Air Fryer French Fries (Extra Crispy)
These Air Fryer French Fries are fresh, extra crispy, and healthy. Here are the secrets for making extra crispy, flavorful French fries using only 3 basic ingredients.
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅔ teaspoon table salt, fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, optional, or garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Old Bay, ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Do Ahead: Wash and dry potatoes. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin, slice potatoes into strips of even thickness (thinner fries will turn out crisper than thicker ones.) Immediately place sliced potatoes into a bowl of cool water so that they're fully submerged, about 60 minutes to overnight.
- Drain and rinse potatoes well. Using paper towels or clean absorbent cloths, pat-dry all excess moisture from potatoes.
- In a bowl, gently toss potatoes with olive oil and salt. Add pepper and any other seasonings, if desired.
- Working in batches, place fries in a single/even layer on rack of air fryer. Be sure fries are not overlapping. Cook 15-20 minutes* or just until golden and crisp - cook time depends on thickness of fries.
- If not serving first batch right away, place them on a baking sheet in the oven set on "warm." Repeat cooking the remaining fries. As always, fries are best served immediately after cooking.
Equipment
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or mandolin to slice potatoes into even slices.
- Thinner fries will naturally cook up crispier than thicker ones - we recommend slicing them on the thin side.
- You can use peeled or unpeeled potatoes; either is fine.
- Immediately after slicing, submerge potatoes in cool water. The soaking removes excess starch from the potatoes, which helps them crisp up.
- Fully pat-dry potatoes after soaking. This step is important not only for crispness but also for seasonings to adhere. I use absorbent flour sack cotton cloths.
- Arrange potato slices in an even, single layer on the rack of your air fryer. Hot air needs to circulate fries, so don't overcrowd.
- This Instant Vortex Air Fryer is super popular among home cooks.
- There may be variations in cook time depending on air fryer models. Watch carefully so your fries don't burn.
- If your air fryer requires a specific heat setting, cook at 380F.
- As always, you'll enjoy the crispiest French fries when served immediately.
- This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Recipes Collection.
- Serve them alongside some Beer Battered Fish or Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders for a delicious family meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.7g | Protein: 3.2g | Fat: 5.7g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Sodium: 317.6mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 0.9g