How to Make Perfectly Crispy Fries Out of Potatoes

Everybody loves a batch of crispy and delicious fries, right? But have you ever tried making them at home? Many people think that making fries is a difficult process, but it’s actually quite simple. In this article, we’ll show you how to make fries out of potatoes in relaxed, easy-to-understand English.

First off, the most important thing you need to know is that choosing the right type of potato is crucial for making good fries. Russet potatoes are the best option as they have a high amount of starch which makes them perfect for frying. Once you’ve got your potatoes, wash and peel them before slicing them into your desired shape. Some people prefer thin and shoestring-style fries, while others like them thick and chunky. It’s all up to your personal preference. Once you’ve cut your potatoes, store them in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to fry them. This helps to remove any excess starch and ensures that your fries come out crispy and not soggy.

Section: How to Make Fries Out of Potatoes

1. Choosing the Right Potato

The first and most crucial step in making perfect fries is choosing the right potato variety. Not all potatoes are created equal, and some are better suited for frying than others. Russet potatoes are the most commonly used variety for fries, as they have a high starch content and a low moisture level. Yukon Gold and Kennebec potatoes are also great options, as they produce crispy and flavorful fries.

2. Wash and Cut the Potatoes

Once you have chosen your potatoes, the next step is to wash and cut them. Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut them into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Make sure that the potato strips are not too thick, as this can result in soggy fries.

3. Soak the Potato Strips

After cutting the potatoes, it is essential to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking the potato strips helps to remove excess starch and ensures that they cook evenly. It also helps to prevent the fries from sticking together during frying.

4. Dry the Potato Strips

Once the potatoes have soaked, remove them from the water and dry them thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Getting rid of excess water before frying is crucial as excess water can cause oil splatters, making the frying process dangerous.

5. Preheat the Oil

Using the correct cooking oil is also essential in making good fries. The best oil for frying is one with a high smoke point and neutral flavor, such as canola or vegetable oil. Before adding the potato strips to the hot oil, it’s crucial to preheat the oil to a temperature of 350°F to 375°F.

6. Fry the Potato Strips Twice

To achieve crispy and golden-brown fries, it’s essential to fry the potato strips twice. Start by frying them for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re light golden brown. Remove them from the oil and let them rest for a few minutes. Before frying them for the second time, make sure that the oil has reached the desired temperature. Add the potato strips back into the hot oil and fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove the Fries from the Oil

Once the fries are cooked perfectly, use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the hot oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to absorb excess oil.

8. Season the Fries

No fries are complete without the right seasoning. Season the fries with salt, and any other desired spices as soon as they come out of the frying oil. You can also sprinkle some minced garlic, parsley, or smoked paprika for additional flavor.

9. Serve the Fries

Serve your homemade fries immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. You can also pair them with ketchup, mayonnaise, or other dipping sauces, depending on your preference.

10. Store Leftover Fries

If you have any leftover fries, store them in an airtight container or a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. Leftover fries can stay fresh for up to three days. Before consuming the remaining fries, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again.

Ingredients and Equipment for Making Homemade Fries

Making homemade fries might sound like an easy task, but it requires a well-organized preparation, the right equipment, and high-quality ingredients that will make your French fries taste delicious. To help you make perfect homemade fries, we’ve listed the essential ingredients and equipment you’ll need in this section.

Potatoes

The first and most crucial ingredient that you need for making homemade fries is, of course, potatoes. You’ll need to choose the right variety of potatoes that are suitable for making French fries. Russet potatoes are the best type of potato for frying, and they are readily available in most grocery stores. Russet potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture, which makes them crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside when fried.

Oil

The second important ingredient in making homemade fries is oil. You need to choose a cooking oil that has a high smoking point and is neutral in flavor. The most commonly used oils for frying potatoes are canola, vegetable, and peanut oil. These oils are perfect for frying potatoes because they have a high smoking point, which means they can withstand high temperatures without burning.

Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient when making homemade fries. You need to sprinkle salt on the fried potatoes to enhance the flavor and give them a mouth-watering taste. You can use any type of salt, including kosher salt, sea salt, or table salt, depending on your preference.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is an optional ingredient that you can use to make your homemade fries extra crispy. If you want your fries to have a crispier texture, toss the cut potatoes in cornstarch before frying them. Cornstarch forms a thin crust on the potatoes, which gives them a crispy texture when fried.

Fryer or a Deep Pot

To fry your potatoes, you’ll need a deep fryer or a deep pot. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a large, deep pot to fry your potatoes. Make sure the pot is deep enough to hold about two inches of oil and still leave sufficient room for the potatoes to fry.

Frying Thermometer

A frying thermometer is an essential tool when frying potatoes. It helps you monitor the oil’s temperature, ensuring that it stays within the required range. The ideal temperature for frying potatoes is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spider or a Slotted Spoon

A spider or a slotted spoon is another essential tool when frying your potatoes. You’ll use it to remove the fried potatoes from the hot oil. Choose a spider or a slotted spoon that has a large enough bowl to hold the potatoes and is made of heat-resistant material.

Cutting Board and Knife

To cut the potatoes into French fry shapes, you need a cutting board and a sharp knife. A large, sturdy cutting board is ideal for cutting potatoes, and a sharp knife will make the job easier and quicker.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are excellent for draining excessive oil from your homemade French fries. Once you remove the fries from the hot oil, place them on a paper towel to drain the oil and remove excess grease.

Bowl and Tongs

To season your homemade fries, you need a large bowl and tongs. Place your fries into the bowl and sprinkle them with salt and any other seasoning of your choice. Use tongs to mix the fries gently, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the seasoning.

With all these essential ingredients and equipment at your disposal, you are now ready to make perfect homemade fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!

Types of Potatoes for Making Fries

Making fries requires a particular type of potato that can hold its shape, remain intact during cooking, and contain enough starch to make it crispy. If you are unsure which type of potato to buy for your french fries, keep reading for more information.

1. Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the most common type of potato used for making fries due to their high starch content. They are fluffy and stay crispy due to their low moisture content. Russet potatoes have a light brown skin and white flesh. They are perfect for classic french fries and restaurant-style fries. You can also use them to make curly or waffle fries.

2. Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are yellow-fleshed potatoes that contain less starch than Russet potatoes. They are a better option for making fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture that yields great-tasting fries. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for making shoestring fries and wedges.

3. Kennebec Potatoes

Kennebec potatoes are another option for making fries. They are a hybrid between Russet and Northern White potatoes, making them an excellent choice for fries. They are not as starchy as Russet potatoes, but they have thin skin and a consistent shape, making them easy to cut. Kennebec potatoes make great shoestring fries and can withstand high-heat cooking methods.

4. Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes are long and thin and have a waxy texture compared to other potato types. They are a little more expensive than other potatoes, but they produce great-tasting fries with a unique flavor. They are best suited for thinner and smaller fries due to their size.

5. Sweet Potatoes

If you are looking to make a healthy and tasty alternative to the classic french fries, then sweet potatoes might be your best bet. Sweet potatoes have less starch and more sugar than other types of potatoes, making them an ideal choice for those with a sweet tooth. They are nutrient-dense and full of vitamins that make them a great choice for a healthy yet tasty snack. Sweet potatoes fries are baked, giving them a crispy exterior but with a soft interior.

It is essential to choose the right type of potato when making fries, depending on the desired texture and flavor. Use the table below to know which potato to choose based on your fry preference.

In the next section, we will look at the different methods for preparing potatoes for fries to get the perfect crispy fry.

Thanks for Reading!

Well folks, I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make mouth-watering fries out of potatoes. There’s something about the crispy, golden exterior and soft, warm interior that just hits the spot. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a late-night snack, make sure to keep this recipe in your back pocket. And if you’re ever in need of more delicious recipes or cooking tips, make sure to visit again soon. Happy cooking!