My Homemade French Fries are so easy to make and come out delicious and crispy! You could be eating these in less than 15 minutes start to finish! No soaking or double frying required! This frying method takes fresh potatoes and makes golden brown, absolutely perfect french fries every time!
Potato obsessed? Me too. Try my Creamy Mashed Potatoes and my Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges!
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The BEST Homemade French Fries
French fries are quite possibly the most perfect side dish there is. They go with absolutely everything and are so satisfying to eat. If you thought that making homemade french fries was difficult, think again! This is the easiest way to make french fries!! All you need is two ingredients and 15 minutes! No double frying, soaking the potatoes, drying them or tossing them in cornstarch these are full proof ultra crispy homemade french fries!
You don’t even have to wait for the oil to come to the right temperature! Simply add the cold oil and fries to the pot and turn on high. The fries cook as the oil heats up and crisp as the oil temperature rises. Its a genius way to cook crispy French fries in record time!
Ingredients Needed
My homemade french fries recipe uses minimal ingredients for the freshest and tastiest fries. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best for frying due to a lower amount of moisture. Plus, they are a great size for the perfect length french fry!
- Peanut Oil: I used peanut oil to fry up my french fries, but if you or someone in your family is allergic to peanuts then you can use canola or vegetable oil.
- Toppings: Kosher Salt, Truffle Oil and Parmesan Cheese, if desired. Use whatever you like! We sometimes like to sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder on top of our French fries.
How to Make Homemade French Fries
- Combine Oil & Potatoes: Add cold oil and sliced potatoes to a medium saucepan.
- Fry: Turn heat to high and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful when stirring not to break up the fries. I like to use the other side of a wooden spoon to move them around.
- Transfer & Salt: Transfer the french fries to a paper towel lined plate. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt. If you don’t do it immediately the salt won’t stick. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or my homemade ranch. We also like to drizzle some truffle oil and parmesan cheese on top!
Tips for Success
- You can peel your potatoes, or leave the skin on. It is just up to your own preference! For ease I say leave them on!
- Start with cold oil! This ensures that the fries are able to cook and get tender on the inside before getting too crunchy on the outside.
- Make sure each potato slice is a similar size. This will ensure that all of the fries are done cooking at the same time!
- Serve immediately for the best, most fresh homemade french fries! As they sit, they might soften up a bit. To crisp them up, pop them in a hot oven for a few minutes.
- When choosing an oil, make sure to choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Oils like peanut oil, canola oil, or safflower oil work well. Avoid lower smoke point oils like olive oil.
- Get creative with your seasoning! If you want a cajun flavored fry, sprinkle some cajun spice blend on top. Or toss them with the truffle oil, parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic for garlicky fries!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of potatoes are good for frying?
The best kinds of potatoes to fry with are Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Russet potatoes will have a classic, french fry taste. Yukon gold potatoes will still be delicious but won’t come out as crispy! Avoid smaller potatoes and red potatoes due to their moisture content.
How should I store leftover french fries?
Store any leftover homemade french fries in an airtight bag in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 for 10 minutes to ensure they are crispy!
You can also freeze these fries by freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about one hour. Once they are frozen, put them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350 from frozen for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I bake homemade french fries?
If you don’t want to fry your french fries and prefer to bake them, you definitely can. They won’t be exactly the same but they will still be delicious! Prior to baking, toss them in any desired seasonings, a little bit of oil (about 2 tbsp), and salt. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake at 450 for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown! For the full recipe, check out my Homemade Baked Fries!
More Recipes to Try
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Baked Potato Pancakes
- Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Homemade French Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes, sliced into matchsticks
- 3 cups peanut oil
- kosher salt for sprinkling
- truffle oil, optional
- parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Add cold oil and sliced potatoes to a medium saucepan.
- Turn heat to high and cook for 12 minutes stirring occasionally. Be careful when stirring not to break up the fries.
- Transfer French fries to a paper towel lined plate. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt.Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or my homemade ranch.We also like to drizzle some truffle oil and parmesan cheese on top!
Nutrition Information
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Loretta Pini
These french fries are so good. They remind me of Thrashers french fries that my parents would buy for me and my brothers when vacationing in Ocean City, MD. I like dipping them in your home made ranch dressing which is the best.
Shaunie Gassner
I served these as loaded French fries (think loaded baked potato) for dinner and my family ate 2nds, 3rds and some who shall remain nameless ate 4ths hahaha. I also made your cheese sauce recipe from the pretzel bites recipe. Toppings: taco flavored ground beef, bacon, green onions, parsley, black olives and peppers.
Kelley Simmons
Haha love this! What a genius idea! My family and I will be trying this version! Thanks for the fun idea Shaunie!
Charlie
When making a second batch, do you need to start with cold oil or can you use the hot oil that was just used?
Kelley Simmons
You can use the hot oil and try to keep the oil at around 350 degrees! Thanks and enjoy!
April
Does it have to be peanut oil?
Kelley Simmons
Nope! You can use canola or vegetable oil too!
Janet
I was very skeptical but in a hurry, this will be my go to for French fries from here on out! Delicious! They did take a little longer than 12 minutes.
Whitney
Made these tonight. I used avocado oil. It took significantly longer than 12 minutes (closer to 30) for them to get crispy, but they were very easy and they came out yummy in the end. The taste, color and texture remind me of the french fries you get at a Jewish Deli.
Kelley Simmons
Yah I am so glad you enjoyed these!!