may enhance a wide variety of dishes.

Delicious and versatile, the oils, dressings, and vinaigrettes that we provide make it simple to create one-of-a-kind recipes for both experienced and those just starting in the kitchen. It adds flavor and texture to various foods, including salads, pasta, and meats.

The natural handmade oils and vinaigrettes made by La Tourangelle are the perfect way to top off a gourmet meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The goal is to create things that are of high quality and have a long lifespan. 

Non-GMO, expeller-pressed, and kosher certifications are available. La Tourangelle brings the most exquisite flavors and oils from all corners of the globe directly to you.

Pros

• It contains natural ingredients.
• It has a versatile flavor.
• It has a pleasant aroma.

Cons

• It is quite expensive.

Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil, Light, Subtle Flavor: Best Oil for Frying

Amazon’s Choice in Olive Oils by Pompeian

Brand: Pompeian

Diet type: Kosher

Flavor: Olive

Weight: 32 ounces (907.2 grams)

Specialty: Gluten-free, kosher

Volume: 32 fluid ounces (907.2 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Item dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 8 inches (8.3 x 8.3 x 20.3 centimeters)

Available variants: Olive pomace

About This Item

This olive oil has a mild flavor and a delicate aroma, and it is perfect. Pompeian olive oils have a delicate and light flavor, making them an excellent choice for any dish that begins with a sauté and ends with a drizzle. 

Because of its light and subtle flavor, Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil works wonderfully for both frying and baking since 1906.

Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil is a healthy alternative to butter, margarine, and vegetable oil that does not alter the flavor of your favorite recipes and cuisines. It is also simple to use and requires no special preparation.

Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil is naturally free of gluten and non-allergenic, kosher, verified by the Non-GMO Project, and certified for authenticity by the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA).

Pros

• It is gluten-free.
• It is simple to use.

Cons

• It is quite expensive.

BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil: Best Non-GMO Cooking Oil 

Amazon’s Choice in Avocado Oils by BetterBody Foods

Brand: BetterBody Foods

Flavor name: Avocado oil

Diet type: Organic

Weight: 16.9 ounces (479.1 grams)

Item dimensions: 9.29 x 1.89 x 2.68 inches (23.6 x 4.8 x 6.8 centimeters)

Volume: 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces)

Specialty: Gluten-free, kosher

Item form: Liquid

Available variants: Refined oil

About This Item

Our avocado oil is a healthy cooking oil that you can use in various meals due to its adaptability and versatility. It works great for frying dishes, and once it has cooled down, you can use it as the basis for a homemade salad dressing you make in your kitchen.

This pure cooking oil has a smoke point of 500 degrees Fahrenheit (14.8 degrees Celsius) and can use for nearly everything, making it the ideal accompaniment to olive oil. The smoke point of this oil is 500 degrees Fahrenheit (14.8 degrees Celsius). It is excellent for frying, sautéing, and baking, to name just a few of the many uses you may put it.

This healthy cooking oil has a subtle, unobtrusive flavor and enhances the flavor of food. Compared to conventional vegetable oil, it has just 0.4 ounces (10 grams) of monounsaturated fat per serving. Foods you prepare with this oil have a better flavor.

The extraction of this oil does not include the use of additives or genetically engineered organisms, and it does not contain gluten. It has a delicious flavor thanks to the fact that it includes entirely natural components and is also compatible with the nutritional requirements of the paleo and keto diets.

BetterBody sells a versatile oil you can use for a wide range of cooking methods, including frying, sautéing, baking, and many more. Avocado oil is good for the body since it contains useful components such as vitamins, minerals, and other vitamins and minerals.

Pros

• Because of the high heat, you won’t have to worry about your cooking oil smoking.
• You can use it for a variety of purposes.
• It has a bland flavor.

Cons

• It is pricey.

Bertolli 100% Olive Oil Spray 5oz Can: Best Oil Spray for Salads

Amazon’s Choice in Olive Oils by Bertolli

Brand: Bertolli

Flavor name: Extra Virgin

Diet type: Organic

Specialty: Gluten-free, kosher

Volume: 5 fluid ounces (141.7 grams)

Package weight: 1.3 pounds (0.57 kilograms)

Item form: Liquid

Item dimensions: 8 x 6 x 1.3 inches (20.3 x 15.2 x 3.3 centimeters)

Available variants: Pure olive oil

About This Item

Bertolli 100 percent Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray gives salads and whole pasta a robust flavor. Spray it immediately on your food; there are no chemicals or additives in this propellant-free oil, and it’s flavorful right out of the bottle. Ingredients derived from nature. It has a rich flavor. 

Keep children away from it. Never spray straight into an oven or on warm surfaces near open flames. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the main ingredient.

Pros

• It contains natural ingredients.
• It has no additives. 

Cons 

• It is pricey.

Why Trust The Proud Italian

You should trust proud Italian because it provides you with enough knowledge on the best kitchen appliances you can have in your kitchen. Furthermore, you get to learn various recipes you can try in the comfort of your home. 

Our Final Conclusion on the Best Oil for Air Fryer French Fries

After reading this, you should better understand why olive oil is ideal for an air fryer for french fries. You should consider olive oil’s great flavor, cooking temperature, and healthy fat content. This will help to determine that it is the ideal option for the chips you are frying.

Experiment with several types of potatoes to find which ones you prefer to fry and which flavors go best with the main course. 

We recommend using M.G. PAPPAS – Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil to prepare your french fries. It will surprise you that air fryer french fries taste just like restaurant fries, but they’re far healthier, so you can feel good about serving them to your family and friends.

You can undoubtedly use an air fryer for cooking french fries when you are short on time or wish to reduce your calorie intake. And, armed with this information, you should be well on making the tastiest air-fried french fries with olive oil. Enjoy your air frying, and let us know how the results turned out!