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Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

A close-up of golden brown, seasoned Crispy Air Fryer French Fries piled high in a small white bowl.

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Follow these steps to make genuinely crispy French fries using your air fryer. This method focuses on proper potato preparation for a crunchy exterior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes, if desired, and cut them into uniform sticks, about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. 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 removes excess starch.
  3. Drain the potatoes completely. Rinse them under cold running water until the water runs clear.
  4. Dry the potatoes thoroughly. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them completely dry. Moisture prevents crisping.
  5. In the bowl, toss the dry potatoes with the oil until lightly coated.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  7. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  8. Air fry for 15 minutes.
  9. Shake the basket well. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes, checking frequently, until the fries are golden brown and crisp.
  10. Remove the fries from the basket, place them in a clean bowl, and immediately toss with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Soaking and drying the potatoes are the most important steps for achieving crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in small batches for the best results.
  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the fries with oil halfway through cooking.

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