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Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe Easy Perfect Crunch at Home

crispy air fryer french fries recipe - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy on the outside, tender inside, perfectly golden French fries made easily in an air fryer with simple ingredients and minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • Cold water (for soaking)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Peel each russet potato and cut into sticks about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick, keeping them evenly sized.
  2. Place the cut fries in a large bowl filled with cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  3. Drain the fries and pat them dry completely using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
  4. In a dry mixing bowl, toss the dried fries with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until lightly dusted.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and toss again until evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper to taste; toss gently to distribute.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  8. Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding and cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
  9. Check for doneness; fries should be golden brown and crispy on edges but tender inside. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
  10. Serve immediately while hot for maximum crunch.

Notes

Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch and is key for crispiness. Dry the fries thoroughly before coating. Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding and shake the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking. You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free variation. For sweeter fries, use sweet potatoes but reduce cook time and cornstarch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer fries, crispy fries, homemade French fries, easy fries recipe, healthy fries, gluten-free fries, quick snack