Learn how to make perfectly crispy French fries at home, with a fluffy interior and golden-brown exterior, using a simple double-fry method.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs Russet potatoes
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste
Instructions
Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into your desired fry shape (e.g., 1/4-inch thick for shoestring, 1/2-inch thick for classic).
Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This removes excess starch for crispier fries.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial to prevent oil splattering.
Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 300°F (150°C).
Fry the potatoes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5-7 minutes, until they are softened but not yet browned. This is the first fry.
Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes.
Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the potatoes again in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on the wire rack. Immediately season with salt.
Serve hot.
Notes
For oven-baked fries, toss the dried potato sticks with 1-2 tablespoons of oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
For air fryer fries, toss the dried potato sticks with 1 tablespoon of oil and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Parmesan cheese after the second fry.