Crispy Air Fryer French Fries (Print version)

Golden, crispy fries made in an air fryer, topped with flaky sea salt for perfect texture and flavor.

# What you'll need:

01 - 4 large russet potatoes

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for serving

04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)

05 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

01 - Wash and optionally peel the potatoes, then cut into ¼-inch thick fries.

02 - Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 15 minutes to remove excess starch.

03 - Drain the fries and thoroughly pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

04 - Toss the dried fries with olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and black pepper if using, ensuring even coating.

05 - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

06 - Place the fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

07 - Cook the fries for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.

08 - Transfer fries to a serving dish, sprinkle with additional sea salt and optional garnishes, then serve immediately.

01 -

They taste like the kind you crave from a diner, but you can make them in your pajamas on a Tuesday night.
No deep fryer mess, no lingering oil smell in your kitchen, just crispy golden perfection with way less guilt.

02 -

Drying the fries after soaking is non-negotiable, because even a little water will ruin the crisp you worked so hard for.
Overcrowding the basket is the most common mistake, and it's better to do two batches than end up with sad, chewy fries.

03 -

If you have time, soak the potatoes for up to an hour and change the water halfway through for maximum starch removal.
A light dusting of cornstarch after drying can give you an even crunchier exterior, and it's a trick I use when I really want to impress.