The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Homemade French Fries

There’s nothing quite like biting into a batch of perfectly crispy fries fresh from your own kitchen. French fries are a cherished snack and side dish, but getting that restaurant-quality crunch at home can be tricky.   

Don’t worry, we’ve got the secrets right here! Today, we'll show you how to make crispy French fries that are golden and delicious. Plus, making them at home lets you customize flavors and control ingredients. Let’s dive into the crispy goodness! 

What Do You Need? 

Before we start frying, let’s gather our ingredients. To make the best homemade French fries, you’ll need: 

• Potatoes: 4 large Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), perfect for their high starch content, which helps achieve that perfect crispiness. 
  
  
• Oil: Enough to fill your fryer or pot to a depth of about 3-4 inches, which typically requires about 1-2 quarts (4-8 cups) of high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. 
  
  
• Seasonings: 1-2 teaspoons of salt, plus any additional spices you like, such as 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. 
  
  
• FryAway Super Fry: This product is your go-to for solidifying leftover cooking oil, making cleanup a breeze. 

How to Make Crispy French Fries at Home?  

Follow the below process to make the crunchiest and most delicious French fries at home, with a post-cleanup hack included. 

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes 

Let’s kick things off 

1. Peel and Cut: Peel your Russet potatoes and slice them into sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Consistency is key for even cooking. 

2. Soak: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This removes excess starch, which is crucial for crispy homemade French fries. 

Step 2: First Fry 

Now, let’s get frying: 

1. Heat Oil: Heat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 325°F (163°C). 

2. First Fry: Fry the potatoes in batches for about 4-5 minutes. They should be soft but not yet browned. Remove them out and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Second Fry 

Here’s the secret to homemade crispy French fries: 

1. Increase Heat: Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). 

2. Second Fry: Return the potatoes to the hot oil and fry again for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. 

3. Drain and Season: Drain the fries on paper towels and season immediately with salt and any other spices you prefer. 

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers? 

Here’s how french fries stay tasty: 

1. Store: To keep those fries fresh, stash them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. 

2. Reheat: To reheat, pop the fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) or in an air fryer until they’re hot and crispy again, about 5-10 minutes. 

What to Do with Leftover Cooking Oil? 

Now here comes the main culprit that makes frying a hassle for many people: leftover cooking oil. It’s messy and tricky to handle, and if disposed of incorrectly, it can cause major problems.  

Pouring it down the drain can clog pipes, and dumping it in the outdoors can harm the environment and attract unwanted critters. The best, safest, and easiest way to handle this is to solidify the oil and throw it in the garbage.  

Wondering how to solidify vegetable oil after frying? Use FryAway Super Fry: 

1. Sprinkle and Stir: While the oil is still hot, sprinkle FryAway powder into the oil and stir to mix it properly. 

2. Cool Down: Let the oil cool and watch it solidify. 

3. Toss: Once solidified, scrape and toss the solidified oil into the trash—no mess, no fuss. 

FAQs 

1. How Much FryAway Should Be Used to Solidify Oil? 

The amount of FryAway needed depends on the amount of oil you have. Generally, one scoop of FryAway is enough to solidify 1 cup of oil. For larger quantities, adjust accordingly. Always look to the product instructions for precise measurements. 

2. What Precautions Should I Take While Frying? 

Safety first, fry fans! Here’s how to keep things under control in the kitchen: 

• Deep Pot: Use a deep pot to prevent oil from splashing over the sides. 
• Keep a Lid Handy: Always have a lid nearby to cover the pot in case of grease fires. 
• Stay Attentive: Never leave hot oil unattended; keep a close watch to avoid accidents. 
• Thermometer: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil at the perfect temperature. 
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to prevent oil from splattering and to ensure even cooking. 

3. What Are the Signs That Frying Oil Needs to Be Replaced? 

Replace your frying oil if it shows any of the following signs: it has a rancid smell, it's dark and cloudy, it smokes at lower temperatures than usual, or it has a thick, sticky texture. These signs indicate that the oil has degraded and should not be used for frying anymore. 

There You Have It! 

Ready to make the crispiest fries ever? Follow these steps and experiment with your favorite seasonings and dipping sauces. Enjoy the crunch, and remember, with FryAway, cleanup is a breeze. 

Time to raid your pantry and get frying! Share your crispy creations and tips on social media or in the comments below. Let’s make every fry night the best it can be!