Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Enjoy perfectly crispy and flavorful French fries made effortlessly in the air fryer! These golden Russet potato fries are seasoned with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper for a delicious snack or side dish that’s healthier and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Potatoes
- 1 pound Russet potatoes (washed, scrubbed, skin left on)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral flavor)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Slice the Potatoes: Thinly slice the washed potatoes lengthwise into uniform 1/4-inch-thick matchsticks to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Soak to Remove Starch: Place the cut potato fries into a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 20 minutes, or overnight in the fridge, to remove excess starch—this step is essential for achieving super crispy fries. Drain and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 385°F (196°C) for about 2 minutes to guarantee a quick start to crisping.
- Season the Fries: In a large bowl, drizzle the dried potato sticks with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well until every fry is lightly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or crowd. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain airflow and even crisping.
- Air Fry: Cook the fries for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
- Reheat and Crisp (Optional): If cooking in batches, return all cooked fries to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and unify their crispiness before serving. Enjoy your healthier homemade fries!
Notes
- Soaking the fries removes excess starch, which is key to achieving a crispy texture.
- Make sure potatoes are thoroughly dried before seasoning to avoid soggy fries.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
- You can customize seasoning by adding paprika, cayenne, or herbs as desired.
- Use Russet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Air fryer French fries, crispy fries, healthy fries, homemade fries, easy side dish, garlic seasoned fries