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Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen

Home-made French fries have been a part of my life for about as long as I can remember. At one point in my childhood, we lived so far out of town that eating out wasn’t an option. So, everything we had, we cooked. That’s why I want to show you the recipe for my Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen or even your favorite fast food fries!

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An up close photo of Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen beside some ketchup.

Just because you can’t get to the local McDonalds doesn’t mean that you have to live without crispy fries and delicious burgers. (Just between us, those items are best when made at home anyway!) And that’s exactly why I’m showing you this simple recipe today! 

And Have you looked at the back of the bag of frozen French fries sold in grocery stores? How many of those ingredients can you not pronounce much less know what they are?! That’s alarming. Obviously, I know that they use chemicals and preservatives to maintain the texture and flavor of these items, but the point remains the same. What’s good for that frozen fry is probably not good for the human body to consume.

A close up picture of the Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen on a paper towel.

Homemade fries eliminate the worry/fear of what those factory made chemicals are doing to your body, because the only ingredients involved are the potatoes, oil of your choosing, and a sprinkle of salt. 

French fries are so simple to make at home and taste 1,000 times better than frozen fries! Not to mention, you can jazz them up any way that you like with different seasonings. You can hit them with Cajun seasoning for some spice, top them with cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapenos for loaded French fries, or toss them with other optional seasonings like garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder for a BBQ twist.

Another great thing about making these easy fries at home is the control that you have over the shape and thickness of the fries. It’s a good way to get creative and see what your family prefers. 

Let’s talk about some types of fries and how to make them:

  • Waffle fries –  This amazing cut of fry is most often associated with one of the best fast-food restaurants of all time, Chick Fil A. In order to achieve this shape some tedious cutting efforts or a waffle blade and a mandolin are needed. (I suggest the easy mandolin method.) 
  • Shoestring fries – This fry is easy to make. Simply slice your fries super thinly. This will also reduce the cook time for you.
  • Steak fries – This is a much thicker cut of fry, hence the name “steak fry.” It’s a “meatier” fry cut. It gets crispy on the outside but stays tender and fluffy on the inside. Just peel your potatoes and cut your fries significantly thicker and voila, you’ve got it!
  • Crinkle cut fries – Just grab a handy dandy crinkle cutter and you’ve got everything you need to make this super fun shape. (This might be the kid’s favorite.)
  • Potato wedges – These might seem like they are the same as steak fries, but they are not. Potato wedges are thick sliced potatoes but unlike steak fries, you leave the skin on them. They are also baked instead of fried. This gives them a completely different texture. I’ve also noticed that potato wedges are usually seasoned and can hold up well to really strong flavors. 
  • Straight cut fries – This cut of fry is the one that we are doing in my recipe. This is the standard American version of fries and what we most commonly see at fast food restaurants. (Just follow the directions of my recipe for this delicious version of the perfect side dish.)
The Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen on a paper towel draining the extra grease.

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And this easy side dish is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. (You probably don’t need to let them do the frying, but peeling the potatoes and carefully cutting them into shapes can be a fun learning opportunity.) Vegetable peelers are great for this because they have a safe guard that keeps the user from getting cut.

Another variation of great side dish is using sweet potatoes. I LOVE sweet potato fries. Unfortunately, my crew isn’t nearly as thrilled with the “orange” potato, so I usually only make enough for me. (HA)

The Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen on a white plate with ketchup and Chick Fil A sauce.

Here are some common dipping sauces for America’s favorite side dish:

  • Ketchup – This is the classic and most common condiment. It’s sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with crispy potatoes.
  • Ranch dressing – I like the combination of ranch and fries as long as the ranch is homemade. (The storebought ranch is disgusting.)
  • Tartar sauce – Most of us fry a batch of fries to accompany our fish and tartar sauce is most definitely on the table. Again, you have a creamy, yet tangy sauce that is super complimentary to the fried potato.

What is the best potato to use for french fries?

Tips for Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen:

  • Sprinkle the fries with salt immediately after they come out of the hot oil. This will ensure that the salt actually sticks to them.
  • Place the french fries on paper towels after removing from the oil to absorb excess grease.

Make Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen with me on YouTube!

YouTube video

Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen Ingredients:

  • 4 Russet potatoes
  • salt/pepper
  • oil for frying

Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen Instructions:

  • First, peel your potatoes with a knife or vegetable peeler. (Peeling your potatoes is an optional step, but it’s the way that my family prefers.)
  • Second, wash your potatoes in cool water. (Do not submerge them)
  • Third, cut potatoes into medium-thin strips. (You can see how I do this best in my cooking video on YouTube, but I’m going to explain it step by step below.)
  • First, cut the ends of the potatoes off and cut the potato in half and lay cut side down.
Russet potatoes on a cutting board to make the Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen.
  • Second, cut the halves into half inch pieces.
One half of a Russet potato cut into 5 pieces to make the Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen.
  • Third, remove the end pieces and turn the cut potato on its side.
Half of the potato sitting on a cutting board to make the Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen.
  • Next, cut the potato two more times to make the perfect fries.
The potato half cut into 3 pieces on a cutting board to make the Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen.
The Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen cut into pieces, raw on a cutting board before frying.
  • Next, pour oil into a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Then, place the fries in a single layer in the oil and fry in batches until they begin to get golden brown and crispy.
The Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen in oil frying in a cast iron skillet.
  • Take them out of the oil and drain on the paper towel lined plate, cutting board, or baking sheet.
The Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen on a paper towel draining the excess grease.
  • Finally, immediately sprinkle the fries with salt and pepper, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
The Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen on a white plate with ketchup and sauce.

Storage for Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen:

  • Store leftover fries in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the fridge for 2 days. I have found that the best way to reheat cold fries is air frying. The fries will crisp back up in no time!  

What are the Macros for Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen?

Makes 4 servings (Nutritional information below is for 1 serving)

  • Calories –
  • Protein –
  • Carbs – (net)
  • Fat –

Check out some of my other side dishes using potatoes!

Crispy Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries with Hot Honey dipping sauce

Easy Cheesy Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Best Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen

Easy Homemade French Fries that are Better than Frozen

Jessie Thompson
Once you see how easy it is to make home-made French fries, you will never go back to those overpriced bags of frozen fries. The simplicity of this dish mingled with a delicious sprinkle of salt is the ultimate pleasure for your taste buds. You can tell that these fries are fresh and it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, French, Southern
Servings 5 people

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or deep pot for frying
  • Tongs
  • Paper towel lined plate (I use my cutting board)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 russet potatoes
  • Canola oil You can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • Salt/pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • First, peel your potatoes with a knife or vegetable peeler. (Peeling your potatoes is an optional step, but it’s the way that my family prefers.)
  • Second, wash your potatoes in cool water. (Do not submerge them)
  • Third, cut potatoes into medium-thin strips. (You can see how I do this best in my cooking video on YouTube, but I’m going to explain it step by step below.)
  • First, cut the ends of the potatoes off and cut the potato in half and lay cut side down.
  • Second, cut the halves into half inch pieces.
  • Third, remove the end pieces and turn the cut potato on its side.
  • Next, cut the potato two more times to make the perfect fries.
  • Next, pour oil into a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Then, place the fries in a single layer in the oil and fry in batches until they begin to get golden brown and crispy.
  • Take them out of the oil and drain on the paper towel lined plate, cutting board, or baking sheet.
  • Finally, immediately sprinkle the fries with salt and pepper, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Video

YouTube video
Keyword fried, Fries, Potatoes

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