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Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

These homemade air fryer French fries use russet potatoes, a short water soak, and just 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Two-temperature cooking produces fries with browned, crisp edges and a tender, fluffy center.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large potatoes Large russet potatoes, about 1 1/2 pounds total
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided or added to taste
Optional Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper or garlic powder

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Scrub and peel the russet potatoes if desired. Cut them into evenly sized fries approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  2. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes. Drain and rinse them when the soaking time is complete.
  3. Dry the potatoes extremely well with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Toss them with the olive oil and about half of the kosher salt.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), if the manufacturer recommends preheating. Arrange the fries in a mostly single layer without packing the basket too tightly.
  5. Air-fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 to 7 minutes so the potatoes cook and brown more evenly.
  6. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Shake once or twice during this final stage, watching closely as the fries become golden and crisp.
  7. Season the hot fries immediately with the remaining kosher salt and optional black pepper or garlic powder. Serve right away for the best texture.

Notes

Drying the potatoes thoroughly is essential because excess water can cause steaming instead of browning. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Cooking time varies with fry thickness, basket size, and how full the air fryer is.