Making crispy homemade French fries at home is easier than you might think, and you can achieve that perfect golden crunch! Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for crispy French fries that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Homemade French Fries Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or about 2 lbs)
- 3 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fill a frying pan or pot for deep frying)
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other seasoning for extra flavor
Directions:
- Prep the potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes (peeling is optional if you like skins on). Cut the potatoes into long, even strips, about 1/4-inch thick for classic French fries. You can also make them thicker for steak fries or thinner for shoestring fries, depending on your preference.
- After cutting, soak the fries in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which helps make them crispier when fried.
- Dry the fries:
- After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. The drier the fries, the crispier they will get when fried.
- Heat the oil:
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer, or drop a small piece of potato into the oil to see if it sizzles.
- First fry (blanching):
- Working in batches, carefully add a handful of fries to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan as this will lower the temperature of the oil and make the fries soggy.
- Fry the potatoes for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are soft but not browned. This step helps cook them through. Remove the fries and drain them on paper towels.
- Second fry (crisping):
- Increase the heat to 375°F (190°C). Return the fries to the oil in batches and fry them again for 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Season:
- While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with salt. You can also add any additional seasonings, such as pepper, garlic powder, or paprika, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the fries immediately while they’re hot and crispy! They’re perfect on their own or with a side of ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Soaking is key: Soaking the potatoes helps reduce excess starch, which results in crispier fries.
- Double frying: Frying the fries twice (blanching first, then crisping) gives them that golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Make ahead: You can fry the potatoes once (blanch them) ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just fry them again to crisp them up!
- Baking option: If you prefer baking, toss the potatoes in a little oil, salt, and seasonings, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Enjoy your crispy homemade French fries with your favorite burger or dip!