Crispy

French Fries

Recipe That Guarantees Best Results Every Time

Whether grabbing a quick bite at a QSR or dining out at a full-service restaurant, French fries have become a common side dish for many beloved dishes like juicy burgers, grilled sandwiches, and wraps. However, making them at home from scratch might seem quite easy, but novice chefs struggle to achieve the same as a restaurant. Sometimes they get too crispy but remain raw inside, while at other times they end up too soft. Here is the step-by-step French fries recipe that never fails.

Description:

Here is a list of simple, minimal ingredients a chef should have to prepare French fries at home.

• Russet Potatoes: 3 medium 

• Cold Water: 1 litre 

• Oil: for deep-frying 

• Mixed herbs (like dried oregano and dried rosemary): 1/2 tsp 

• Edible Salt: 1/2 tsp

Below is the recipe, featuring both classic deep-frying and healthy air-frying methods to make the crispiest French fries.

Perfectly sliced potatoes cook evenly and don't break while frying. So first rinse the potatoes well in water and peel them. Then, with a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into slices about 1 cm thick. Transfer these potato sticks to a strainer and rinse them a couple of times under water to remove excess starch. You can even use a French fry cutter that will save you time and effort.

Another essential step in preparing French fries is soaking the potato sticks in cold water. In a bowl, add 1 litre of cold water and place the potatoes in it. Keep this bowl at room temperature or in the refrigerator for half an hour. After resting, drain the potatoes in a colander. Additionally, in a hot and humid climate, you can keep the bowl in the fridge. Skipping this soaking method yields fries that brown unevenly, resulting in a bad texture.

Now rinse the potato sticks in clean, fresh water using a colander, then drain the water. Then place the potato sticks on a clean kitchen cotton napkin. Fold the napkin above, then press, pat, and dry the potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before you begin frying them. Drying is necessary, as excess moisture can cause hot oil to splatter and hinder the fries from crisping up evenly. 

Do you know that French fries are made by double-frying? Yes, this defines their overall texture. Heat oil in a heavy pan; keep the heat medium. Now add the potatoes to the oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan with the potatoes. Stir and fry them for about 3 minutes until the potatoes are cooked and turn light brown. Once done, remove and place them on paper tissues. In the second frying, increase the heat to high, add the potatoes, and fry for 3 minutes, until they turn crisp and golden. Remove from the kadai and place them on the paper tissues.

Apart from deep frying, French fries can be made in an air fryer, which promotes guilt-free snacking. After drying them properly, coat the potato sticks with oil and arrange them evenly in the air-fryer basket. Here you can even use parchment paper. Before air-frying, preheat the air-fryer for 6 minutes, then place the basket with the potato sticks in and fry for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, after about 5–6 minutes, take out the basket, give it a shake, and air-fry for another 5 minutes, until crispy and golden. Remove the air-fried French fries from the bowl.

In a large bowl, add the French fries and sprinkle with some salt and mixed herbs. Toss the bowl gently to coat each French fry piece evenly. Serve these homemade fries with tomato ketchup and mayonnaise. These French fries are perfect for instant snacking during tea time or to serve to your guests. By following this French fry recipe, one can make the crispiest fries flawlessly. Try this recipe and relish this versatile snack.