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Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer French Fries: Restaurant Style Crunch

Close-up of golden brown air fryer french fries heavily seasoned with salt and spices in a white bowl.

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Make perfect, crispy homemade French fries in your air fryer. This easy recipe uses minimal oil to achieve a golden exterior and fluffy interior, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 2 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes, if desired, then cut them into uniform 1/4-inch thick fry shapes.
  2. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve crispiness.
  3. Drain the potatoes completely. Rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear.
  4. Dry the potatoes thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Moisture prevents crisping.
  5. In the bowl, toss the dry potatoes with the olive oil until lightly coated. If using, sprinkle the cornstarch over the potatoes and toss again to coat evenly.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  7. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
  8. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 to 7 minutes to promote even browning.
  9. When the fries are golden brown and crisp, remove them from the air fryer.
  10. Immediately transfer the hot fries to a clean bowl and toss with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  11. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, ensure the potatoes are completely dry after soaking and rinsing.
  • If you prefer a restaurant-style texture, you can parboil the cut potatoes in boiling water for 3 minutes before drying and seasoning.
  • Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model; check for doneness starting at 15 minutes.

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