Crispy Air Fryer French Fries (Print View)
Golden fries cooked to crispy perfection with sea salt using an air fryer method.
# What You'll Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 4 large russet potatoes
→ Seasonings and Oil
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for serving
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
→ Optional Garnishes
05 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Wash, optionally peel, and cut the potatoes into ¼-inch thick fries.
02 - Place cut potatoes into a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 15 minutes to remove excess starch.
03 - Drain and thoroughly pat dry the fries using a clean kitchen towel.
04 - Toss the dried fries with olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and black pepper if using, ensuring even coating.
05 - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
06 - Place fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding.
07 - Cook fries for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
08 - Transfer fries to a serving dish, sprinkle with additional sea salt and optional garnishes, then serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get that deep-fried crunch without the mess, splatter, or lingering oil smell in your kitchen.
- These fries cook faster than oven-baked and come out evenly golden every single time.
- They taste like your favorite restaurant fries but you control the salt, the cut, and every delicious detail.
02 -
- Skipping the soak leaves you with fries that brown too fast on the outside while staying gummy inside, I learned that the hard way.
- If you don't dry the fries completely, they'll never get that shattering crisp no matter how long you cook them.
- Overcrowding the basket turns fries into sad, floppy strips instead of the golden batons you deserve.
03 -
- Cut your fries the night before, soak them in the fridge, and they'll be ready to cook in minutes when hunger strikes.
- A light mist of cooking spray on the basket before adding fries makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Don't salt them until after cooking, or the salt draws out moisture and softens the crust you worked so hard to build.