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Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe for Ultimate Crunch at Home

crispy air fryer french fries - featured image

This recipe delivers golden, crispy French fries with a crunchy exterior and tender inside using an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin or light)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling after cooking
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • Cold water (enough to soak the potatoes)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and peel (if desired) the russet potatoes. Slice them into even sticks about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
  2. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
  3. Drain the soaked fries and lay them out on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, toss the dried fries with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Spread fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping fries halfway through for even cooking.
  7. Once cooked, immediately sprinkle extra sea salt or your favorite finishing salt before serving.

Notes

Soaking and drying the potatoes thoroughly before air frying is key to achieving ultimate crunch. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer fries, crispy french fries, healthy fries, easy side dish, homemade fries, air fryer recipe, gluten-free fries, dairy-free fries