Homemade French Fries Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Make crispy homemade French fries with this easy recipe. Just use basic ingredients and deep fry them for a delicious snack or side dish.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Soak Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

6 large russet potatoes peeled or unpeeled, Yukon Gold, Idaho potatoes, or sweet potatoes also work
6 cups vegetable oil or canola or peanut oil
kosher salt to taste

Use a mandoline or knife to cut the potatoes into French fry-shaped pieces.
6 large russet potatoes
Transfer the pieces to a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow the fries to soak for at least 1 hour. Rinse the fries off in a colander. Then, transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Pat the fries dry with additional paper towels.
Heat the oil to 300°F in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven.
6 cups vegetable oil
Working in 3-4 batches, transfer a batch of fries to the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes. The exterior of the fries should still be white/pale yellow. Transfer the fries to a baking rack, or another sheet pan or a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat this process with the remaining fries.
Turn the heat up so the oil temperature reaches 400°F. Transfer a batch of fries to the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fries to a bowl. Sprinkle immediately with salt and give the fries a toss. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Repeat for remaining batches.
kosher salt

Soaking the cut potatoes removes excess starch, which keeps the potatoes from sticking together. It also helps to ensure that the potatoes will be extra crispy once fried!
You can soak the potatoes for up to 24 hours before frying. Store them in the refrigerator while they soak. Thoroughly dry the potatoes before frying them to prevent oil splatter.
To bake, toss them with ½ cup oil and salt to taste, then bake in a single layer in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Toss and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
To air fry, toss them in a thin layer of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss in 1 tablespoon of oil, then air fry in a single layer at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until crispy.