Air Fryer French Fries

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Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Wash and Peel:
    • Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, or leave the skin on for a more rustic fry.
  2. Cut into Fries:
    • Cut the potatoes into even-sized strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the sizes uniform for even cooking.
  3. Soak in Water:
    • Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps the fries become crispier.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fries cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 3: Season the Fries

  1. Drain and Dry:
    • Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for crispiness.
  2. Season:
    • In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Ensure the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the Fries

  1. Arrange in Air Fryer:
    • Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  2. Air Fry:
    • Air fry the potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you prefer crispier fries, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Check for Doneness:
    • The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model.
  2. Garnish:
    • Transfer the fries to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  3. Serve Immediately:
    • Serve the fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Fries

  • Uniform Size: Cutting the fries into uniform sizes ensures even cooking.
  • Soak in Water: Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Make sure the fries are completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming.
  • Single Layer: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely and cook the fries evenly.
  • Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps the fries cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Conclusion

Air fryer French fries are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier version of a beloved comfort food. With their crispy texture and delicious flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. This simple yet detailed recipe will guide you to make perfect air fryer French fries every time. Enjoy them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, and watch as they disappear quickly from the plate!

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