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⚡ Direct Answer: How to Make Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Fries
The Cold Soak & 380°F Formula: Cut Russet potatoes into ¼-inch batons. Soak in cold water for 20 minutes to strip surface starch, then dry thoroughly. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and seasonings. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes until crispy and golden.
Making homemade french fries in the air fryer gives you all the satisfying crunch of fast-food fries with 80% less oil and fat. It is an essential side dish featured in our 15 Best Air Fryer Recipes collection.
The 3 Rules of Crispy Air Fryer Fries
- Choose Russet Potatoes: High-starch Russets (Idaho potatoes) yield that coveted fluffy interior and crisp outer crust.
- The Cold Water Soak: Soaking strips excess surface sugars and starch that otherwise cause fries to scorch before crisping up.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking every 5 minutes redistributes the fries so hot convection air touches every surface evenly.
Side Dish Classic
Crispy Homemade Air Fryer French Fries
Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 18 mins | Total Time: 43 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 large Russet potatoes (scrubbed, skin on or peeled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (added after cooking)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice potatoes into uniform ¼-inch fries.
- Submerge fries in a large bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. Drain and dry completely between clean kitchen towels.
- Toss dried fries in a bowl with oil, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
- Transfer into preheated air fryer at 380°F (195°C). Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes.
- For extra crispness, increase to 400°F for the final 2 minutes. Dust with sea salt immediately and serve hot.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~155 Calories | 3g Protein | 28g Carbs | 3.5g Fat | Check how this compares to restaurant fries using our Calorie Calculator.
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