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!
before you get started / kelley’s tips
- 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.
- Other readers have used avocado oil and have commented that it takes about 10 + additional minutes.
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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!
- 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
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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
Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Sandy
These were awesome! The whole family enjoyed them. While it did take longer than 12 minutes, it wasn’t too much longer. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Kelley Simmons
Yah I am so glad you and your family enjoyed these French fries! Thanks so much for sharing!
Fiona_Sheh
Are they really worth the extra effort compared to store-bought frozen fries? Do the taste and texture justify the time spent in the kitchen?
Kelley Simmons
Yes! We make homemade anytime we want French fries and it is 100% worth it! They taste so much better are crispier and only have three ingredients (potatoes, oil and salt)
Susan K Reiley
It worked beautifully my fries were delicious thank you.
I just never know how to handle expensive cooking oil? Strain it and put it in a clean canning jar? Reuse it for fries I guess?
Kelley Simmons
Hi Susan!
My husband and I strain it and store it room temperature in a glass mason jar. We reuse it for fries or anything else we are frying. Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them!
Kelley
Wayne Is Awesome
This is the first time I’ve commented on a recipe. I was blown away by how easy this was and how outstanding the result! I’ve trialed so many recipes and this was not only the least effort but also the absolute best outcome.
Kelley Simmons
Aww yah I am so happy to hear this Wayne! Thank you so much for taking the time to share!
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!!
Cassidy
I’m glad I read this comment because I’m using avocado oil and 12 minutes has came and gone LOL good to know.
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.
Jen
Same! And our 2nd batch had a better texture than the first batch that was put into cold oil.
April
Does it have to be peanut oil?
Kelley Simmons
Nope! You can use canola or vegetable oil too!
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!
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!
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.