Save to Pinterest These golden, crispy fries are made using an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional methods. Cut potatoes into sticks, soak to remove starch, then toss with olive oil, sea salt, and optional pepper. Air fry until perfectly golden and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavorful touch. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a quick, delicious side suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
I used to think crispy fries were only possible deep-fried until a Sunday afternoon when I tossed some potato sticks into my air fryer out of pure curiosity. The basket shook halfway through, and when I opened it, steam poured out followed by the most perfect golden crunch. I stood there eating them straight from the bowl, unable to believe something this satisfying came together in twenty minutes with barely any oil.
The first time I made these for my neighbor's kids, they devoured the entire batch before I could even plate them properly. One of them asked if I worked at a restaurant, and I just laughed because all I did was shake a basket twice. That moment reminded me how something this simple can feel like a small victory when it turns out right.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: Their high starch content is what gives you that light, fluffy interior, and peeling them is entirely up to you depending on whether you like a little extra texture.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the outside crisp up without weighing anything down, and it carries whatever seasonings you toss in beautifully.
- Sea salt: Flaky sea salt at the end makes all the difference, adding little bursts of flavor instead of just uniform saltiness.
- Black pepper: Optional but wonderful if you want a hint of warmth threading through each bite.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 380°F and let it warm up for three minutes so the fries hit instant heat the moment they go in.
- Rinse and dry the potatoes:
- Cold water washes away the surface starch that can make fries gummy, and drying them completely is non-negotiable for crispness. Use paper towels and press firmly until no moisture remains.
- Toss with oil and seasonings:
- In a large bowl, coat every stick evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper if using. Your hands work better than a spoon here.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay them in a single layer without overlapping, even if it means cooking in two batches. Crowding creates steam instead of crisp edges.
- Air fry and shake:
- Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point to turn them. Listen for the sizzle when you shake, that means theyre on their way.
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer immediately to a bowl and hit them with another pinch of flaky sea salt while theyre still hot. Serve right away before they lose their crunch.
Save to Pinterest There was an evening last fall when I made these alongside burgers for a small backyard gathering, and someone said they tasted better than any restaurant fries theyd had in months. I didnt tell them how easy it was because sometimes its nice to let people think you worked a little magic, even when all you really did was trust the process and not open the basket too early.
How to Get Extra Crispy Fries
If you have an extra half hour, soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water before you start. It pulls out even more starch and gives you an almost glass-like crunch on the outside. Just make sure to dry them obsessively afterward, because any lingering water will undo all that soaking work.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once the fries come out, you can toss them with garlic powder and chopped parsley for a garlic fry vibe, or dust them with smoked paprika and a tiny bit of cayenne if you want smoky heat. I once added lemon zest and fresh thyme right at the end, and it felt like something you'd order at a wine bar.
Serving and Storage Ideas
These are best eaten hot and fresh, straight from the basket to your mouth. If you do have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for about five minutes to bring back some of that crispness, though they never quite recapture the magic of the first bite.
- Serve with ketchup, aioli, or any dipping sauce you love.
- Pair them with burgers, sandwiches, or even a simple green salad for contrast.
- Try sprinkling grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top right after cooking for a cheesy twist.
Save to Pinterest Making perfect fries at home used to feel like something reserved for people with deep fryers and endless patience. Now I know it just takes a hot basket, dry potatoes, and the willingness to wait those few extra minutes without peeking.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve extra crispy fries?
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Soaking potato sticks in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture when air fried.
- → Can I add other seasonings?
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Yes, try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs after cooking to enhance flavor.
- → Is peeling the potatoes necessary?
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Peeling is optional; leaving skins on can add texture and nutrients.
- → What temperature and time are best for air frying fries?
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Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook fries for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
- → Are these fries suitable for special diets?
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Yes, these fries are vegan and gluten-free, naturally free from common allergens.
