Description
This recipe teaches you how to make perfect thin and crispy French fries at home, similar to McDonald's style. Using russet potatoes and a two-step frying method ensures a tender inside with a golden, crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Preparation
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- Kosher salt
Frying Oil
- 2 quarts peanut oil
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place peeled and cut potatoes with vinegar, salt, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Drain and spread on a paper towel–lined rimmed baking sheet to dry for 5 minutes.
- First Fry: Heat peanut oil to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry one-third of the potatoes for 50 seconds, maintaining oil around 360 degrees. Remove fries to a paper towel lined tray. Repeat in batches with remaining potatoes and cool fries to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Optionally, freeze overnight for best results.
- Second Fry: Reheat oil to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry half the fries until crisp and golden brown, about 3 and a half minutes, keeping oil temperature around 360 degrees. Drain on paper towels and season with kosher salt. Keep fries warm in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven on a wire rack while frying remaining batch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using distilled white vinegar during boiling improves the texture and adds crispness.
- Cutting fries uniformly to 1/4 inch size helps even cooking.
- Double frying at different temperatures creates the perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point but can be substituted with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil.
- For best texture, freezing the fries after the first fry is recommended but optional.
- Keep cooked fries warm on a wire rack in a low oven to maintain crispiness before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 359 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 265 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
