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potatoes French fries

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Written By Hayyat

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Servings: 4

Crispy, golden French fries are a classic comfort food. Making them at home allows you to customize them to your liking, from the thickness of the fries to how crispy you want them. Whether you bake them for a healthier version or fry them for that authentic crispy texture, these homemade French fries are sure to satisfy your craving.


Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil (for baking or frying)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional – like parsley or thyme)

Equipment:

  • Large bowl
  • Sharp knife or mandolin slicer
  • Baking sheet (for baking) or deep fryer/pot (for frying)
  • Paper towels (for drying)
  • Tongs or slotted spoon (for frying)
  • Cooling rack (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Time: 5-10 minutes

  1. Peel (optional) and cut the potatoes:
    Peel the potatoes if desired. The skin can add extra texture and flavor, but you can also leave the skin on for a rustic, more natural French fry. Once peeled (or unpeeled), cut the potatoes into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the crispier they’ll get; aim for about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch wide strips. If you have a mandolin slicer, it can help ensure consistent cuts.
  2. Soak the potatoes:
    After cutting, place the potato strips in a large bowl of cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This step helps remove excess starch, which will prevent the fries from becoming too soggy and helps them crisp up better when cooked.

Step 2: Dry and Season the Potatoes

Time: 5 minutes

  1. Dry the potatoes thoroughly:
    After soaking, drain the potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible. The dryer the potatoes, the crispier the fries will be when cooked.
  2. Season the fries:
    In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with 2 tablespoons of oil, making sure the fries are evenly coated. You can use olive oil for a slightly richer flavor or vegetable oil for a neutral taste. If you like, add seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. Toss again to evenly coat the fries with the seasonings.

Option 1: Baking French Fries (Healthier Option)

Step 3: Bake the Fries

Time: 25-30 minutes

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup or lightly grease it with oil.
  2. Arrange the fries on the baking sheet:
    Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they cook evenly and get crispy.
  3. Bake the fries:
    Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fries with tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of cooking to prevent burning. The fries are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  4. Optional crispy finish:
    For extra crispiness, you can broil the fries for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Step 4: Serve

Time: 1-2 minutes

  1. Remove from the oven:
    Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a minute, then transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired.
  2. Garnish and serve:
    Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and color. Serve immediately with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Option 2: Deep Frying French Fries

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Time: 5 minutes

  1. Prepare the oil:
    Fill a large, heavy pot or deep fryer with about 2-3 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Fry the Potatoes

Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on batch size)

  1. Fry the potatoes in batches:
    Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully lower a batch of fries into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries. Fry the potatoes for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. If you prefer thicker fries, they may need a bit longer.
  2. Remove and drain:
    Once the fries are crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  3. Repeat the frying process:
    Continue frying the remaining batches, making sure to let the oil heat back up to 350°F between batches.

Step 5: Serve

Time: 1-2 minutes

  1. Season and serve:
    While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with salt. You can also toss them in a seasoning mix like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes:

  • Cutting the Fries: If you want perfectly uniform fries, you can use a French fry cutter or mandolin slicer. The more uniform your fries, the more evenly they will cook.
  • Double Frying for Extra Crispiness: For an ultra-crispy finish, you can fry the potatoes in two stages. First, fry them for 3-4 minutes to cook them through. Then remove them from the oil, let them rest for a few minutes, and fry them again for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Storage: If you have leftover fries, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes or air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
  • Dipping Sauce Ideas:
    • Classic Ketchup
    • Garlic Aioli
    • Ranch Dressing
    • Spicy Sriracha Mayo
    • Cheese Sauce
    • Tartar Sauce
    • Curry Ketchup (for a fun twist)

Variations:

  • Sweet Potato Fries: You can substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier and slightly sweeter variation. Sweet potato fries might need a slightly different baking time, so keep an eye on them.
  • Crispy Parmesan Fries: After baking or frying, sprinkle the hot fries with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a little dried oregano for a cheesy, herby twist.
  • Loaded Fries: Top your fries with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chives for loaded fries that make a great snack or side dish.
  • Spicy Fries: For a kick, toss your fries with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even chili flakes before baking or frying.

These Homemade French Fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a golden-brown color that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a healthier option or frying them for that authentic taste, you’ll love how easy and customizable these fries are. Enjoy them as a side dish, snack, or even as a topping for loaded fries!

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