Homemade French Fries that tastes like your favorite fast food place and NO soaking or double frying required! It’s the easiest way to make classic American French Fries without the hassle and extra steps!
French fries should be super easy to make, if fast food places like McDonalds got it figured out! Many techniques require double frying or soaking for hours and maybe they got a point but did you know you can skip all those routines and still get quality fries? My brother-in-law works in an upscale restaurant and mentioned that these fries were BETTER! It’s all done in one kettle and is a dump and fry kind-of-thing, so your not soaking, double frying or peeling skins in that matter! Even my mother-in-law converted to making her fries like this! It’s literally the easiest way to make homemade fries and tastes like the drive-thru fries you’d order. We love it dipped in our Chick-fil-a sauce or ketchup. What are you a fan of?
French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
French Fries:
- 6 Russet potatoes washed
- 4 cups canola oil
- salt
Instructions
How To Make French Fries:
- Cut potatoes into 5 slices lengthwise then into 1/4" thick strips. Transfer potatoes into a deep pot or kettle. Pour oil over the fries and jiggle the pan from side to side to let the oil settle. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling leave fries ALONE, do not change the temperature or stir for 15 minutes. Once lightly golden, remove fries with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain, sprinkle with a generous amount of salt while still hot. Serve.
Notes
- Leave skins on for extra nutrients.
- Can easily add enough potatoes as long as the top layer is barely in oil. Do not stir during the frying time as it will mush. Frying time can take an additional few minutes. It's done when lightly golden. Can give a gentle stir towards the last 5 minutes if needed.
- If doubling fry potatoes in two batches.
Nutrition per serving
Q&A
What potatoes are best for French Fries?
The best potatoes for French fries are Russet, Idaho or chefs potatoes. Any white flesh baking potatoes are best due to their dry mealy interior and large size making it suitable for dipping. Gold potatoes on the other hand are good for wedges, boiling whole or making mashed potatoes and can get mushy in the middle, which are not fit for classic French fries. Even McDonalds use Russet Potatoes, you can read more on the wiki article for Russet potatoes.
How Do I make French Fries like McDonalds or Fast Food Restaurants?
McDonalds uses commercial equipment in making their fries. They first wash and peel the potatoes. Sharp blades slice them into shoestring style and they get blanched (steamed) for 15 minutes before they are partially fried. Then they finally get sent to McDonalds locations, where they end up frying again to serve customers. You can watch how McDonalds fries are made here.
Can I make french fries in the oven or air fryer?
Yes! Making fries in the oven and air fryer are possible and still require some oil although drastically less then what you’d need for deep-frying. However using these methods can tend to dry out the potatoes so pre-caution is to be used. If you want the classic American fast food style fries then you need to fry them, but if want to reduce the oil content make them in the oven or air fryer.
Do you have to soak fries?
Soaking the potatoes is not necessary and is proven for good results without it. Some claim it helps with removing the excess starch which is to help improve the stickiness and crisp factor, although I’ve had fabulous results without the soaking. So is it necessary? No.
Can I make fries without double frying?
Yes! Since McDonalds partially fry their fries before it hits the stores this technique works great for freezing and finishing off for a later time. It is still possible to achieve delicious fries at home without the double frying, unless you insist:)
Can you freeze fries?
Absolutely! They just need some blanching (steaming) and some partial frying before flash freezing. Then they can be stored in a freezer bag!
Tips
- If freezing fries, boil for 5 minutes then drain and partially deep-fry for 7 minutes before cooling and storing into the freezer.
- To make frozen fries simply deep-fry until golden brown.
- Add the salt after deep-frying.
- Leave the skins on for extra nutrients!
