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Home » Recipe Index » Appetizers

Perfect Homemade French Fries

Published: Sep 17, 2019 · Modified: Mar 2, 2025 by Kris Longwell · This post may contain affiliate links

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Perfect Homemade French Fries are not as challenging to make as you might think!

There are just a few simple, but important, steps and techniques to follow when you are ready to make restaurant-quality French fries from scratch! And after soaking, they are ready to eat in minutes! We also love our Poutine, Garlic Parmesan Steakhouse Fries, Steakhouse Onion Rings, Asparagus Fries, and Cross Hatch Sweet Potato Chips

A silver pan holding homemade French fries next to a small container of ketchup.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT HOMEMADE FRENCH FRIES

The key to perfect French fries is what is referred to as the 2-fry method.

This can be achieved in a temperature-controlled deep fryer, or on the stove with a high-temperature thermometer.

Watch us show you how easy it is to make homemade French fries!

 

HOW TO CUT THE POTATOES

Before we cut the potatoes, let’s talk about the best potato to use for homemade French fries. Well, that’s easy: Russet (Idaho) is the way to go. They are ideal because they contain less moisture, which ultimately produces a French fry that’s not soggy in the middle.

We love big ole French fries, so we seek out the large Russet potatoes, but smaller ones will work just fine, too.

EXPERT TIP: To cut potatoes, we use our trusty mandolin, set on the ‘julienne’ setting at ⅜.” No mandolin? Not to worry. Using a large, sharp knife, simply turn the potato on its side, and cut about approximately ⅜″ slices. Next, turn the slices so they are flat, and cut them into strips.  Easy peasy.

A large russet potato being cut on a mandolin for homemade French fries.

THE SECRET TO CRISPY FRIES

There are several factors to ensure your homemade French fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

In addition to choosing the right potato (Russet, please!), you’ll want to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes.

EXPERT TIP: The chilled exterior of the cut spuds keeps the outside from browning too quickly. Swish the potatoes around, this helps to remove starch, which also helps to make a crispier fry.

A hand holding cut potatoes in a bowl of ice water.

You can leave the potatoes in the water for more than 30 minutes, but if you do, we recommend placing the bowl in the refrigerator to keep them chilled.

Once you are ready to fry, then it’s time to thoroughly dry the cut potatoes.

We take a clean, dry kitchen towel and dry the potatoes in batches, and then place them on a large dish. You don’t want excess water on the potatoes when they hit the oil.

Two hands pressing a towel over cut potatoes for homemade French fries.

FRY THE POTATOES IN TWO STAGES

Probably the most important step in producing perfect homemade French fries is to fry the potatoes in two stages. A quick 2-minute fry at 330°F starts the cooking process and produces a soft fry.  You’ll most likely need to fry the potatoes in batches.

Next, after increasing the temperature of the oil to 365°F, you’ll fry the partially cooked fries again. Cook until nicely browned and crisp. Typically between 3 and 4 minutes.

EXPERT TIP: The first stage can be done in advance of serving. Place partially cooked potatoes on a platter lined with paper towels up to several hours in advance. Do the 2nd fry just before serving.

Side-by-side view of a deep fryer holding French fries, at different temperatures.

PERFECT HOMEMADE FRENCH FRIES FAQs

  • What is the best oil to use? Peanut oil is a vegetable oil with a mild taste and high smoke point, which makes it a great choice for frying French fries. You can also use regular vegetable oil or canola oil. Olive oil is NOT recommended.
  • How long do you soak the potatoes before frying: At least 30 minutes, in cold (with ice) water. We let the potatoes soak for several hours and still had perfect fries when we cooked them. Just be sure to keep them cold (in the refrigerator) if soaking for more than 30 minutes.
  • Can French fries be made in advance? These fries are best when they are fresh out of the frier. They are still delicious later on for munching, but they eventually will lose their crispiness. You can do the 1st round of frying several hours in advance and then finish them off with the 2nd fry just before serving.
  • When do you know the French fries are ready? The fries will turn a brownish color and have a “crispy” look to them. The first fry is for 2 minutes, and the second fry is usually around 4 minutes.

Homemade French fries in a basket of a deep fryer.

We love serving these amazing Perfect Homemade French Fries alongside our:

  • BLT Sandwich with Garlic Basil Aioli
  • Rockin’ Black and Bleu Burger
  • Steak au Poivre
  • Mussels with Garlic and White Wine
  • Kickin’ Remoulade

Or, by themselves, with good ole’ ketchup!

 A hand dipping homemade French fries into a dish of ketchup.

Ready to make the most amazing, restaurant-quality French fries at home? You now know the secrets to perfect fries every time! Go for it!

And when you make them, take a picture, post it to Instagram and tag @howtofeedaloon and #howtofeedaloon!

A small silver pale holding homemade French fries with a small bowl of ketchup nearby.

Perfect Homemade French Fries

Now you can make restaurant-quality french fries in your very own kitchen! If you don't have a deep-fryer, simply get a large sturdy pot (a Dutch oven works well) and add a couple of inches of oil, and use a candy thermometer to maintain the correct temperature. And then fry in 2 stages!
4.50 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Appetizer or Side Dish
Cuisine: American / French
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
Soaking in Ice Water: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Kris Longwell

Video

Equipment

  • Deep fryer, or heavy pot (ie, Dutch oven) with high-temperature thermometer

Ingredients

  • 4 large potatoes large or medium sized
  • Peanut oil or vegetable or canola, enough to fill 3-inches of vessel
  • Kosher salt

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the potatoes and then using a mandolin, or a large knife, cut (julienne) into ⅜-inch strips.
  • Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the potatoes and dry them completely with a towel.
  • Heat the oil to 330°F.
  • Using a fry basket, or a metal spatula, carefully lower the cut potatoes into the oil and fry for 2 minutes. You will probably need to do this in batches.
  • Increase the oil temperature to 365°F. Fry the partially cooked potatoes again until browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully remove the fries with a fry basket or spatula and shake off excess oil, turn the fries onto a plate lined with paper towels. Fry the remaining fries following the same process.
  • Sprinkle with salt and serve at once.

Notes

If you do not have a deep fryer, heat the oil in a large Dutch oven (or heavy pot) using a candy thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
The first round of frying of the potatoes can be done up to several hours before serving.  You will want to serve the fries after the 2nd fry immediately.
You can use vegetable oil, shortening, or canola oil in place of peanut oil.  Although, we recommend peanut oil for best results.  Do NOT use olive oil.
Soak the uncooked potatoes for 30 minutes in an ice bath.  They can soak longer, but you'll need to keep them in the fridge while they soak.  Don't soak for longer than 3 hours. 

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 1016mg | Fiber: 6g | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 8mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

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Comments

  1. Dan says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:17 pm

    4 stars
    Amazing…but I have a time saver method. Use russet potatoes and soak them in lukewarm water with a couple tablespoons of sugar for 1 hour. It will remove even more starch and make then taste better and crispier. Then pat them dry and just fry them once at 350 in peanut oil for roughly 12 minutes. No double frying…try it, I find them actually better 🙂

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      August 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm

      Awesome!!

      Reply
  2. david leyes says

    June 06, 2021 at 12:08 pm

    if you can use lard / pork fat or Beef Tallow much tastier : )

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      June 09, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      That is so true, David! Duck fat’s is pretty delicious, too!

      Reply
  3. Jan Nelson says

    June 01, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    4 stars
    What brand is the mandolin used to cut these awesome fries.

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      June 02, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      Hi Jan! We enjoy using this mandolin. We love it because it also has the waffle fry blade, which is fun to make! There are quite a few brands out there that all have decent mandolins, but we do enjoy this particular one. Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • Jg says

        April 22, 2023 at 10:27 am

        4 stars
        Not sure you answered the question. What brand mandolin?

      • Kris Longwell says

        April 22, 2023 at 12:11 pm

        I didn’t did I? That was unintentional! Here is a link to one that is very similar to ours. We’ve had that mandolin for many years. Hope this helps!!!

  4. Cherie says

    May 21, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! We agree you must use Russet potatoes!!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      May 22, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      Yes indeed!!! Thanks, Cherie!!!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  5. Dr cool says

    May 10, 2020 at 1:00 pm

    Gee Sherry, what gives you that feeling?

    Reply
  6. Melanie Hall says

    April 26, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    5 stars
    Hey guys, I have a double basket deep fryer—on its last leg. What’s your favorite brand?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      April 27, 2020 at 11:06 am

      Hi Melanie!! Ours is a Cuisinart Deep-Fryer, and we love it. Let us know if you make the fries and how they turn out!! Best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  7. Kathleen says

    September 20, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    Dear Kris and Wesley,

    The french fries look Ahhh-maaaa-zinggg 🙂 What a brilliant technique – I can’t wait to try this recipe.
    Now – the only thing missing from the video is Kris and Wesley (and maybe a little apple cider vinegar to sprinkle on the fries when they’re done) – what the ….? I hope you’re not going to be MIA in the next video. I SO look forward to seeing both of you enjoying each other and cooking together.

    Best alwaysx0x0
    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      September 23, 2019 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Kathleen!! Please forgive the delayed response (we’ve been away!). We’re playing around with different format styles with certain types of recipes. But not to worry, our longer-format versions, with us both squarely in the kitchen, are still coming! And yes to apple cider vinegar on the fries! YUM!!!! Thank you so so so much for you support and kind words, that means the world to us!! Stay tuned…lots more on the way!!! All the best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  8. SHERRY HILL says

    September 17, 2019 at 2:59 pm

    5 stars
    These fries are lovely. I like to make french fries when I’m making fried shrimp since I have the fryer out. Mine always turn out for soggy. I have a feeling the soaking and 2-fry method will make a difference. Thanks, guys, for putting this recipe up. Keep on cookin’!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      September 17, 2019 at 5:36 pm

      Thanks so much, Sherry!! Give this technique a go…we think you’ll be happy with the results. These would be PERFECT with fried shrimp!! Making us hungry just thinking about it!! xoxo

      Reply
4.50 from 6 votes

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