The Best Homemade French Fries: Crispy, Golden Perfection

French fries are a classic comfort food that shows up in everything from casual snacks to full-on meals. Whether paired with a burger, served as part of a hearty breakfast plate, or piled high with toppings, fries are versatile, satisfying, and easy to love. Making the best homemade French fries at home is not only possible—it’s simple with the right tips and techniques.

This post will walk you through how to create perfectly crispy fries, discuss their popularity, highlight dishes that feature them as a foundation, and provide variations and storage tips. If you’ve ever wanted to skip the takeout fries and make them from scratch, this guide is for you.

Why Make Homemade French Fries?

Store-bought fries are convenient, but making your own at home has plenty of benefits. You control the ingredients, skip unnecessary additives, and tailor the fries to your exact tastes. Plus, there’s something satisfying about pulling golden, crispy fries out of the oil and knowing they’re all your own.

French fries aren’t just a side dish—they’re also the starting point for a variety of crowd-pleasing meals. Loaded fries with toppings like cheese, bacon, and scallions are always a hit, while international dishes like Canadian poutine or Middle Eastern shawarma fries take the humble fry to new heights.

Tips for Making the Crispiest Fries

Making fries at home is all about the details. Here are some simple but effective tips to ensure crispy fries every time:

1. Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are the best choice for fries because of their high starch content and low moisture. These qualities result in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
2. Soaking Is Key: Removing starch from the potatoes is critical for preventing them from sticking together and for achieving the crispy texture we all love. The vinegar in the soaking water also strengthens the exterior of the potato for better frying.
3. Don’t Skip the Double Fry: The first fry cooks the potato through, while the second fry creates the crispy exterior. This step is essential for fries that stay crispy even after cooling slightly.
4. Keep Oil at the Right Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Frying at the correct heat ensures the fries don’t absorb excess oil or burn too quickly.
5. Work in Batches: Overcrowding the pot drops the oil temperature, resulting in soggy fries. Fry in small batches to maintain consistent heat.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Fries

Homemade fries are more than a side dish—they’re a versatile base for plenty of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Pairings: Serve alongside burgers, hot dogs, or grilled sandwiches for a satisfying meal.
• Loaded Fries: Top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a hearty snack.
• Breakfast Fries: Pair fries with scrambled eggs, avocado, and sausage for a twist on breakfast.
• International Toppings: Try poutine with gravy and cheese curds or shawarma fries with spiced meat, tahini, and fresh herbs.

No matter how you serve them, the best homemade French fries are a treat that’s easy to customize to your preferences.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic fry recipe, it’s time to experiment with variations. Here are a few ideas to keep things interesting:

1. Spicy Fries: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a little heat.
2. Garlic and Herb Fries: Toss fries with minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese after frying for a flavorful twist.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Follow the same process with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, nutrient-rich option.
4. Seasoned Fries: Mix together salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to create a seasoning blend to sprinkle on the fries after frying.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Fries

Homemade fries are best when fresh, but you can store and reheat them for later enjoyment with these tips:

1. Storing Leftovers: Let fries cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating for Crispiness: Reheat fries in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the fries soggy.
3. Freezing Blanched Fries: If you want to make fries ahead of time, freeze the blanched potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container. Fry straight from frozen for the final fry.

The Best Homemade French Fries Recipe

Recipe by Jessie

Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these homemade French fries are everything you love about your favorite restaurant fries—made right in your own kitchen! With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create fries that are crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 2 Tbsp distilled white vinegar

• vegetable oil, for frying

• sea salt, to taste

Directions

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly; peeling is optional based on preference.
• Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
• Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess surface starch.
• In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with enough cold water to cover them and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Soak for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps remove starch and prevents the fries from sticking together.
• Drain and pat the potatoes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 300°F (150°C).
• Blanching (First Fry): Fry the potatoes in small batches for about 5-6 minutes until they are pale and soft but not browned. This step cooks the interior without adding color. Remove and drain on paper towels. Allow them to cool to room temperature.
• Final Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched potatoes again in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on fresh paper towels.
• Immediately sprinkle sea salt over the hot fries to taste. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Potato Selection: Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content and low moisture, which contribute to crispiness.
• Soaking: Soaking in vinegar-infused water helps to remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together, enhancing crispiness.
• Double Frying: The first fry cooks the potatoes through, while the second fry at a higher temperature crisps the exterior.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperatures during frying.
• Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking and prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
  

Homemade fries are worth the effort. They’re fresher, crispier, and more customizable than anything you’ll get at the drive-thru. By following these simple steps and experimenting with variations, you’ll have a recipe for the best homemade fries that will become a family favorite.