Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

There was this rainy Tuesday last month when I just needed something crispy and comforting, but I didnt want to deal with a pot of hot oil. The air fryer sitting on my counter caught my eye, and I decided to experiment. That first batch came out so incredibly golden and satisfying that my husband actually asked if Id secretly deep-fried them.

Last weekend we had friends over for burgers, and I made triple batches of these fries. Everyone kept wandering into the kitchen, grabbing handfuls, and asking what made them so perfectly crispy. The secret is just the soaking step and getting them truly dry before cooking.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes: Russets have the perfect starch content to create that fluffy interior while still developing a crispy exterior, and they hold their shape beautifully during cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is just enough to help the seasonings stick and promote even browning without making the fries greasy
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Using good quality salt makes such a difference here, and the flakes stick better than fine table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground has way more flavor than pre-ground, but you can leave this out if you prefer pure salty potato flavor

Instructions

Prep your potatoes:

Wash the potatoes well and peel them if you prefer, then cut them into 1/4 inch thick sticks, trying to keep them uniform so they cook evenly

Soak the cut fries:

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 20 to 30 minutes, which removes excess starch and helps them get much crispier

Dry them completely:

Drain the water and pat the fries thoroughly dry with a clean towel or paper towels because any remaining moisture will steam instead of crisp

Season the fries:

Toss the dried fries in a large bowl with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until every piece is lightly coated

Preheat and arrange:

Preheat your air fryer to 380F for 3 minutes, then arrange the fries in a single layer without overcrowding

Air fry to perfection:

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy all over

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with extra sea salt immediately while they are hot, and serve them right away for maximum crunch

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My kids now request these fries every Friday night, and it has become such a happy ritual. They are old enough to help with the tossing in oil and seasoning, which makes them even more excited to eat them.

Getting The Perfect Crisp

I have found that soaking time matters more than you might expect. Less than 20 minutes and they still seem starchy, but going over 30 minutes does not seem to add any benefit. That sweet spot gives you the crunchiest possible fry without waterlogging the potatoes.

Seasoning Variations

Sometimes I like to mix things up and these fries are perfect for experimentation. Garlic powder and onion powder are classics, but smoked paprika adds this incredible depth that makes them feel restaurant quality. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme tossed on right after cooking are amazing too.

Serving Suggestions

These fries shine alongside classic burgers or veggie burgers, but do not overlook them as a snack on their own. They are perfect with ketchup, mayo, or even just on their own while they are still piping hot from the fryer.

• Make a quick fry sauce by mixing ketchup with a little mayo and pickle relish
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese over them in the last 2 minutes of cooking
• Try dipping them in seasoned Greek yogurt for a lighter option

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There is something so satisfying about making restaurant style fries at home with such little effort and mess. Once you taste these perfectly crispy, salted fries, you might never go back to frozen again.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make fries crispier in the air fryer?

Ensure fries are dried thoroughly after soaking and avoid overcrowding the basket to allow even crisping.

→ Can I use other seasonings besides sea salt?

Yes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs work well for adding extra flavor.

→ Is peeling the potatoes necessary?

Peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.

→ How long should I soak the cut potatoes?

Soaking for 20–30 minutes helps remove excess starch for a crisper texture.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for optimal crispiness.

→ Can I cook fries in batches?

Yes, cook in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.