Description
These Air Fryer French Fries deliver that perfect crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture we all crave—but with 80% less oil than traditional frying! Russet potatoes transformed into golden, seasoned fries that taste indulgent but won’t leave your kitchen smelling like a fast-food joint. The secret’s in the soaking and that final high-temp blast for that satisfying crunch. Your new go-to side dish or snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), scrubbed and cut into ¼-inch sticks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil, if you’re feelin’ fancy)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for finishing
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but trust me—it’s a game-changer)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional but pretty)
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Rinse your cut fries in cold water until the water runs clear—this pulls out excess starch for ultra-crispiness. Soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat bone-dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Season and coat: Toss your fries in a big bowl with the oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every stick’s got a nice sheen—like they’re wearin’ their Sunday best!
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. A hot basket means faster, crispier fries.
- Cook in batches: Spread fries in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd, y’all! You want air flow all around each fry. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to turn ’em over.
- Crisp ’em up: If you like ’em extra-crispy, bump the temp to 400°F (204°C) for a final 2–3 minutes. Just watch closely so they don’t go from golden to burnt!
- Finish and serve: Transfer fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with a pinch more kosher salt and a dusting of fresh parsley. Serve piping hot with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Soaking is non-negotiable! This step removes excess starch, which is the secret to achieving maximum crispiness.
- Drying thoroughly after soaking is crucial—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Don’t skip the preheating step—starting with a hot air fryer helps seal the exterior quickly.
- Work in batches rather than overcrowding. Patience = perfect fries!
- For extra flavor variations, try adding smoked paprika, onion powder, or nutritional yeast to your seasoning mix.
- These fries are best eaten immediately, but see storage tips if you have leftovers.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes soaking)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Air Fryer French Fries, Crispy French Fries, Homemade French Fries, Low-Oil Fries, Russet Potato Fries, Healthy French Fries