Easy French Fries Recipe for Crispy, Golden Perfection

Who doesn’t love a basket of golden, crispy French fries? Whether you’re serving them with burgers, dipping them in ketchup, or enjoying them as a snack, fries are one of life’s simple joys. I’ve spent years trying to get that perfect texture—crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside—and I’ve finally nailed it. This French Fries Recipe is easy, satisfying, and absolutely worth the little bit of effort.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to cut the potatoes just right, how long to soak them, which oil to use, and how to season them for restaurant-level results. Whether you’re deep frying, baking, or using an air fryer, I’ve got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This French Fries

• Quick and easy: Done in about 30 minutes with basic ingredients
• Crispy perfection: Golden brown outside, soft inside
• Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than fast food
• Customizable: Make them spicy, garlicky, or herby
• Kid-approved: A family favorite that never fails

This homemade fries recipe also works great for air fryer cooking or baked versions if you’re looking to cut back on oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for the ultimate batch of homemade French fries:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
• 6 cups cold water (for soaking)
• 4–6 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
• 1–2 tsp sea salt, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika for seasoning

Tip: Russet potatoes are the gold standard for French fries—they have a high starch content and low moisture for perfect crisping.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Yukon Gold potatoes – slightly creamier texture but still delicious
• Air fryer – skip the oil and use an air fryer for a lighter version
• Olive oil spray – for oven-baked fries
• Kosher salt instead of sea salt – a chunkier finish
• Chili powder or cayenne for a spicier twist

These swaps let you tailor your fries to your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make French Fries Recipe(Step-by-Step)

1. Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
2. Soak the fries in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This removes excess starch.
3. Dry the potatoes thoroughly using a clean paper towel or kitchen cloth.
4. Heat the oil in a deep pot or fryer to 325°F (165°C).
5. First fry: Cook the fries in batches for 4–5 minutes until soft but not brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
7. Second fry: Return fries to the hot oil in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and season: Place fries on a paper towel–lined baking sheet. Sprinkle immediately with sea salt and optional seasonings.

Total cooking time: 20 minutes (not including soaking).

Expert Tips for Success

• Double frying is key for ultra-crispy fries.
• Don’t skip the soaking step—it’s what makes them tender inside and crispy outside.
• Make sure your potatoes are dry before frying to avoid dangerous splatter.
• Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
• Use a thermometer to keep the oil temp consistent.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss hot fries with minced garlic, parmesan, and parsley.
• Spicy Cajun Fries: Add cayenne, paprika, and black pepper.
• Herb-Infused Fries: Add rosemary or thyme to the oil while frying.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan oil and plant-based dipping sauces.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just double-check seasonings!

Serving Suggestions

French fries are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

• Classic ketchup or garlic aioli
• Burger night with cheeseburgers or veggie patties
• Grilled meats, like steak or BBQ chicken
• Loaded fries: Top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, and bacon bits

Presentation tip: Serve in a paper cone or a basket lined with parchment paper for that diner-style vibe.

Storage & Reheating

To store:

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes until hot and crisp.
• Avoid the microwave—fries get soggy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg

Prep, Cook & Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it—my go-to French Fries Recipe for crispy, golden fries that are better than any takeout. Once you try making them at home, you’ll never want to go back to frozen! They’re easy, fun, and so satisfying.

Give this recipe a shot and let me know how it turns out. Leave a comment, share your favorite seasoning combo, or tag me if you snap a photo. Happy frying!

French Fries

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—this homemade French Fries Recipe uses simple ingredients like Russet potatoes, cold water, and sea salt to create perfectly golden fries in just 30 minutes. With step-by-step instructions, soaking tips, and seasoning ideas, you'll learn exactly how to make fries that are better than takeout, whether you deep fry, bake, or use an air fryer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large Russet potatoes peeled or unpeeled
• 6 cups cold water for soaking
• 4 –6 cups vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
• 1 –2 tsp sea salt to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika for seasoning

Method

 

1. Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
2. Soak the fries in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This removes excess starch.
3. Dry the potatoes thoroughly using a clean paper towel or kitchen cloth.
4. Heat the oil in a deep pot or fryer to 325°F (165°C).
5. First fry: Cook the fries in batches for 4–5 minutes until soft but not brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
7. Second fry: Return fries to the hot oil in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and season: Place fries on a paper towel–lined baking sheet. Sprinkle immediately with sea salt and optional seasonings.

Notes

• Double frying is key for ultra-crispy fries.
• Don’t skip the soaking step—it’s what makes them tender inside and crispy outside.
• Make sure your potatoes are dry before frying to avoid dangerous splatter.
• Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
• Use a thermometer to keep the oil temp consistent.
• Avoid the microwave when reheating—fries get soggy.