Crispy French Fries
These crispy French fries are golden, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside — just like the ones you’d find at your favorite restaurant. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this delightful snack at home. The key to achieving the perfect texture is in the preparation and the frying technique. Follow this guide to make irresistible fries that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes
- Vinegar (a small amount)
- Water
- Cornstarch
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the potatoes. Start by peeling the 3 medium potatoes if you prefer, though leaving the skin on can add texture and flavor. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then slice them into thin strips, resembling toothpicks. You can adjust the thickness depending on how thick or thin you want your fries. Aim for even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Once you’ve cut the potatoes into fries, place them in a large container. This will help you soak them properly for the next step.
- To help the fries achieve their signature crispiness, add a little vinegar to the container. The vinegar helps to prevent the potatoes from becoming too starchy, which can make them soggy. Add just enough vinegar to lightly coat the potatoes, ensuring an even distribution.
- Next, add enough water to the container to cover the potatoes completely. The water will help to rinse away excess starch, which is key to making them crispy. Once the potatoes are fully submerged, cover the container and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This soaking process is important, as it helps remove excess starch that can prevent the fries from crisping up during frying.
- After the 10 minutes have passed, use a clean cloth or paper towels to thoroughly dry the potatoes. This is another crucial step, as moisture on the potatoes will cause the oil to splatter and may prevent the fries from becoming crisp. Be sure to dry each piece as much as possible.
- Transfer the dried potatoes into a large bowl and add a small amount of cornstarch. Using your hands, gently toss the potatoes in the cornstarch to coat them evenly. The cornstarch helps give the fries an extra crunchy texture when fried. Make sure the fries are well coated, but avoid adding too much cornstarch as it can affect the flavor.
- Now it’s time to fry the fries. Heat a pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat, adding enough cooking oil to fully submerge the fries. You want the oil to be hot enough so that the fries cook quickly and evenly, but not so hot that they burn. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of potato. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough to begin frying.
- Carefully add the coated potato strips to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. If necessary, you can adjust the heat to keep the oil at a consistent temperature throughout the frying process.
- Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will keep them crisp and prevent them from being greasy.
- Serve your crispy French fries immediately while they’re still warm and crunchy. Enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauces or as a snack all on their own!
