Fried French Fries: A Simple and Delicious Side Dish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Russets are ideal for French fries because their high starch content gives fries that crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. After peeling, cut the potatoes into even strips—about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick—depending on how thick or thin you prefer your fries.

2. Soak the Potatoes: Once your potatoes are cut, place them in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours if you have time. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which will result in a crispier fry when cooked. After soaking, drain the water and pat the potato strips dry with a clean towel to ensure they’re as dry as possible before frying.

3. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer to submerge the fries. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, you can drop in one potato strip—if it starts to bubble and sizzle immediately, the oil is at the right temperature. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the fries to become soggy instead of crispy.

4. Fry the Potatoes: Carefully lower the potato strips into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or frying basket. Fry them in small batches, giving the fries enough space to cook evenly. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy. If you prefer extra-crispy fries, you can fry them a little longer, but be careful not to burn them.

5. Drain and Season: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain off any excess oil. While they’re still hot, season the fries with salt. If you want to add some extra flavor, this is the time to sprinkle on optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of black pepper.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade fried French fries immediately while they’re still hot and crispy! You can enjoy them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or even a tangy aioli. For an extra indulgence, top them with melted cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Tips for Perfect Fried French Fries:

• Cut Evenly: Make sure your potato strips are cut as evenly as possible. This ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in fries that are uniformly crispy.
• Soak the Potatoes: Don’t skip the soaking step. It makes a significant difference in the texture of the fries, helping them crisp up beautifully.
• Fry in Batches: Frying too many fries at once can lower the temperature of the oil, leading to soggy fries. Fry them in small batches to maintain the right temperature and texture.
• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For fries that are extra crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside, consider frying them twice. First, cook the fries for about 3-4 minutes at a lower temperature (around 325°F), then remove them and let them rest for a few minutes. After that, fry them again at 375°F until golden and crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fried French fries are the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and customizable to your liking. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy crispy, golden fries at home without the hassle of heading to a restaurant or fast food joint. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a delicious side dish that can pair perfectly with almost any meal.

Whether you’re making fries for a family dinner, a barbecue, or just a cozy snack, these homemade fried French fries will always hit the spot. Add your favorite seasonings, try different dipping sauces, and make this classic side dish your own!