These homemade French fries are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. A little cornstarch helps create that extra-crispy texture with simple ingredients. 😋
Ingredients
4 large potatoes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Cold water, for soaking
Directions
Prepare the potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized sticks.
Soak:
Place the potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30–60 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes the fries crispier.
Dry well:
Drain the potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Make sure they are as dry as possible.
Add cornstarch:
Put the potatoes in a clean bowl. Add the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss gently until the potatoes are lightly coated.
First frying:
Heat vegetable oil to about 325°F (165°C). Fry the potatoes in small batches for about 4–6 minutes, without letting them become too brown. Remove and place on paper towels.
Second frying:
Increase the oil temperature to about 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again for 2–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Season and serve:
Drain the fries, sprinkle with a little extra salt while they are hot, and serve immediately.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these crispy fries hot with ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. They are best eaten immediately while they are still crispy.
For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in an air fryer or oven to bring back some of their crispiness.
Variations
Garlic Fries: Add garlic powder and dried parsley.
Spicy Fries: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Cheesy Fries: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan while hot.
Herb Fries: Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
FAQs
Can I skip the soaking step?
Yes, but soaking helps remove excess starch and gives you crispier fries.
Can I use cornstarch?
Yes. Cornstarch is the key ingredient in this recipe for a light, crispy coating.
Why fry the potatoes twice?
The first fry cooks the inside, while the second fry makes the outside beautifully golden and crispy.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Toss the dried potatoes with a little oil and cornstarch, then air-fry at around 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy, shaking the basket occasionally.
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