Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
1.1 Wash and peel the potatoes. You can leave the skin on if you prefer.
1.2 Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized strips, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can also cut them into the classic French fry shape or thicker steak fries, depending on your preference.
2. Soak the Potatoes:
2.1 Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together.
2.2 Soak the potatoes for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This step also helps to make the fries crispier when cooked.
3. Dry the Potatoes:
3.1 Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
4. Heat the Oil:
4.1 Choose a deep, heavy pot for frying. Pour enough vegetable oil into the pot to submerge the potatoes. You can use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying.
4.2 Heat the oil to around 325°F to 350°F (165°C to 175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
5. First Fry:
5.1 Carefully add a handful of dried potato strips to the hot oil. Be cautious to avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries.
5.2 Fry the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, until they are lightly golden but not fully cooked.
5.3 Use a slotted spoon to remove the partially cooked fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Second Fry:
6.1 Increase the oil temperature to around 375°F to 380°F (190°C to 195°C).
6.2 Return the partially cooked fries to the hot oil in batches.
6.3 Fry for an additional 2-4 minutes, until the fries are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked.
6.4 Again, use a slotted spoon to remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. Seasoning:
7.1 While the fries are still hot, immediately season them with salt. You can use regular table salt or sea salt according to your preference.
8. Serving:
8.1 Serve the freshly fried French fries hot and crispy. You can pair them with ketchup, mayonnaise, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy your homemade French fries!