Perfectly Crispy Homemade French Fries

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of russet potatoes
  • 1 quart of vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash and peel the russet potatoes.
  2. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into thin strips about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is essential for crispy fries.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep saucepan to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Pat dry the potato strips thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining water.
  6. Fry the potato strips in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the fryer or pan, for about 5-8 minutes or until they are soft but not browned.
  7. Remove the fries from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  8. Increase the heat of the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Fry the par-cooked potato strips for a second time, again in batches, for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove the fries from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on fresh paper towels.
  11. While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with the sea salt and black pepper (if using), tossing gently to ensure the fries are evenly coated.
  12. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor and slightly sweeter taste.
  • Seasoned Fries: Add additional spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the salt mixture for a more flavorful seasoning.
  • Cheesy Fries: Sprinkle grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, over the hot fries and let it melt before serving.
  • Loaded Fries: Top the fries with cooked bacon bits, diced onions, chopped jalapenos, and a drizzle of sour cream or cheese sauce.
  • Curly Fries: Use a spiralizer or a special curly fry cutter to create fun and unique shapes with the potatoes.
  • Herb-infused Fries: Toss the fries in a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley before frying for an aromatic twist.
  • Spicy Fries: Add spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the salt mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Truffle Fries: Drizzle truffle oil over the hot fries and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for a luxurious and gourmet version.
  • Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss the fries in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese for a flavorful and cheesy coating.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade fries with this easy recipe. With just a few ingredients - russet potatoes, vegetable oil, and sea salt - you can make crispy, golden fries that are perfect as a side dish or a snack. By double-frying the potatoes, you'll achieve a crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior, just like your favorite restaurant fries. And while this recipe calls for fine sea salt, you can easily customize your fries with other seasonings, like black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. So why wait for a trip to the drive-thru? Try making these delicious homemade fries today!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that the texture and crispiness may vary slightly.
  2. Do I have to soak the potatoes in water? Yes, soaking the potatoes in water helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Skipping this step may yield less crispy results.
  3. Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, you can use other high-heat oils like canola or peanut oil. However, vegetable oil is a commonly used and easily accessible option.
  4. Can I bake the fries instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the fries in the oven as a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, toss the potato strips in oil, salt, and pepper, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying? Using a deep-fry thermometer is the most accurate way to measure the oil temperature. It should be around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for the first fry and 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the second fry.
  6. Can I reuse the frying oil? While it is possible to reuse frying oil, it is generally recommended to use fresh oil each time for the best flavor and results.
  7. Can I season the fries with other spices? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme to customize the flavor of your fries.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for safely cutting and preparing the potatoes.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing the potatoes into thin strips.
  • Deep fryer or large saucepan - A cooking appliance for frying the potatoes. A deep fryer provides controlled temperature and safety features, while a large saucepan can be used if a deep fryer is not available.
  • Slotted spoon - A utensil with slots or holes that allows for easy retrieval of the fries from the hot oil.
  • Paper towels - Absorbent towels for draining excess oil from the fried potatoes.

Origin stories

While many of us associate fries, or "french fries," with France, their origin story is actually rooted in Belgium. Historical accounts suggest that in the late 1600s, inhabitants of the Meuse Valley, in what is now Belgium, often ate small fried fish as part of their diet. However, in the harsh winters when the river froze over, they had to find an alternative food source. They began cutting potatoes into the shape of small fish and frying them. It wasn't until World War I when American soldiers tasted these fried potato strips in Belgium that they started calling them "french fries," possibly because French was the official language of the Belgian army at the time. So, the next time you enjoy a heaping serving of crispy fries, remember their humble beginnings in the cold winters of the Meuse Valley.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.