Homemade French Fries - 1

By Becky Hardin

Updated Jul 15, 2025

homemade French fries pinterest - 2 homemade French fries pinterest - 3 homemade French fries pinterest - 4

I love to make crispy Homemade French Fries with this easy recipe! I use basic ingredients and the deep-frying method to make hot, crispy fries at home. These deep-fried French fries make the perfect snack or side dish to go with almost any meal!

Homemade French fries on a round serving tray with a cup of ketchup. - 5

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Easy Homemade French Fries Recipe

This recipe only requires 3 ingredients to make the best Homemade French Fries. You can also make this recipe using a deep fryer or a large pot such as a Dutch oven. In this recipe, I double fry the French fries, which helps keeps them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 6 large russet potatoes peeled or unpeeled, Yukon Gold, Idaho potatoes, or sweet potatoes also work
  • ▢ 6 cups vegetable oil or canola or peanut oil
  • ▢ kosher salt to taste

Video

Instructions

  • Use a mandoline or knife to cut the potatoes into French fry-shaped pieces. 6 large russet potatoes
  • Transfer the pieces to a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow the fries to soak for at least 1 hour. Rinse the fries off in a colander. Then, transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Pat the fries dry with additional paper towels.
  • Heat the oil to 300°F in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven. 6 cups vegetable oil
  • Working in 3-4 batches, transfer a batch of fries to the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes. The exterior of the fries should still be white/pale yellow. Transfer the fries to a baking rack, or another sheet pan or a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat this process with the remaining fries.
  • Turn the heat up so the oil temperature reaches 400°F. Transfer a batch of fries to the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fries to a bowl. Sprinkle immediately with salt and give the fries a toss. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Repeat for remaining batches. kosher salt

Equipment

  • Mandolin Slicer (optional)
  • Deep Fryer OR
  • Dutch Oven AND
  • Deep Frying Thermometer

Becky’s Tips

  • Soaking the cut potatoes removes excess starch, which keeps the potatoes from sticking together. It also helps to ensure that the potatoes will be extra crispy once fried!
  • You can soak the potatoes for up to 24 hours before frying. Store them in the refrigerator while they soak. Thoroughly dry the potatoes before frying them to prevent oil splatter.
  • To bake , toss them with ½ cup oil and salt to taste, then bake in a single layer in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes . Toss and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • To air fry , toss them in a thin layer of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss in 1 tablespoon of oil, then air fry in a single layer at 360°F for 15-20 minutes , tossing every 5 minutes, until crispy.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Homemade Fries Step by Step

Cutting a potato on a wooden cutting board. - 6

Cut the potatoes: Use a mandolin or knife to cut 6 potatoes into French fry-shaped pieces.

Soaking the fries in water.  - 7

Soak the potatoes: Transfer the pieces to a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow the fries to soak for at least 1 hour. Rinse the fries off in a colander. Then, transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Pat the fries dry with additional paper towels.

Heat the 6 cups oil to 300°F in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven.

Placing the fries in a pot of oil. - 8

Fry the potatoes: Working in 3-4 batches, transfer a batch of fries to the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes. The exterior of the fries should still be white/pale yellow. Transfer the fries to a baking rack, or another sheet pan or a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat this process with the remaining fries.

Increase the heat : Turn the heat up so the oil temperature reaches 400°F. Transfer a batch of fries to the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fries to a bowl. Sprinkle immediately with salt and give the fries a toss. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Repeat for remaining batches.

Homemade French fries in a stainless steel bowl with salt. - 9

Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Variations

To season the fries, sprinkle hot fries with:

  • Ranch Seasoning
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning
  • Chili Seasoning
  • Blackened Seasoning
  • Taco Seasoning
Close up of homemade French fries. - 10

How to Store

To make in advance, complete the first fry at 360°F, then flash freeze the partially-fried fries in a single layer for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen at 400°F until golden brown.

Store leftovers in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a single layer in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Freeze homemade french fries in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a single layer in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Fries are always great with burgers and sandwiches. I like to pair them either with a turkey burger or a juicy smash burger . For sandwiches, a classic BLT sandwich is always tasty, or sometimes I’ll make a crispy chicken sandwich . You can also pair these French fries with a delicious chocolate banana malt milkshake , refreshing homemade limeade , or homemade sweet tea .

A hand dipping 2 homemade French fries into a cup of ketchup. - 11

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Fries covered with bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing. - 12 Fries covered with bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing. - 13

Bacon Cheese Fries with Ranch

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Air Fryer French Fries

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partial view of cheese fries on a white rectangular serving dish. - 18 partial view of cheese fries on a white rectangular serving dish. - 19

Cheese Fries

featured homemade french fries. - 20

Homemade French Fries Recipe

Equipment

  • Mandolin Slicer (optional)
  • Deep Fryer OR
  • Dutch Oven AND
  • Deep Frying Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 6 large russet potatoes peeled or unpeeled, Yukon Gold, Idaho potatoes, or sweet potatoes also work
  • 6 cups vegetable oil or canola or peanut oil
  • kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  • Use a mandoline or knife to cut the potatoes into French fry-shaped pieces. 6 large russet potatoes
  • Transfer the pieces to a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow the fries to soak for at least 1 hour. Rinse the fries off in a colander. Then, transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Pat the fries dry with additional paper towels.
  • Heat the oil to 300°F in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven. 6 cups vegetable oil
  • Working in 3-4 batches, transfer a batch of fries to the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes. The exterior of the fries should still be white/pale yellow. Transfer the fries to a baking rack, or another sheet pan or a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat this process with the remaining fries.
  • Turn the heat up so the oil temperature reaches 400°F. Transfer a batch of fries to the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fries to a bowl. Sprinkle immediately with salt and give the fries a toss. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towel. Repeat for remaining batches. kosher salt

Video

Notes

  • Soaking the cut potatoes removes excess starch, which keeps the potatoes from sticking together. It also helps to ensure that the potatoes will be extra crispy once fried!
  • You can soak the potatoes for up to 24 hours before frying. Store them in the refrigerator while they soak. Thoroughly dry the potatoes before frying them to prevent oil splatter.
  • To bake , toss them with ½ cup oil and salt to taste, then bake in a single layer in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes . Toss and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • To air fry , toss them in a thin layer of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss in 1 tablespoon of oil, then air fry in a single layer at 360°F for 15-20 minutes , tossing every 5 minutes, until crispy.

Nutrition

Homemade French Fries - 21

By Becky Hardin

Published Jul 12, 2017

A screenshot of text - 22 basic grocery list - 23 grocery list iPad image - 24 grocery list free printable - 25 essential grocery list - 26

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

essential grocery list - 27

Essential Grocery List

It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!

It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.

However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.

In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.

I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

grocery list iPad - 28

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.

When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.

So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Fresh Produce

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Avocados
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Lemons/Limes
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes

GRAINS

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sandwich Bread
  • Tortillas

MEAT/PROTEIN

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Ground Beef
  • Sliced Turkey
  • Lunch Meat

DAIRY

  • Butter
  • Sliced Cheese
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Milk
  • Sour Cream
  • Greek Yogurt

BAKING GOODS

  • Baking powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Flour
  • Honey
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Dry Yeast
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Powdered Sugar

FREEZER

  • Fruit and Berries
  • Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
  • Juice Concentrate
  • Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
  • Pie Crust
  • Cookie Dough

CANNED/DRIED GOODS

  • Chicken stock/broth
  • Salsa
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
  • Soups
  • Tuna
  • Green Chiles
  • Canned Veggies
  • Coffee or Tea

Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods

CONDIMENTS/SPICES

  • Black Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Nutmeg
  • Paprika
  • Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
  • Soy Sauce
  • Steak Sauce
  • Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
  • Salad Dressings

OILS/VINEGARS

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable/Canola Oil
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Vinegar
  • Cooking Wine
  • White Wine Vinegar

SNACKS

  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Quick Oats
  • Popcorn
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Cereal

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Homemade French Fries - 29

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!

I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!

Stock Your Kitchen

Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

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Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

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Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

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Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

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26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

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Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

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How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

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Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart

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