Perfect Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe
Introduction
Crispy, golden French fries are a timeless snack or side dish loved by many. With a simple two-step frying process, you can achieve perfectly crisp fries that are soft inside and satisfyingly crunchy outside.
Ingredients
- 1kg Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1cm-thick batons. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 2 hours to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up during frying.
- Step 2: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat dry using kitchen paper. Fill a deep pan with vegetable oil to no more than one third of its capacity and heat to 140°C (or drop a cube of bread into the oil; it should brown in about 60 seconds). Fry the potatoes in batches for about 6 minutes each until they are golden straw-colored, cooked through, and lightly crisp. Drain on kitchen paper.
- Step 3: Increase the oil temperature to 180°C (the bread cube should brown in 30 seconds). Fry the potatoes again in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn lightly golden and become really crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and immediately season with sea salt.
Tips & Variations
- Use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward for the best crispy texture.
- Soaking the potatoes removes starch and prevents them from sticking together during frying.
- Make sure the oil temperature is consistent for even cooking and perfect crispness.
- For extra flavor, try seasoning your fries with herbs like rosemary or spices like smoked paprika after frying.
Storage
French fries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 200°C for 5-10 minutes to help restore their crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
While you can use other varieties, starchy potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward produce the crispiest fries due to their lower moisture content.
Why do I soak the potatoes in water before frying?
Soaking removes excess starch from the potatoes, which prevents them from sticking together and helps achieve a crispier texture when fried.
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Perfect Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Classic homemade French fries made from Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, double-fried to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and fluffy interior, seasoned with sea salt for the ideal savory snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1kg Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- Sea salt, to season
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1cm-thick batons. Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 2 hours to remove excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up when cooked.
- Dry the Potatoes: Drain the soaked potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Removing moisture is important to prevent oil splatter and to enhance crispiness.
- First Fry: Fill a deep pan with vegetable oil up to one-third full and heat it to 140°C (285°F). Test the oil’s temperature by dropping a cube of bread; it should brown in about 60 seconds. Fry the potatoes in batches for 6 minutes each until they are golden straw-colored, fully cooked through, and lightly crisp. Drain the fries on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
- Increase Oil Temperature: Raise the oil temperature to 180°C (350°F). You can check the temperature by dropping a bread cube which should brown in 30 seconds at this stage.
- Second Fry: Return the fries to the hot oil in batches and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden and irresistibly crispy. Drain on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
- Season and Serve: While the fries are still hot, season generously with sea salt to taste. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes is a crucial step to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
- Drying the fries thoroughly before frying prevents oil splatter and improves texture.
- Double frying at two different temperatures ensures the fries cook through and achieve a crunchy exterior.
- Use a kitchen thermometer if possible for precise oil temperature control.
- Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes are ideal for fries due to their starch content and texture, but you can use other starchy potatoes if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours soaking)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French fries, homemade fries, crispy fries, deep-fried potatoes, classic French fries, double-fried fries
