Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Ingredients

• Potatoes (4 medium, preferably russet or yukon gold)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1 teaspoon (or to taste))
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Optional toppings (fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
3. Place the fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
4. Drain the fries and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing moisture is key to achieving crispiness.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
6. Add the dried fries to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
7. Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking; you may need to cook in batches.
8. Cook the fries in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
9. Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
10. Optional: Sprinkle with additional salt or seasoning of your choice. For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.