Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes (2 large): The classic choice for fries, Russets are high in starch and low in moisture, resulting in fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. Look for firm potatoes without blemishes.
- Avocado Oil (2 tablespoons): A healthy and neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, perfect for air frying at higher temperatures. You can also use other high smoke point oils like canola or grapeseed oil.
- Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and draws out moisture for crispier fries. Coarse sea salt is ideal for a satisfying crunch.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice to complement the saltiness. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best flavor.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Smoked or sweet paprika can add a beautiful color and a hint of smoky or sweet flavor to your fries.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who love garlic, a touch of garlic powder elevates the savory profile of the fries.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides another layer of savory depth.
- Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick without being overpowering.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the skin off each potato. Once peeled, rinse them again to remove any excess starch released during peeling. This step helps prevent the fries from becoming overly sticky.
- Cut into Fries: Now comes the fun part – cutting the potatoes into fries! There are several ways to do this, but for classic french fry shape, slice each potato lengthwise into planks about ½ inch thick. Then, stack a few planks together and cut them lengthwise again into ½ inch thick fries. Aim for uniform size for even cooking. If you prefer thicker or thinner fries, adjust the thickness accordingly, keeping in mind that cooking time may need to be adjusted. For extra crispy fries, consider cutting them slightly thinner.
- Soak the Fries (Crucial for Crispiness): This is a step you absolutely don’t want to skip! Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. Soaking removes excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior and fluffy interior we all crave. You’ll notice the water becoming cloudy as the starch is released. For optimal results, you can even soak them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Drain and Dry Thoroughly (Equally Crucial): After soaking, drain the fries in a colander and rinse them one last time under cold water. Now, and this is vital, you need to dry them extremely thoroughly. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy air fryer fries. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the fries completely dry. You can even lay them out on a clean kitchen towel and let them air dry for a bit. The drier they are, the crispier they will become.
- Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the completely dried fries with avocado oil. Ensure that all fries are lightly and evenly coated with oil. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and prevents them from drying out. Next, add sea salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings you’re using, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated with the seasonings. Don’t be shy with the salt – it’s essential for flavor.
- Air Fry in Batches (Don’t Overcrowd): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy fries. It’s crucial to air fry the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will steam the fries instead of frying them, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked fries. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in 2-3 batches.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Air fry the fries for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through at around the 8-10 minute mark. Flipping ensures even cooking and crisping on all sides. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color and a satisfying crispy texture. If you want them extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time slightly, but be careful not to burn them. For thicker fries, they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Rest and Serve Immediately: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy to your liking, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Season with a little extra sea salt immediately while they are hot, if desired. Serve immediately while they are at their peak crispiness and enjoy! Air fryer fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g