potatoes French fries

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A classic example of a comfort food is French fries that are golden and crisp. The ability to make them at home gives you the ability to personalize them to your preference, from the thickness of the fries to the level of crispiness that you desire. Your hunger for French fries is guaranteed to be satiated by these homemade French fries, regardless of whether you choose to bake them for a healthier version or fry them for that true crispy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-35 minutes

Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil (for baking or frying)

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Fresh herbs for garnish (optional – like parsley or thyme)

Equipment:

Large bowl

Sharp knife or mandolin slicer

Baking sheet (for baking) or deep fryer/pot (for frying)

Paper towels (for drying)

Tongs or slotted spoon (for frying)

Cooling rack (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Time: 5-10 minutes

Peel (optional) and cut the potatoes:
Peel the potatoes if desired. The skin can add extra texture and flavor, but you can also leave the skin on for a rustic, more natural French fry. Once peeled (or unpeeled), cut the potatoes into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the crispier they’ll get; aim for about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch wide strips. If you have a mandolin slicer, it can help ensure consistent cuts.

Step 2: Dry and Season the Potatoes

Time: 5 minutes

Dry the potatoes thoroughly:
After soaking, drain the potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible. The dryer the potatoes, the crispier the fries will be when cooked.

Season the fries:
In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with 2 tablespoons of oil, making sure the fries are evenly coated. You can use olive oil for a slightly richer flavor or vegetable oil for a neutral taste. If you like, add seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. Toss again to evenly coat the fries with the seasonings.

Option 1: Baking French Fries (Healthier Option)

Step 3: Bake the Fries

Time: 25-30 minutes

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup or lightly grease it with oil.

Arrange the fries on the baking sheet:
Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they cook evenly and get crispy.

Bake the fries:
Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fries with tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of cooking to prevent burning. The fries are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Optional crispy finish:
For extra crispiness, you can broil the fries for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Step 4: Serve

Time: 1-2 minutes

Remove from the oven:
Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a minute, then transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired.

Garnish and serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and color. Serve immediately with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Option 2: Deep Frying French Fries

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Time: 5 minutes

Prepare the oil:
Fill a large, heavy pot or deep fryer with about 2-3 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Fry the Potatoes

Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on batch size)

Fry the potatoes in batches:
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully lower a batch of fries into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries. Fry the potatoes for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. If you prefer thicker fries, they may need a bit longer.

Remove and drain:
Once the fries are crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Time: 1-2 minutes

Season and serve:
While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with salt. You can also toss them in a seasoning mix like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Differences:

Fries with sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative to normal potatoes. Watch the sweet potato fries because they may require a slightly different baking time.

Parmesan Crispy Fries:

For a cheesy, herbaceous variation, sprinkle the hot fries with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a little pinch of dried oregano after baking or frying.

Fries with loads:

Loaded fries are a fantastic snack or side dish. Top them with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chives.

Hot Fries:

Before baking or frying, sprinkle your fries with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even chili flakes for a spicy twist.

These homemade French fries are delicious because they are golden-brown, crispy on the exterior, and fluffy on the inside. You’ll enjoy how simple and adaptable these fries are, whether you bake them for a healthier option or fry them for that real taste. Savor them as a snack or as a side dish, or even as a garnish for loaded fries!