Warning: Homemade French Fries are addicting.

This has become one of the most popular things I make amongst family and friends.

French fries are french fries, right? Wrong! Homemade french fries are a whole other thing.

Everyone talks about these fries after they have them.

I will admit that making french fries homemade is not a quick task. It takes time… peeling, cutting, soaking out the starch, frying. But it’s so worth it!

Do you have to soak potatoes before frying?

No, you don’t have to. They will still turn out but they won’t be as crispy. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water removes the starch. This allows your fries to get crispier on the outside but still stay pillowy-soft on the inside. It also helps them not stick together.

How long do you soak potatoes before frying?

At least 1 hour but preferably 2 to 3 hours.

Methods for making the perfect french fries

French fries can be made in a few different ways.

1. Blanch in boiling water, fry at 300 degrees, and do a final fry at 350 degrees. This leaves the most crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. The french fries are delicious but this method takes more time and dishes.
2. Frying at 300 degrees and then a final fry at 350 degrees. These are going to be a little less crispy on the outside and not as pillowy-soft inside. You do get to skip the boiling process so that is a plus for time and dishes.
3. Going straight to frying at 350 degrees. While these are not as crispy and may end up a little floppier, they still make great homemade fries in a pinch. I cut the fries shorter which helps them stay firmer.

Between the 3 methods above, I usually go with numbers 2 or 3. It all really comes down to the time I have available and how many I’m cooking for. And yes… I’ve totally skipped soaking in water and went straight to frying at 350 degrees and we all gobbled down the fries.

The fries below were soaked in cold water for one hour to remove starch. Then I used method number 3 (going straight to frying at 350 degrees). As you can see, they are still crispy and tasted delicious.

After frying, it’s best to put the fries on a paper towel to soak the grease. Then immediately season while the fries are still hot. It helps the seasoning stick.

The fries are great on their own but they can also be served with ketchup, ranch, jalapeno fry sauce, spicy ranch, or other favorite fry toppings. They are also great for making cheese fries. Place the fries on a cookie sheet, top with shredded cheese, and place in the oven or under a broiler to melt the cheese. Add green onion and bacon, optional, before serving.

What is your favorite dip for french fries?

Print

Homemade French Fries with Seasoning

Homemade french fries are so much better than frozen or fast food fries.

Course Side Dish

Keyword french fries, side dishes

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Water soak 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

• 5 ea russett jumbo potatoes or 10 small potatoes
• 2 qts vegetable, peanut, or canola oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Optional: Peel the potatoes.

2. Cut potatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices.

3. Soak potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least one hour, preferably 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Rinse the fries after soaking and place on paper towels to dry.

4. Heat oil in a deep fryer, skillet, pot, or dutch oven to 300 degrees.

5. Fry the fries in small batches, making sure to not overcrowd. Fry for about 5 to 6 minutes and then place on a paper towel. This is just to precook them and get them soft. Keep going until all the fries are cooked.

6. While the potatoes are cooking, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

7. Turn your heat up to 350 degrees. Fry the cooked fries in small batches for another 5-6 minutes in the hotter oil. This time they are ready when they are browned and crispy. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel to soak up the excess grease.

8. While the fries are still hot, sprinkle on the seasoning mix and toss the fries to lightly coat.

9. Continue this process of frying the fries, placing on the paper towel, and then tossing in the seasoning until all are done.

10. Serve with ketchup, ranch, fry sauce, spicy ranch, jalapeno fry sauce, or other favorite dip.

Recipe Notes

1. There are three methods of making french fries.  This recipe follows method number 2.  All methods will turn out delicious fries.  I choose the method I have the time for.  
   1. Boiling the cut potatoes until just soft, then frying at 300 degrees until slightly cooked, and then frying again at 350 degrees until crispy.
   2. Frying the cut potatoes at 300 degrees until soft and again at 350 degrees until crispy.
   3. Frying the cut potatoes at 350 degrees until crispy.
2. Russett potatoes are the best for homemade french fries.
3. I make 1.5 potatoes per person.  Homemade fries are addicting!!
4. Seasoning is optional.