Crispy Air Fryer French Fries (Printable)
Golden, crisp fries seasoned with sea salt, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
→ Seasoning & Oil
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Place cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
02 - Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel.
03 - Toss the fries with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
05 - Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
06 - Cook fries in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
07 - Season with additional sea salt to taste and serve immediately.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- The fries come out impossibly crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside—no greasy residue on your fingers.
- It's a genuinely healthier version that doesn't taste like you're sacrificing anything, which honestly feels like cheating in the best way.
02 -
- Do not skip the soaking step thinking you'll save time—it's the difference between crispy fries and ones that taste starchy and dense.
- Overcrowding the basket is the biggest mistake; even if it means cooking in two batches, the results are worth the extra five minutes.
03 -
- If your air fryer runs hot or cold, adjust the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees and keep notes on what works best so you nail it every time.
- Using avocado oil instead of olive oil gives you a slightly different flavor and a higher smoke point that some air fryer enthusiasts prefer.