Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly golden, crispy air fryer french fries using simple ingredients and a special soaking technique to achieve the ideal crunch.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt, or to taste)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse 4 large russet potatoes under cold water. Peel if you prefer skinless fries, or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. (Approx. 5 minutes)
- Slice the potatoes lengthwise into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick sticks. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. (Approx. 7 minutes)
- Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to remove excess starch.
- Drain the water and thoroughly pat the fries dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. This is key to avoid sogginess. (Approx. 5 minutes)
- In a clean bowl, coat the fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add optional garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Use tongs to mix well so every fry gets a light sheen. (Approx. 3 minutes)
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat for 3 minutes.
- Place fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through to turn fries for even browning. Watch closely towards the end to avoid burning.
- Check for doneness; fries should be golden brown with crisp edges and tender inside. If needed, add 2-3 minutes more.
- Remove fries and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best crunch.
Notes
Soaking the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch and prevents sogginess. Thoroughly drying the fries before air frying is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Shake or toss fries halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a better crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: air fryer french fries, crispy fries, easy fries recipe, healthy fries, homemade fries, golden fries, quick snack