Prep the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes well. You can peel them if you prefer, but I love the rustic look and extra texture of skin-on fries. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully cut the potatoes into very thin matchsticks, about 3-5mm thick. Uniformity is key here for even cooking.

The Crucial Soak: Place the cut potatoes into a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Add a generous tablespoon of salt and stir. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. You'll see the water become cloudy – that's the excess starch being drawn out, which is exactly what we want for crispier fries.

Dry Them Thoroughly: Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Now for the most important step: drying. Spread them out on a clean tea towel or several layers of kitchen paper. Pat them completely dry. I find that rolling them gently in the tea towel works best. Any remaining moisture will turn to steam in the air fryer and prevent them from crisping up.

Season Generously: Transfer the bone-dry fries to a clean, dry bowl. Drizzle with the tablespoon of oil and sprinkle over the salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you're using. Toss everything together with your hands to ensure every single fry is lightly coated.

First Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (150°C fan). Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Don't overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for the best results. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 4-5 minutes. The fries will be soft and cooked through but pale.

Second Cook for Crispiness: Now, increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C (190°C fan). Cook for another 5-8 minutes, shaking once or twice, until the fries are a deep golden brown, rigid, and audibly crispy. Keep a close eye on them during this stage as they can go from golden to burnt quite quickly.

Serve Immediately: Tip the hot, crispy fries into a serving bowl. Taste and add an extra sprinkle of salt if needed. Serve straight away while they are at their absolute best.