Tips for perfect air fryer French fries

Preparation

• Soak the potatoes: after cutting, put the slices in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch — this makes the fries crispier.
• Dry them well: pat dry with a paper towel before cooking — moisture stops a golden crust from forming.
• Add a little oil: 1–2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, tossed well, is enough for a lovely color and flavor without excess fat.
• The starch trick: lightly coat the slices in cornstarch before cooking for that “restaurant-style” crunch.

Cooking

• Don't overload the basket: spread the fries in a single layer, otherwise they'll steam instead of crisping up.
• Shake the basket every 7–8 minutes so all the pieces cook evenly.
• Temperature trick: for extra crunch, cook at 160 °C for 10 minutes first, then raise it to 200 °C and cook for another 10–12 minutes.
• Add salt and seasonings only after cooking, otherwise the fries may go soft.