The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Crispy Homemade Double-Fried French Fries
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Double-Fried French Fries Recipe
There are countless reasons why this homemade double-fried French fries recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. From its straightforward preparation to its incredible versatility, these fries offer everything you could want in a comforting, satisfying dish.
- Effortlessly Easy: This recipe for double-fried fries is incredibly straightforward, requiring only a **few readily available ingredients**. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master this technique. With clear, simple steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious homemade French fries even on a busy weeknight. It’s the perfect solution for getting dinner on the table quickly or satisfying an urgent fry craving!
- Unforgettably Delicious: Prepare for a sensory experience where every fry boasts the perfect textural contrast. They are wonderfully crispy on the outside, yielding to a fluffy, tender potato interior. Because they are made from whole, fresh potatoes, you truly get to savor those authentic, comforting flavors that simply can’t be replicated by frozen alternatives. The double-frying method ensures a depth of flavor and an addictive crunch.
- Incredibly Versatile: These fries are a fantastic canvas for a myriad of flavors and pairings. While perfectly delightful on their own, they truly shine when dipped in classic ketchup, loaded with melted cheddar cheese, sprinkled with Parmesan, seasoned with unique spice blends, drizzled with aromatic truffle oil, served alongside a hearty chili, enjoyed with shakshuka, or even as a base for buffalo chicken. The possibilities are endless, but you can always rely on the timeless combination of crispy fries and ketchup.
- Budget-Friendly & Pantry-Staple: That’s right – this recipe is designed with convenience and your wallet in mind. It’s incredibly pantry-friendly, meaning you likely have most of the ingredients on hand already, making it super budget-friendly too. Got some extra potatoes needing to be used up? All you need are a few simple pantry staples like oil and salt to transform them into a gourmet treat. It’s a smart and delicious way to use up ingredients and avoid food waste.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Heart of Homemade Fries
My love affair with homemade French fries began in childhood, rooted deeply in family tradition. Growing up, we never relied on frozen varieties from the grocery store. My Mom, a true kitchen hero, always made them from scratch. Her trusty tools? A fascinating gadget called a “Veg-O-Matic” for cutting and her reliable “Fry Daddy” for frying. These were the very French fries that graced our dinner table, forming a nostalgic backdrop to my formative years. However, in our modern age of convenience, I admit I haven’t made them as often as I used to.
Recently, a conversation sparked a revival of this cherished tradition. My two older children were sharing stories with my younger twins, who are about six years their junior, recounting how we “always” used to make homemade French fries in our old house. Their vivid descriptions and the twins’ wide-eyed wonder made it clear: it was high time to dust off the old Veg-O-Matic and fire up the Fry Daddy fryer once more, bringing this beloved taste of home back to a new generation.
The Legendary Veg-O-Matic: A Classic Fry Maker
Have you ever heard of a Veg-O-Matic? For our family, this was the secret weapon, the way we **ALWAYS** made our French fries. It was a marvel of its time – you simply peeled and washed the potatoes, placed a potato onto its sharp blades, and with a firm press, perfectly uniform French fries emerged from the bottom! As a kid, this process was nothing short of **AMAZING**! (You have to understand, we didn’t even have cable television back then, so watching potatoes turn into fries was top-tier entertainment!)
The story of how my own Veg-O-Matic came into my possession isn’t from my mom, as you might expect, but it’s a tale both sad and incredibly sweet, deeply intertwined with a profound family legacy.
A Story of True Love: My Grandparents’ Legacy
In 1997, a poignant event unfolded in my husband’s family: his paternal grandparents passed away on the very same day, within hours of each other. They were still vibrant and active members of their community. His grandmother had just returned home after a round of golf, only to find her beloved husband in his favorite chair. The rescue squad quickly arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital.
We received the heartbreaking call, and my husband immediately rushed to the hospital. By the time he arrived, the news grew even grimmer – his grandmother was also not doing well. A short while later, she too passed away. The doctors offered a profound explanation: she died of a broken heart. After an incredible 62 years of marriage, they were laid to rest side by side on the same day. To anyone who doubts the existence of true, everlasting love, I always say: they never had the privilege of knowing Grandma and Grandpa Kenkel. Their story is a powerful testament to a love that transcended life itself.
An Old-Fashioned French Fry Maker, A Cherished Heirloom
During the estate sale that followed, all their worldly possessions were meticulously arranged on flatbed trailers outside their home. Years and years of accumulated treasures were boxed up, ready to be auctioned off. My husband and I wandered through the rows of boxes, sifting through memories. It was then, peeking out from the bottom of one particular box of odds and ends, that I spotted it: a Veg-O-Matic! A surge of emotion and nostalgia washed over me; I **had** to have it! We purchased that entire box, and to this day, that very French fry maker holds a special place in my cupboard. It’s more than just a kitchen gadget; it’s a tangible link to a beautiful past and a symbol of enduring love, and it will always remain a cherished heirloom in our family.
Choosing the Best Potatoes for Unbeatable French Fries
Achieving the perfect French fry starts with selecting the right potato. Many home cooks wonder which variety is best for their crispy creations. Most commonly, **Russet potatoes** (also known as Idaho potatoes) are the top choice for homemade fries, and for good reason. Russets are exceptional because of their unique composition: they are remarkably low in moisture, yet incredibly high in starch content. This crucial combination allows them to achieve that ideal texture – a super crispy exterior and a light, fluffy interior – precisely what you want to avoid soggy, disappointing fries.
While Russet potatoes should be your primary choice for their consistent results, you can also achieve excellent fries using Yukon Gold potatoes. These waxy potatoes offer a distinctly buttery flavor profile that adds a gourmet touch to your fries. Although they have slightly more moisture than Russets, their rich taste and creamy texture still make for a delightful fry experience, albeit with a slightly different mouthfeel. Experiment to find your personal preference!
Skins On or Off? Your Preference Matters
The decision to leave potato skins on or peel them for homemade fries often comes down to personal preference. Traditionally, I prefer to peel the skins from my potatoes for a classic, uniform fry. However, many people enjoy the rustic charm and added texture that potato skins provide. If you choose to leave the potato skins on for your homemade fries, it’s absolutely essential to **thoroughly scrub the potato skins with cold water and a stiff brush** beforehand. This ensures that any dirt, debris, or residual pesticides are completely removed, making them safe and enjoyable to eat. Leaving the skins on can also add a subtle earthy flavor and extra nutritional benefits.
How Many Potatoes Per Person for Homemade Fries?
When planning your homemade French fry feast, a good rule of thumb is to account for approximately **four medium-sized whole potatoes** per person. This estimate provides a generous serving, ensuring everyone gets enough of those delicious, crispy fries. For those who prefer more precise measurements, you can alternatively use a kitchen scale to weigh out the potatoes, aiming for roughly **6-7 ounces per person**. This ensures consistency in portion sizes and helps you gauge how much oil you’ll need for proper frying batches.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Double-Fried French Fries
Creating these irresistible double-fried French fries requires just a handful of basic, high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of the ingredient list allows the natural flavors and textures to truly shine, making for an exceptional homemade experience.
- Potatoes: As discussed, **Russet potatoes** are highly recommended due to their high starch and low moisture content, which results in the crispiest fries. **Yukon Gold potatoes** are a delicious alternative, offering a buttery flavor. Ensure your potatoes are firm and free of sprouts or green spots.
- Oil: For frying these double-fried French fries, I typically use a reliable **vegetable oil**. However, the key is to choose an oil with a high smoke point (above 350°F / 175°C) to prevent burning and ensure a clean taste. Excellent alternatives include grapeseed oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, and canola oil. These oils are ideal for achieving that desired golden crispness.
- Salt: A sprinkle of salt is all you need to finish these perfect fries. I prefer **sea salt** for its nuanced flavor and satisfying crunch, but **kosher salt** or even fine **Himalayan pink salt** work beautifully as well. For those looking to elevate the flavor profile even further, consider trying a specialized French Fry Seasoning blend, which can introduce a delightful mix of herbs and spices.
Can You Prepare French Fries Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Preparing French fries ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your cooking process and ensures superior results. Cutting the potatoes in advance, particularly when followed by proper soaking, allows excess starch and moisture to draw out effectively. This pre-treatment is critical for achieving that desirable crispiness. Just be sure to **soak them thoroughly in cold water** after cutting. If you’re not planning to fry them immediately, store the cut, soaked potatoes in an airtight container filled with fresh cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, they can also be blanched and then frozen.
Best Practices for Reheating Homemade French Fries
While freshly fried fries are always best, sometimes you have leftovers, and reheating them correctly is key to maintaining their delicious texture. When ready to **reheat** your homemade French fries, avoid the microwave if crispness is your goal. Instead, heat a thin layer of fresh oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, refry the fries in small batches. **Stir and toss them around** frequently until they are evenly heated through and have regained their desired crispiness. This method effectively re-crisps the exterior without making them soggy. For an even crispier result, an air fryer or oven can also be used.
Optimal Oil Temperature for Perfect French Fries
The secret to truly excellent French fries lies in precise oil temperature control, especially with the double-frying method. For the initial fry, which aims to cook the potato through without browning, the best oil temperature for French fries is around **300°F (150°C)**. It’s crucial not to let the oil drop too low; if your oil isn’t hot enough, the fries will absorb too much oil and end up soggy and greasy. Once you’re ready to **double fry your fries** for their final crisping stage, you’ll need to **increase the oil temperature significantly to 400°F (200°C)**. This higher temperature rapidly crisps the exterior, creating that golden-brown, crunchy shell while the interior remains tender.
Choosing the Best Oil for French Fries
Selecting the right oil is paramount for safe and delicious deep-frying. There are a handful of different oils that are excellent for frying French fries due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. While I primarily use **vegetable oil** for this recipe, many other options yield fantastic results. I’ve found success with **grapeseed oil**, **peanut oil** (which adds a subtle nutty flavor), **safflower oil**, and even **canola oil**. These oils are ideal because they all boast a smoke point typically **above 350°F (175°C)**, which is essential for reaching the high temperatures required for double-frying without the oil breaking down or imparting off-flavors.
Mastering the Double-Fry Method for French Fries
These comprehensive steps will guide you through everything you need to know on how to make truly exceptional homemade French fries. Not only is this double-frying technique incredibly effective for achieving ultimate crispiness, but these fries can also be made on your stovetop in a heavy-bottomed pot if you don’t have a dedicated deep fryer.
For the complete recipe card with exact measurements and detailed nutritional information, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes. Begin by thoroughly peeling and scrubbing any dirt from your potatoes. While I prefer to peel them for a classic look, you can certainly leave the potato skins on if you enjoy a more rustic fry – just be absolutely sure to clean the outside very well beforehand with a brush and water to remove all impurities.
Step 2: Cut the Potatoes. Next, take each peeled potato and carefully cut it into four or five vertical pieces. Then, slice each of these pieces into uniform sticks of your desired size – aim for roughly 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick for classic fries. Alternatively, for those who love traditional gadgets, you can use your favorite Veg-o-Matic or a mandoline for perfectly consistent cuts.
Step 3: Soak for Crispiness. Place all your cut potatoes into a large bowl and completely cover them with **cold water**. Allow them to **soak** for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a minimum of three hours. You can also place the bowl in the refrigerator and let them soak overnight. This crucial step removes excess starch, which is key to preventing fries from sticking together and ensuring they achieve maximum crispness.
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly. When it’s time to proceed with frying, **drain the water** from the bowl. Then, using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, meticulously blot any remaining water off the potato sticks. You’ll want to do this until the fries are as **dry** as possible. This step is absolutely critical: moisture and hot oil do not mix safely and can cause dangerous splattering, in addition to hindering the crisping process.
Step 5: First Fry (Cook-Through). Fill your deep fryer (or heavy pot) to the designated “fill line” with your chosen vegetable oil. Heat the oil to **300°F (150°C)**. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding (which lowers oil temperature), carefully place potatoes into the hot oil. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes. At this stage, the potatoes should be soft and cooked through, but they should **not yet be browned**. This initial fry softens the interior. Remove them from the fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Second Fry (Crisp-Up). Once all potatoes have completed their first fry and are draining, **increase the heat on your oil to 400°F (200°C)**. This higher temperature is where the magic happens for crispiness. Return the pre-fried potatoes to the hot oil, again in small batches. Fry them for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are a beautiful **golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the outside**. Watch them closely during this stage, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Step 7: Season and Serve. Carefully remove the perfectly golden and crispy fries from the oil. Transfer them immediately to a fresh paper towel-lined surface to drain any last bit of oil. While still hot, generously sprinkle the fries with sea salt to season. Serve them immediately and relish in your homemade masterpiece!
Love It? Pin It! Share the Crispy Goodness!
Don’t let this incredible recipe for how to double-fry French fries slip away! If you’ve enjoyed reading about these crispy delights and are excited to try them, make sure to save it for later. Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it whenever a craving for the best homemade fries strikes! Share the joy of perfectly crispy fries with your friends and family.
Do You Have to Soak Potatoes Before Frying? The Science Behind the Crisp
Yes, absolutely! Soaking potatoes before frying them is a critical step that should not be skipped if you desire truly crispy French fries. When you soak homemade fries, you’re actively removing excess starches and sugars that naturally occur in the potato. Starch, if left on the surface, can cause fries to stick together during frying and prevent them from getting uniformly crisp. Sugars, when exposed to high heat, can cause the fries to brown too quickly on the outside before the inside is cooked, or even burn. By soaking the potatoes, you rinse away these surface starches and sugars, ensuring each fry cooks evenly, achieves that beautiful golden color, and develops an unparalleled crispy texture that stays crunchy long after they come out of the oil.
How to Make Incredibly Crispy French Fries from Scratch
Achieving those coveted, incredibly crispy French fries from scratch is a straightforward process, but it relies on two fundamental techniques that are often overlooked. If you want your homemade French fries to achieve that ultimate crunch and irresistible golden exterior, then you will need to make sure to **soak the fries thoroughly** before frying and meticulously **double fry them**. These two steps are the absolute keys to perfectly crispy French fries that rival any restaurant, guaranteeing a delightful textural experience with every bite.
Why Is Double Frying Essential for Fries?
Double frying French fries isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a technique that provides two distinct benefits, making it essential for the best results. The first fry, at a lower temperature (around 300°F), cooks the potato all the way through, softening its interior and allowing the starch to gelatinize without browning the exterior. This prepares the potato for the final crisping. The second fry, at a much higher temperature (around 400°F), rapidly expels any remaining moisture from the potato’s surface and creates that glorious, golden-brown, and intensely crispy outer shell. When you double fry French fries, you’re essentially giving them an extra, perfect layer of fried goodness, ensuring they are crunchy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside. Who doesn’t love perfectly crispy fries that hold their crunch?
How to Freeze Double-Fried French Fries for Later Enjoyment
Freezing French fries, whether they are raw (blanched) or fully fried, is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade goodness whenever a craving strikes. If you’re looking to freeze blanched (partially cooked) French fries, it’s crucial to ensure all the water dries out completely after blanching and before freezing. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents them from clumping together.
If you’re freezing fully cooked (double-fried) French fries, allow them to cool completely at room temperature first. Then, simply transfer the cooled fries to an airtight freezer-safe storage container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them directly from frozen in a hot oven, air fryer, or by refrying in oil for the best texture, as detailed in the reheating section.
What Delicious Dishes Can I Serve with These Crispy Fries?
These incredible double-fried French fries are the ultimate versatile side dish, perfectly complementing a wide array of main courses. Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them an ideal partner for hearty meals. You can serve them alongside my succulent slow cooker buffalo pulled pork with celery slaw, a cheesy and flavorful Juicy Lucy burger, or these delightful blackened salmon burgers with BLT slaw. They also pair wonderfully with classic grilled cheese sandwiches, juicy steaks, or even as a base for loaded chili cheese fries!
Other Irresistible Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making and devouring these homemade French fries, you’ll surely appreciate these other mouth-watering recipes that pair perfectly with them or offer similar comforting flavors. Expand your culinary repertoire with these delicious options:
- Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac (pictured above) – The ultimate burger to pair with your crispy fries!
- Grandma’s Baked Beans – A classic, hearty side for any barbecue or comfort meal.
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Potato Skins – Another fantastic potato-based appetizer or side.
- Garlic Rosemary Heirloom Potatoes – For those who love roasted potatoes with aromatic herbs.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, let’s embark on this delicious journey and make some unforgettable Double-Fried French Fries!
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Homemade {Double-Fried} French Fries
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
American
Homemade Double-Fried French Fries
8
servings
321
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
-
5
pounds
Russet Potatoes
peeled and sliced -
Vegetable Oil
for frying (e.g., canola, grapeseed, peanut) -
Sea Salt
for seasoning, or other preferred salt/seasoning blend
Instructions
-
Peel and thoroughly scrub any dirt from the potatoes. If desired, you can leave the skins on, but ensure they are cleaned exceptionally well.
-
Cut potatoes into four or five vertical pieces, then slice each piece into uniform sticks of your desired size (typically 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick). A Veg-o-Matic or mandoline can help with consistency.
-
Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and completely cover them with **cold water**. Allow them to soak for at **least three hours** (or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator) to remove excess starch.
-
When you’re ready to fry, thoroughly drain the water from the potatoes. Blot any remaining moisture off the potato sticks using paper towels. (This step is critical: water can be dangerous when it hits hot oil and prevents crisping!)
-
Fill your fryer (or heavy pot) to the “fill line” with your chosen vegetable oil and heat it to **300°F (150°C)**. In small batches (do not overcrowd), fry the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes. The potatoes should become soft but should not brown. Remove them from the fryer and lay them aside on a paper towel-lined baking dish to drain.
-
Once all potatoes have been pre-fried, increase the heat of your oil to **400°F (200°C)**. Fry the potatoes again in small batches until they are a beautiful golden brown and gloriously crispy on the outside. This second fry will take approximately 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
-
Promptly remove the fries from the oil and allow them to drain briefly on a fresh layer of paper towels. While still hot, generously sprinkle the fries with sea salt to season. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can achieve excellent results by frying the French fries on the stovetop using a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) filled with oil and a reliable deep-fry thermometer.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
|
Calories:
321
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
61
g
|
Protein:
7
g
|
Fat:
6
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g
|
Sodium:
160
mg
|
Fiber:
7
g
|
Sugar:
3
g
This recipe was originally posted on June 2, 2014. It was updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and re-shared on April 7th, 2021.