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There’s something magical about biting into the perfect French fry– crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and lightly salted while still steaming hot. This recipe teaches you how to make crispy deep-fried French fries right at home using a double-fry method that delivers restaurant-style results every time. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, piling them high with toppings for a loaded snack, or just craving that golden crunch, these fries are going to be your new go-to. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy gear- Just a little patience, good oil, and the right technique.
The Chemistry of Deep-Friend French Fries
The double-fry technique is the secret behind irresistibly crispy fries. The first fry, done at lower temperature (350 degrees F), cooks the potato’s interior, softening it without browning. After a rest and cool-down, the second fry at a higher temperature (375 degrees F) crisps the outer layer, giving that satisfying crunch.
Apple cider vinegar in the boiling water helps the fries hold their shape, while salt enhances flavor and starch control. Freezing the fries after parboiling also helps dry them out, reducing excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Deep-Friend French Fries
- Peel and slice 6 potatoes into skinny fries.
- In a large pot, add water to cover the fries, plus 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add fries and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove fries with a slotted spoon and pat dry.
- Lay fries flat on parchment-lined cookie sheets, stacking them with parchment if needed.
- Freeze the fries for at least 4 hours (or store up to 3 months).
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a pan to 350 degrees F.
- Fry in batches for 5 minutes. Remove and dry the fries on paper towels.
- Increase the oil temperature to 375 degrees F. Return fries for second fry (2-3 minutes).
- Salt immediately and serve hot!
Recipe Troubleshooting
If you have the issue of soggy fries or greasy fries– it almost always points to skipping the double-fry method or frying at the wrong temperature. Oil that isn’t hot enough can also cause fries to absorb more oil, making them greasy.
Uneven cooking can result from overloading the pan or cutting fries inconsistently. If fries brown too fast, there may be excess surface starch—a good rinse or soak can help. Parboiling and freezing, as the recipe calls for, is just as good as a soak.
Oil splatters? That’s usually from wet potatoes or overcrowding.
Using the wrong type of potato or not seasoning while hot can leave fries bland and limp instead of crisp and flavorful.
What is the best potato for crispy French fries? Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal thanks to their high starch content.
Can I reuse frying oil? Yes- strain and store it properly, and it can be reused.
What’s the difference between single and double frying? Single fry = soft fries; double fry = crispy shell, tender inside.
How do I keep fries warm? Keep them in the oven at 200 degrees F on a wire rack. If your fries are losing their crunch fast, holding them at 200 degrees F until serving will solve that.
What is the best oil for frying? Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
If you feel like they don’t taste like restaurant fries– It’s all about the cut, oil temp, and freezing step.
Golden Crispy Fries
This double-fried French fries recipe is a must-try if you dream of crispy homemade French fries. Whether you like shoestring fries or hand-cut fries, this recipe helps you nail the perfect fry technique at home. Follow the recipe below to manage the oil temperature for French fries and avoid soggy fries every time. It’s ideal if you’re going for that restaurant-style French fries at-home vibe, you don’t even need a deep fryer to achieve these crispy fries. Just make sure to not skip the trick of parboiling and soaking potatoes for fries!
French Fry Season
These fries are the ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for summer BBQ side dishes or game-day snacks. Serve them as crispy fries for burger night, or top them with bacon and cheese for loaded French fries toppings. Similar recipes are also popping up in viral TikTok French fries hacks and appearing in football party food ideas.
Vegan French Fries or Gluten-Free Fries
This recipe works for both of those dietary restrictions. For GF, make sure you are frying them in clean oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the fries with homemade dipping sauces. Try truffle aioli, garlic mayo, sriracha ketchup, or chipotle ranch.
- Serve with favorites like burgers, pork ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork sliders, or grilled sandwiches.
- Load them with cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
- To make them shine at the table, serve them in metal fry baskets or parchment cones for the fast-casual restaurant vibe.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or herbed salt as soon as they come out of the fryer, and garnish with parmesan or fresh parsley.
- Hosting a party? Create a dipping sauce platter for an interactive experience. Keep them warm in the oven at 200 degrees F until ready to serve to lock in that crunch.
Storage Tips
Freezer– Uncooked fries can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze parboiled fries before their first fry. Lay them flat, freeze solid, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can go straight from the freezer to the fryer without needing thawing.
Refrigerator– Once fried, they’re best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in a 400-degree F oven for 5-8 minutes to revive their crispiness.
Making Ahead– Boil and freeze your fries in advance. You can prep large batches and always have fries ready to fry on demand. It’s a great way to save time and elevate weeknight meals.
Recommended Products
- Heavy-bottom Frying Pan
- Wire Spider Skimmer
- Fry Thermometer
- Mandoline or French Fry Cutter
- Metal Fry Baskets for Serving
Homemade Golden French Fries
Crispy French fries don’t have to be a fast-food dream. You can bring that golden crunch to your kitchen with the right potatoes, oil temperature, and a simple double-frying method. Make a big batch, stash some in the freezer, and be ready to impress whenever the fry craving hits. Once you try these, you may never look at frozen fries the same way again.
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Crispy Deep-Fried French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes
- water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp salt + more for topping
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel and slice the potatoes into skinny fries.
- In a large pot, add enough water to cover all of the potatoes, 2 tbsp of vinegar, and 1 tbsp of fine sea salt. Place over high heat and allow the water to come to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the raw fries and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon and place on some paper towels. Pat them dry.
- Place on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and lay the boiled fries flat on the pan, not overlapping. If you need more space, add another parchment paper on top and stack the fries.
- Place the pan with all of the fries in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours, or leave in your fridge for up to 3 months and always have fries on hand.
- When ready to fry, grab a large frying pan and place it over high heat. Add 2 inches of vegetable oil to the pan. Allow the oil to reach 350 degrees.
- Work in batches, adding the fries to the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove and place those fries on paper towels. Allow the fries to cool as you heat the oil higher.
- Increase the heat of the oil to 375 degrees, then place the fries in the pan again to fry 2-3 additional minutes (depending how dark you want them).
- Repeat this process with all of the fries, double frying them first for 5 minutes and then for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly salt the fries while they are still hot, and then serve.
Nutrition
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