Make perfectly crispy air fryer french fries with a tender inside using fresh potatoes and minimal oil. This easy homemade recipe delivers golden, restaurant-style fries quickly.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large Russet potatoes
1 tablespoon avocado oil or other high-heat oil
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
Wash and cut the potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick fries. Do not peel the potatoes.
Place the cut fries into a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Soak the potatoes for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to remove excess starch. This step is key for crispiness.
Drain the soaking water. Rinse the fries under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Dry the fries thoroughly. Spread them in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Moisture prevents crisping.
In the bowl, toss the dry fries with the avocado oil until lightly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain airflow.
Air fry for 10 minutes. Open the basket and shake the fries well.
Continue to air fry at 400°F (200°C) for another 8 to 12 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Total cook time is about 18 to 22 minutes.
Remove the fries from the basket immediately. Transfer them to a clean bowl and toss with sea salt, garlic powder, and pepper if using. Serve right away for the best texture.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can rinse and soak the fries twice.
If you want Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Fries, toss the hot, cooked fries with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder immediately after seasoning with salt.
If you are using frozen fries, skip the soaking and drying steps, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.