French fries are a classic favorite, but making them crispy and delicious at home can be a bit challenging. With this easy method, you can achieve restaurant-quality, golden-brown fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for a snack, side dish, or party treat!

Ingredients:

To make crispy French fries, you’ll need:

• 4 large russet potatoes – these potatoes are best for crispy fries
• Cold water (for soaking)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper for extra flavor

Instructions:

Follow these steps to make perfectly crispy French fries:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes if you prefer, or leave the skin on for extra texture. Cut the potatoes into thin, even sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep them uniform to ensure even cooking.
2. Soak the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step removes excess starch and helps make the fries crispier.
3. Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, drain the potatoes and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them thoroughly dry. Moisture can cause splattering when frying, so make sure they’re as dry as possible.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 300°F (150°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature. This first fry is done at a lower temperature to cook the potatoes without browning them.
5. First Fry: Add a batch of potatoes to the oil (don’t overcrowd the pan) and fry for about 4-5 minutes. The potatoes should look pale and soft but not brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray.
6. Increase the Oil Temperature: Now, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry. This higher temperature will make the fries crispy and golden.
7. Second Fry: Place the fries back in the hot oil in batches and fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on fresh paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Season and Serve: While the fries are still hot, sprinkle salt over them. You can also add extra seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy fries!

Tips for Extra Crispy Fries

For the crispiest fries, be sure to soak the potatoes in cold water and pat them dry. Double frying is also essential – the first fry cooks the potatoes, and the second fry makes them crispy. You can serve these fries with ketchup, mayo, or any dip of your choice. Happy frying!

Enjoy Your Homemade Fries!

Making French fries at home is easy and rewarding. With this method, you’ll get fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside every time. Enjoy them as a side dish, a snack, or even as a treat on their own!