Ingredients

– 3 medium-sized russet potatoes (or your preferred variety)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for a smoky flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes
– Wash and peel the potatoes if desired (keeping the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients).
– Cut the potatoes into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to resemble classic fries.

2. Soak the Potatoes
– Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps make the fries crispy.
– After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

3. Season the Fries
– In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with olive oil to coat evenly.
– Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl. Mix until the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning.

4. Air Fry the Fries
– Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
– Arrange the seasoned potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking; you may need to cook in batches.
– Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The fries should be golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve
– Remove the fries from the air fryer and sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired.
– serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.