Homemade Steak Fries in Air Fryer

There’s something special about steak fries—crispy and golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. This Air Fryer Steak Fries recipe strikes the perfect balance, offering a healthier alternative that’s less messy than deep-frying and delivers better crispness than oven-baked fries. My family has loved this for years, and I’m sure your family will too.

I’ve fine-tuned this recipe over the years to get consistent results. The air fryer makes it so easy, and the fries come out tasting like they’ve been deep-fried—but without the hassle of oil splatters or cleanup. Plus, the air fryer achieves a level of crispiness that even the oven can’t match. It’s perfect for family dinners or a quick snack without sacrificing flavor or texture. But don’t worry, I’ll give you oven instructions too.

Step 2 – Season the Steak Fry Wedges

Grab a large bowl and toss the sliced potatoes with oil or spray the bowl full. Then, once all the pieces are coated, sprinkle the fries with the seasonings. Add a little Parmesan cheese to make extra-crispy, cheesy fries! Toss all the ingredients together to combine and coat each wedge.

Step 3 – Time to Air Fry

Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching — this helps them crisp evenly on all sides. Air fry for 15-20 minutes per batch.

For larger batches, cook in batches and keep finished fries warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a baking sheet while you air fry the rest.

Step 4 – Give the Fries a Shake

No, I’m not talking about a milkshake (although that does sound good!). About halfway through cooking, give your air fryer fries a shake or turn them to ensure crispiness on all sides. Want them extra crispy? cook a little longer to your liking!

Step 5 – Take ‘em Out

Everyone out of the pool—or air fryer. Remove the fries carefully from the air fryer. Then you can give one a taste and add an additional sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. 

No Air Fryer? Oven Steak Fries Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the steak fries as directed (cut, soak, dry, season).
3. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet — don’t overcrowd them (use two sheets if needed).
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the fries.
5. Return to the oven and bake for another 12-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp to your liking.
6. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end to crisp them up even more — keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
7. Serve hot, seasoned to taste.

✅ Oven fries won’t get quite as crisp as air fryer fries, but using high heat and flipping ensures good results.
✅ You can preheat your baking sheet in the oven for an even crispier bottom.

Steak Fries Air Fryer Variations and Substitutions

Since you’re making these easy air fryer steak fries from scratch, feel free to make them your own! Change up the seasonings, oils, and more! Hint: Trader Joe’s has so many great seasoning blends. Try using different seasoning blends like these:

• You can also just sprinkle a little paprika and sea salt, keeping it simple.
• Taco Seasoning
• Greek Seasoning
• Cajun Seasoning
• Chili Lime Seasoning 
• Popcorn Seasoning
• Steak seasoning (like Montreal Steak seasoning)
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
• During the prep stage, you can also drizzle a little truffle oil over the wedges. Sounds good, right?

Topping Suggestions For Air Fryer Steak Fries

Of course, you can add parmesan cheese, as indicated in the instructions, but there are plenty more toppings to choose from. You do not have to stick with ketchup.

• Fresh chopped rosemary – Up to 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried.
• Fresh chopped thyme – Up to 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried.
• Bacon pieces, crispy fried of course!
• Cheddar Cheese or Blue Cheese
• Gravy? Yep, some people love gravy on their fries.
• Jalapeños (fresh or canned)
• See below for fabulous dipping sauce ideas!

Dipping Suggestions

Dip those fabulous steak fries in your favorite dipping sauce, delicious in homemade Ranch Dressing, barbecue sauce, my Honey Teriyaki Sauce, how about this Smashburger Fry Sauce, Chunky Blue Cheese dressing and this amazing Bacon Aioli or ketchup. 

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer (up to 3 months). 

Freeze | If freezing, cool completely and lay in a single layer on parchment lined baking sheet, flash freeze for 30-40 minutes then transfer to airtight container or baggie.

Leftovers

Should you find yourself with leftover fries, they are a great addition to breakfast the following day, along with a serving of homemade Mock Eggs Benedict, Easy Cheesy Chile Relleno, or chop them up and use them in a hash or scramble.

How to Reheat in Air Fryer

This is the sheer beauty of the air fryer! Brings the original crispness back to fried foods or crispy foods. Preheat the air fryer to 370° F, place leftover fries in one layer in the basket, and fry for 3 minutes until crispy.