Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can cut them into traditional fry shapes or wedges, depending on your preference.
If time allows, soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps the fries become crispier when cooked.
After soaking (if applicable), drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Place the dried potatoes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Once preheated, carefully place the seasoned potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the fries in the preheated air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The fries are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Once cooked to your desired crispiness, remove the fries from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are!