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air fryer French fries

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

French fries are one of those comfort foods that never go out of style. But making them at home? That used to mean pots of hot oil, splattering mess, and the lingering smell of grease for days. Not anymore. Once I figured out how to make fries in the air fryer, everything changed.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2–3 medium Russet potatoes
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more for finishing
  • Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, or seasoning blend of your choice

Method
 

Cut and Soak the Potatoes
  1. Peel if you like (I usually leave the skin on for texture), then slice your potatoes into even ¼-inch matchsticks. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
  2. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 20–30 minutes. This pulls out excess starch and helps the fries get crisp.
  3. Short on time? Even a quick 10-minute soak makes a difference.
Dry and Season
  1. Drain the potatoes and pat them very dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. The drier, the better — they’ll crisp up much more easily this way.
  2. Toss the fries in a bowl with oil and salt, plus any spices you like. I often go with a dash of garlic powder and a little smoked paprika.
Air Fry in Batches
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if it needs preheating. Spread the fries in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the basket or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
  2. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking. Timing depends on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. They should be golden brown with crisp edges.