Homemade Air Fryer French Fries

Ingredients

• 2 russet potatoes, about 1.5 lb total, scrubbed
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick planks, then cut the planks into 1/4-inch matchsticks so all fries are roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water; let soak for 15 to 20 minutes to draw out excess starch, which is what makes them crisp instead of soggy.
3. Drain the fries in a colander and pat them extremely dry with a clean kitchen towel; any surface moisture will cause steaming instead of browning.
4. Return the dry fries to the bowl and toss with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 380F for 3 minutes.
6. Load the fries into the basket in a loose, even layer no more than two pieces deep; work in two batches for a 3 to 5 quart basket so air can circulate around each fry.
7. Air fry at 380F for 10 minutes, then pause and shake the basket vigorously (or toss with tongs) to redistribute the fries.
8. Continue air frying at 400F for another 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once more halfway through, until the fries are deep golden-brown and crisp at the edges.
9. A properly done fry will sound crisp when tapped with tongs and show no pale, limp spots; if any look undercooked, return the basket for another 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Taste one fry for doneness, then transfer to a bowl and season with a little extra salt while hot, since salt sticks best right out of the fryer.
11. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if using and serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dip.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• Deep-fried crunch using just one tablespoon of oil for the whole batch
• A simple soak-and-dry trick that guarantees crispiness
• Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable with seasoning
• Far less mess and oil disposal than stovetop frying

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.