Description
Crispy and golden Air Fryer French Fries made with simple seasoning and minimal oil. These fries are deliciously crisp on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 1 pound russet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium)
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 teaspoon neutral vegetable oil (or more as needed, but do not add too much to avoid soggy fries)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon total)
Soaking
- Ice cold water (enough to cover potatoes for soaking)
Instructions
- Prep/Soak: Scrub the potatoes clean and peel if desired, though peeling is optional. Slice the potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries depending on preference. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with ice cold water. Let soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help achieve crispy fries.
- Dry and Season: Drain the soaked potatoes and rinse them briefly. Pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove any moisture. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with just enough vegetable oil to coat them evenly without making them soggy. In a small bowl, mix ground paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the fries with the seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer on the highest setting for 5 minutes. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Air fry at 385°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. After 15 minutes, check the fries and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 5 minutes depending on the desired crispiness and doneness.
- Salt and Serve: Remove the fries immediately from the air fryer to prevent sogginess, and toss them with salt to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Repeat the air frying process with remaining potatoes in batches.
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch and results in crisper fries.
- Patting the fries dry is crucial to avoid soggy fries when air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for even crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning and salt to your preference after cooking for best flavor.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best results in air frying.
