Crispy Homemade French Fries

Experience the perfect crispy homemade French fries recipe, tested over 20 times to ensure it’s right. These French fries are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance their flavor. They’re the ultimate comfort food! Whether you like them on their own, with a delicious fried chicken sandwich, a side of beet hummus, grilled kofta kabab, oven-baked fish, Mediterranean drumsticks, or a refreshing Greek salad, there are endless ways to savor these fries. Looking for more culinary inspiration? Check out our collection of delectable recipes to complement your homemade French fries.

Ingredients for Crispy Homemade French Fries

• Idaho Russet potatoes bring the double-fried French fries a rich, earthy flavor. Their large size allows for substantial, hearty fries with a fluffy interior.
• Canola Oil: It is chosen for its high smoking point, contributing to the fries’ crispy texture. It provides a neutral taste, allowing the natural flavor of the potatoes to shine.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Coarse sea salt is sprinkled generously on the fries, enhancing their savory goodness. The larger crystals add a satisfying crunch and flavor with each bite.
• Water: Water is used in the blanching process, contributing to the overall texture of the fries. It helps to remove excess starch, ensuring a crisp exterior.
• White Vinegar: White vinegar, added to the blanching water, serves a dual purpose. It aids in breaking down starch for a crispy texture and adds a subtle tang that complements the savory.

Tips for Crispy Homemade French Fries

• Choosing the Right Potato: Opt for Idaho Russet potatoes for their size, perfect for cutting into strips, and low moisture content, ensuring crispy results.
• Selecting the Right Oil: Choose oils with a high smoking point, such as peanut, canola, vegetable, or grape seed, to prevent burning or smoking during frying.
• Choosing the Perfect Pot: Utilize an enamel cast iron pot with at least a 7-quart capacity for deep frying. The light color allows easy monitoring, and the enamel ensures easy cleanup.
• Blanching the Potatoes: Before frying, briefly blanch or parboil the potatoes in water with white vinegar and salt. This step breaks down starch, ensuring your fries remain crispy and golden.

The Two-Step Frying Process

Here’s the secret to crispy perfection: the double fry. The first fry at 300°F allows the potatoes to release water content and become tender. After cooling, place them in the freezer for an hour, a step you can do beforehand. When you’re ready to indulge, the second fry at 375°F caramelizes the sugars on the outside, creating mouthwatering French fries.

Enjoy these perfectly crispy homemade French fries with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a juicy burger. For detailed tips and instructions on preparing the potatoes to achieve that irresistible crunch, be sure to check out the ‘Tips’ section below the recipe card. Bon appétit!