Double-frying the potatoes ensures crispy, browned French fries. The fries are soaked in ice water first, which removes starches. The soaking is an essential step for the crispy exterior. The first fry is around 300 F, and for the second fry, the oil is heated to 375 F. Once you make fries using this method, you’ll never make them any other way!
Baking potatoes, such as russets and Idaho bakers, make the best French fries. Peanut oil is a good neutral-flavor oil, but vegetable oil, grapeseed, or canola are good choices as well. Make sure you use a neutral-flavor, high-heat oil with a smoke point above 375 F.
Note: If you plan to serve the fries all at once, keep batches warm in a preheated 200 F oven.
See Also:
PrintDeep-Fried French Fries
Deep-fried French fries are easier than you might think! These fries are soaked and then fried twice – once at a low temperature and then the second time at a high temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Potatoes, Deep-Fry
- Method: Fry
Ingredients
- 4 pounds potatoes (russets or Idaho baking potatoes)
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- Salt (or a spicy seasoning salt, if desired)
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes. Cut a potato vertically into 1/2-inch wide slices. Lay each slice flat and cut them into 1/2-inch sticks. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
- Fill a large bowl with ice-cold water and put the potato sticks in the water. Set aside to soak for about 1 hour or up to 3 hours. If it will be longer than 2 to 3 hours, put the bowl in the fridge.
- Heat the vegetable oil to 300 F.
- Remove the potatoes to paper towels and blot them to dry.
- Fry the potatoes in about 3 batches for about 5 minutes, or until soft but not browned.
- Remove the potatoes to dry paper towels.
- Increase the heat to 375 F.
- Again, fry the potatoes in 3 or 4 batches. Cook until the fries are golden brown and crisp. Remove the fries to paper towels to drain.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve hot or transfer them to a 200 F oven to keep warm for up to 20 minutes.
