Description
Achieve restaurant-quality crispy homemade air fryer French fries with fluffy interiors using this easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfect as a side or snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1–2 tablespoons high smoke point oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
Instructions
- Prep Potatoes: Wash potatoes thoroughly. Peel if desired, then cut into ¼ to ½ inch thick, even sticks.
- Soak: Place cut potatoes in a bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for 30-60 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and rinse.
- Dry Thoroughly: Spread potatoes on several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat them extremely dry. This is crucial for crispiness.
- Season & Toss: Return dry potatoes to a clean bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, tossing again until evenly seasoned.
- Air Fry – First Stage: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Arrange seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- Air Fry – Final Crisp: Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Air fry for another 3-5 minutes, shaking once, until fries are deeply golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins