Golden, crunchy, and addictive — these homemade crispy fries are the perfect snack, side dish, or comfort food treat. They’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the secret crisping trick will make them taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Follow this foolproof method and you’ll get fries that are perfectly golden on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and dangerously hard to stop eating.
🥔 Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Water (enough to soak potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Vegetable or sunflower oil (for frying)
🔪 Instructions
1. Peel and Cut the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if you prefer skinless fries, or leave the skin on for extra texture. Slice them lengthwise into thin slabs, then stack and cut into matchstick-sized strips (about the size of toothpicks for maximum crispiness).
2. Soak in Vinegar Water
Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl. Add enough cold water to completely submerge them, then stir in 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Soak for at least 10 minutes.
💡 This removes excess starch and helps the fries stay golden and crispy.
3. Drain and Dry Thoroughly
After soaking, drain well. Spread the potato strips on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them completely dry.
⚠️ Moisture is the enemy of crispy fries — take your time here.
4. Coat with Cornstarch
Transfer the dried potato strips into a clean bowl. Sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
💡 This is the key to creating that irresistible crunch.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a heavy-bottomed frying pan or deep skillet to submerge the fries (about 1–2 inches deep). Heat to 350°F (180°C). Test by dropping in a small piece of potato — it should sizzle right away.
6. Fry in Batches
Add the fries in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Season and Serve
Sprinkle with salt while still hot. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
🔄 Optional Variations
- Double Fry Method: Fry at 325°F for 3 minutes, remove, then fry again at 375°F until crispy for an extra shatter-like crunch.
- Seasoned Fries: Toss in garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs after frying.
- Baked Version: Skip deep frying and bake coated fries at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
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