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Ultimate Extra Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

A large pile of golden, crispy air fryer french fries seasoned with salt, served on a white plate indoors.

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Make perfectly golden, crunchy French fries in your air fryer with a tender inside. This easy, low-oil method delivers restaurant-style results quickly, making it a great weeknight side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch thick sticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to remove excess starch. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. Drain the potatoes completely and pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. The potatoes must be very dry before cooking.
  3. In the same bowl, toss the dry potatoes with the olive oil until lightly coated.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  5. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well.
  7. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 minutes, until the fries are golden brown and crisp.
  8. Remove the fries from the air fryer and immediately transfer them to a clean bowl.
  9. Toss with the sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Serve right away for the best texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toss the finished fries with 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese immediately after seasoning.
  • If you use frozen fries, skip the soaking step and cook them at 380°F (195°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • To achieve the fluffiest inside, ensure you soak the fresh potatoes well.

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