Crispy Air Fryer French Fries (Printable)
Golden, perfectly crisp French fries made healthier in the air fryer, finished with flaky sea salt.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 4 large russet potatoes
→ Oil & Seasoning
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for finishing
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, optional
# How To Make It:
01 - Peel the potatoes or leave skins on for a rustic touch, then cut into ¼-inch thick fries.
02 - Rinse the fries in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with kitchen towels.
03 - Place fries in a large bowl. Add olive oil, sea salt, and pepper if using, tossing to coat evenly.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
05 - Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary; do not overcrowd.
06 - Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until fries are golden and crispy.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl and immediately sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt. Serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These fries use just a fraction of the oil of deep-fried versions but still achieve that addictive exterior crispness that makes your fingers shiny in the most satisfying way.
- The contrast between the fluffy interior and shattering-crisp exterior creates that magical texture that makes you unconsciously reach for just one more, then another, until the bowl is somehow empty.
02 -
- Thoroughly drying the potatoes after rinsing is absolutely non-negotiable, as even small amounts of residual moisture will create steam that sabotages crispiness.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking prevents the heartbreak of fries that are burnt on one side and pale on the other, a lesson I learned after ruining an entire batch while distracted by a phone call.
03 -
- If your kitchen is humid or youre in a rush, pat the rinsed potatoes dry, then spread them on a kitchen towel and use your hairdryer on cool setting to remove every last bit of moisture before seasoning.
- For restaurant-quality results, double-cook your fries by air frying first at 320°F for 5 minutes, letting them cool for 10 minutes, then finishing at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, creating a perfectly developed crust that shatters between your teeth.