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Air Fryer French Fries

This recipe offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries, utilizing an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture with minimal oil. Russet potatoes are peeled, cut, and seasoned with vegetable oil, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt, then air-fried to golden perfection. It's a simple, quick method for a classic side dish.
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Total Time 1 hour
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine French, south american
Servings 4 people
Calories 441.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Vegetable Peeler
  • 1 Sharp Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound russet potatoes peeled
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick sticks.
  • Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water; soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain well.
  • Thoroughly pat the potato sticks completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This is crucial for crispiness.
  • In the large bowl, toss the dried potatoes with vegetable oil, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt until evenly coated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Arrange the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to promote even cooking and browning.
  • Continue cooking until the fries are golden brown and achieve your desired level of crispness.
  • Remove the fries from the air fryer and serve immediately, optionally with additional salt or preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

For truly crispy air fryer fries, the preparation of the potatoes is paramount. After cutting, thoroughly soak the potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch; this is key to achieving that desirable crisp exterior. Pat them absolutely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before tossing with oil – any remaining moisture will steam the fries instead of allowing them to crisp. A light coating of oil is sufficient; too much will make them greasy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook in batches if necessary. While the recipe suggests cayenne, experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary for varied flavor profiles. Season immediately after cooking for best adherence.