Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. You can peel them if preferred, but leaving the skin on provides extra nutrients and texture. Cut the potatoes into even sticks about 1cm thick. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even cooking – this is crucial for perfectly cooked fries.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This step removes excess starch, which is the secret to achieving maximum crispiness. The longer the soak, the crispier your fries will be.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drain the potatoes and rinse under cold water. Pat them completely dry using kitchen towels or paper towels. Any remaining moisture will create steam in the air fryer and prevent proper crisping, so don't skip this critical step.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Transfer the dried potato sticks to a clean, dry bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly coated. The air fryer requires significantly less oil than deep frying, but some oil is necessary to achieve that golden-brown exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 195°C for 3 minutes. Preheating creates an initially hot environment that helps form a crispy exterior right away, similar to how a hot oven works better than a cold one.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place a single layer of potato sticks in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. Leave space between the fries so hot air can circulate - this is crucial for even cooking and maximum crispiness. You'll likely need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook the fries at 195°C for 8 minutes, then pause the air fryer and shake the basket vigorously or use tongs to flip the fries. Return to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until they're golden brown with crispy edges. The exact timing might vary based on your air fryer model and how thick you cut your fries.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>While the fries are still hot, transfer them to a bowl and season immediately with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or herbs. The residual oil helps the seasonings adhere better when the fries are freshly cooked. Toss gently to coat evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Air fryer fries are at their peak texture right after cooking, as they can soften slightly as they cool. For the best experience, enjoy them right away with your favorite dipping sauce!</li></ol>
