French Fries
Crispy, golden French fries with a light interior and satisfying crunch, perfect as a snack or side dish. Their simple seasoning highlights the natural potato flavor, making them an ideal choice for casual gatherings or family meals. Double frying ensures maximum crispness and tenderness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and slice potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick sticks.
- Place the potato sticks in a bowl, cover with water, and refrigerate for 16 hours.
- Drain the potato sticks and lay them out on dish towels to dry.
- Ensure they are completely dry before frying.
- In a deep-fryer, heat 2 inches of peanut oil to 300°F with a candy thermometer clipped to the side.
- Add enough potatoes to cover the base of the frying basket and cook until slightly limp, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Do not brown.
- Lift the basket and drain the fries.
- Transfer the fries to a baking rack and separate the sticks.
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F.
- Add potatoes in batches to the hot oil and fry until chestnut brown on edges and crispy.
- Drain the fries and transfer them to a bowl lined with paper towels.
- Immediately season the fries with salt and toss to coat.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crispy fries, consider using Russet potatoes as an alternative to Idaho. Soaking the potato sticks helps remove excess starch, ensuring a better texture. If you're short on time, a quick soak for at least 30 minutes can still improve crispiness. Make sure to dry the fries thoroughly before frying to prevent oil splatter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your French fries hot with a variety of dips like ketchup, mayonnaise, or aioli. They pair wonderfully with burgers or sandwiches, or as a side to a fresh salad like Refrigerator Cole Slaw. For a fun twist, sprinkle some seasoning or herbs on top for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Fries contains roughly 498 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 492mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use oils with high smoke points like canola or vegetable oil if you prefer. Peanut oil is great for its flavor and high smoke point, but alternatives will still yield tasty results.
Why do I need to soak the potatoes?
Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy. It helps achieve a crispier texture once fried, resulting in the perfect French fry.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat the air fryer to 380°F, then cook the fries in a single layer, shaking the basket halfway through. This method provides a healthier option while still delivering crispy results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).