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Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer French Fries: The Foolproof Method

A tall pile of golden, crispy air fryer french fries sprinkled generously with coarse salt, served on a white plate.
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Make perfectly crispy air fryer french fries at home. This easy, low-oil method delivers golden fries with a tender inside every time, perfect for a quick side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil or other high-heat oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for garlic parmesan fries)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skin on for a rustic texture. Cut the potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick sticks. Uniformity helps them cook evenly.
  2. Soak for Crispness: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step removes excess starch, which is key to achieving a crispy exterior.
  3. Dry Thoroughly: Drain the potatoes completely. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness in the air fryer.
  4. Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Place the dry potatoes in a clean bowl. Drizzle with the oil and toss until lightly coated. Sprinkle with sea salt and garlic powder. If using Parmesan, add it now.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps start the crisping process immediately.
  6. Air Fry in Batches: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, or in a thin layer if your basket is small. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the potatoes instead of crisping them.
  7. First Cook Cycle: Cook for 10 minutes.
  8. Shake and Continue: Open the air fryer and shake the basket well to redistribute the fries. Cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crisp. Check frequently after the 15-minute mark.
  9. Serve Immediately: Remove the fries and serve right away for the best texture. Adjust salt as needed.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, you can soak the cut potatoes in ice water for 1 hour, drain, rinse, and then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before drying them completely.
  • If you are using frozen french fries, skip the soaking step. Toss frozen fries with 1 teaspoon of oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • If you prefer a garlic parmesan flavor, toss the cooked fries with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese immediately after removing them from the air fryer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/air-fryer-french-fries-crispy-recipe/