Crispy Homemade Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Enjoy perfectly crispy homemade French fries made effortlessly in the air fryer. These seasoned fries boast a golden, crunchy exterior and tender inside, ready in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes, about 1 pound total, scrubbed and peeled if desired
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional for serving
Instructions
- Cut potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes well and peel them if you prefer skin-off fries, then cut them into even matchsticks about 1/4–1/3 inch thick.
- Soak potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch for extra-crispy fries.
- Dry potatoes: Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then pat very dry until no surface moisture remains.
- Season potatoes: Transfer the dried potatoes to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, then lightly spray the basket with cooking spray if needed to prevent sticking.
- Arrange fries: Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary so the fries are not overcrowded.
- Air fry fries: Air fry the fries for 14–18 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through, until they are deeply golden and crisp on the edges and tender in the center.
- Season and garnish: Taste a fry and sprinkle with a little extra salt if needed, then transfer the fries to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes helps remove excess starch for extra-crispy fries.
- Pat potatoes very dry to avoid sogginess in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray can help prevent sticking.
- Cook fries in batches if necessary for best results.