Who doesn't love French fries? They're the perfect side dish to any meal, a delicious snack on their own, and a guilty pleasure for many. But what if you could make them at home, from scratch, with minimal effort? That's right, you can make homemade French fries that are just as good, if not better, than the ones you get from fast-food chains. And the best part? You can choose to bake or fry them, depending on your preference.
My story of making homemade French fries began when I was craving some crispy, salty goodness, but didn't want to leave the house to get them. So, I decided to make them myself. After some research and trial and error, I found the perfect recipe for both baked and fried French fries that I want to share with you today.
Ingredients:
For baked French fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For fried French fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
How to make it:
Baked French fries:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Wash the potatoes and slice them into thin strips. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Fried French fries:
- Wash the potatoes and slice them into thin strips, just like the baked version.
- Soak the potato strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This will remove excess starch and help the fries get crispier.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the potatoes in small batches for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Sprinkle salt over the fries while they're still hot.
How to store it:
If you have any leftover fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, they won't be as crispy as when they were fresh.
How to reheat:
To reheat baked French fries, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy again.
To reheat fried French fries, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread the fries out on a baking sheet and bake them for 5-10 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy again.
Tips to make it more delicious:
Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized strips so that they cook at the same rate.
Soak the potatoes in cold water before frying them to remove excess starch and help them get crispier.
Add some grated parmesan cheese or herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Serve the fries with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, mayo, or aioli.
FAQs:
Can I use other types of potatoes besides russet potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that the texture and crispiness may vary.
Can I use other types of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other types of oil like canola or peanut oil, but avoid using olive oil as it has a low smoke point and can burn easily.
Can I freeze homemade French fries?
Yes, you can freeze them by placing the cooked and cooled fries in an airtight container or freezer bag and freezing them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes or until they're heated through and crispy.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the baking sheet?
To prevent sticking, make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make both baked and fried French fries in an air fryer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking times and temperatures.
Can I use frozen potatoes to make homemade French fries?
Yes, you can use frozen potatoes, but they may not be as crispy as fresh potatoes. Follow the package instructions for cooking times and temperatures.
Conclusion:
Homemade French fries are easy to make and can be baked or fried, depending on your preference. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can enjoy the deliciousness of crispy, salty French fries in the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer the healthier baked version or the indulgent fried version, both are equally satisfying and can be customized to your liking with different seasoning and dipping sauce options. So next time you're craving some French fries, skip the drive-thru and make them yourself!
Homemade French Fries
Ingredients
- 10 large russet potatoes, peeled and rinsed
- 2 quarts vegetable oil, can sub canola oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Slice the potatoes into ½ inch thick sticks. Using a French fry cutter makes this much easier.
- Soak the potato slices in cold water for a minimum of one hour, and up to overnight. The longer, the better as this process removes the starch which makes for extra crispy fries.
- Rinse the fries twice with cold water.
- Lay the fries on paper towels or a clean dishcloth and pat them as dry as possible.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or dutch oven to 300 degrees F. You’ll need to fry in about six batches, begin with a quart of oil and add more as needed. Frying too many at once makes them less crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to add the potatoes to the oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes. The oil should bubble lightly, we’re only heating the potatoes, we don’t want them to crisp yet.
- Place the cooked potatoes on a paper towel lined plate and fry the rest of the remaining batches.
- Increase the heat to 400 degrees F and fry each batch a second time until they are crisp and golden-brown, about 5 minutes or so.
- Remove them and place them on dry paper towels. Sprinkle with salt as soon as they come out.
- Serve with ketchup or fry sauce and enjoy!
Notes
Baking Instructions:
- Soak the fries in cold water for at least 1 hour or overnight and pat completely dry.
- Toss with up to ½ cup vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet at 400° F in the lower-third of the oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove, toss, place in a single layer, and bake for 10 more minutes or until brown and crispy.
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