Make the best homemade French fries in just 20 minutes. Crispy outside, soft inside, with tips for seasoning, sauces, and storing leftovers.
Potatoes are one of my favorite foods. But, surprisingly, French fries are one of the ways I like them the least. That’s because I am really picky about my fries. They have to be crispy fries on the outside, but soft on the inside.
I still haven’t found perfect French fries while out anywhere, but some have come close. So, instead of searching around, we decided to make our own! This also allows me to season the fries exactly how we want.
There’s a neat restaurant near my parents’ house called Victory Lane Cafe. It’s decorated with all race-themed stuff. And it includes a lot of NHRA drag racing memorabilia, which is the car racing I prefer. But they make the best fries. They are cooked just how I like and seasoned with Lawry’s seasoned salt. I set out to make mine just like theirs since I only get them when I go to visit Florida. The ones there are waffle fries, and we made those before. But they aren’t as easy, so we wanted to try with regular straight fries this time.
Best Potatoes for Homemade French Fries
Choosing the right type of potato is one of the most important steps when learning how to make homemade French fries. Russet potatoes, sometimes called Idaho potatoes, are the best choice because of their high starch content and low moisture. This combination creates that classic crispy outside with a soft, fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used if you prefer a slightly creamier texture and a more buttery flavor, though they won’t get quite as crisp.
When selecting potatoes, look for firm, smooth skins without any green spots or sprouts. Larger potatoes are ideal because they are easier to cut into evenly sized fries, which helps them cook at the same rate.
Seasoning Ideas for French Fries
Classic salted fries are always a hit, but adding seasoning takes homemade fries to the next level. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper create a savory and slightly smoky flavor. For a spicier kick, try sprinkling on chili powder or cayenne pepper. Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley make a delicious finishing touch for a restaurant-style side. You can also toss fries with ranch seasoning, Cajun spices, or even everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist.
Dipping Sauces to Serve with Fries
Homemade French fries are even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Ketchup and mayonnaise are traditional choices, but there are so many other options to try. Honey mustard, sriracha mayo, and barbecue sauce each bring unique flavors that pair perfectly with crispy fries. For something a little different, serve your fries with cheese sauce, chipotle ranch, or even a garlic aioli. Offering a few dipping choices makes your fries feel like a complete snack or appetizer.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Fries
If you have leftovers, knowing how to store and reheat French fries helps them taste almost as good as fresh. Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, avoid the microwave since it makes fries limp and soggy. Instead, use the oven or an air fryer to restore their crispiness. Spread them out on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F for about 5–10 minutes, or place them in the air fryer for a quick refresh.
Serving Ideas for French Fries
Homemade French fries are a versatile side dish that can be paired with just about anything. Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken for a classic meal. You can also turn fries into a main dish by loading them with toppings like melted cheese, sour cream, green onions, and bacon for fully loaded fries. For a lighter option, serve them with a fresh salad and dipping sauces for a fun appetizer or snack platter.
Homemade French Fries Tips
- After cutting your potatoes, soak them in cold water to keep them from browning while you work.
- To get crispy French fries, make sure the oil is hot enough. If the oil isn’t hot and they take too long to cook, you will end up with soggy fries.
- A French Fry cutter will make this recipe even easier and quicker, but cutting with a chef’s knife works just as well.
- Try a bunch of different seasonings to figure out which you prefer. Some to try are sea salt, black pepper, Everglades Seasoning, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, onion powder, chili powder, parmesan cheese, or Cajun seasoning.
- If your French fries are too soggy, increase the oil to a higher temperature. If the fries are getting too crispy and burning before the inside is cooked, set the oil to a lower temperature.
- While we made these on the stovetop, you could follow the same directions to prepare them in a deep fryer.
How to Cut Potatoes into Perfect Fries
To get consistent, restaurant-quality results, start by peeling the potatoes if desired, then slice them into even planks about ¼ inch thick. Stack the planks and cut them again into sticks to create classic French fry shapes. Keeping the fries uniform in size ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
After cutting, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up better during cooking. For best results, rinse them a second time until the water runs clear, then dry thoroughly with paper towels before frying.
Best Oil for Frying French Fries
Using the right oil plays a big role in both flavor and texture. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils can handle the high temperatures needed for frying without breaking down or producing off flavors.
Peanut oil is often preferred for its clean taste and ability to create extra crispy fries, while vegetable and canola oil are more budget-friendly options that still deliver great results. Avoid oils with low smoke points like olive oil, as they can burn and affect the taste of your fries.
Homemade French Fries: Basic Ingredients
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes work well for this recipe because of their size and how firm they are. They cook well and are easy to work with. You could also substitute Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes. Or, try making homemade sweet potato fries by using a sweet potato.
Vegetable Oil
While vegetable oil is usually the best oil for deep frying, you could also make these with peanut oil or canola oil. Just make sure to check the ingredients and allergies. For those allergic to peanuts, even frying in peanut oil is too much for them.
Salt
The best French Fries are salted fries. I also like to try a few other seasonings. One of my favorites is Lawry’s Seasoned Salt.
Baking and Air Fryer Instructions
If you prefer a lighter option, homemade french fries can also be made in the oven or air fryer. To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F and spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss them with a little olive oil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
For air fryer french fries, cook at 375°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to create a crispy texture with less oil, making it a convenient and healthier alternative.
French Fries Step by Step
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp salt
Preparation
Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat to 325 degrees F. I used the biggest of my cast-iron skillets for this. Make sure you have about 2 inches of oil in the pan.
While the oil heats, peel the potatoes. Then cut potatoes into thin strips.
Carefully place the potatoes in the hot oil, a few at a time, in a single layer. If you do too many at once, it cools the oil, and they won’t cook properly. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown.
Use a slotted spoon to move the cooked fries to a wire cooling rack to let the excess oil drip off the French fries onto paper towels. Season with desired seasonings.
French Fries Leftovers
Storage: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. You could also reheat in an air fryer basket at 330°F for about 5 minutes.
Freezing: Once the fries are completely cooled, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat the same way you would store-bought frozen French fries.
Recipe
Originally Published On: September 14, 2020
Last Update On: September 17, 2025
Homemade French Fries
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp salt
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat to 325F
- Peel the potatoes and cut into strips
- Carefully place the potatoes in the hot oil
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes
- Move to a wire cooling rack and sprinkle with salt
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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Our deep fryer has been sitting in storage for far too long. This is the perfect recipe to bust that out! Love big chunky fries.
I want to get a deep fryer for things like this. Or an air fryer. But we just did them in a stockpot with enough oil.
we used to make sweet potato fries all the time but haven’t in forever! I have never tried to make regular french fries but now I want to!
I haven’t tried it with sweet potatoes yet but I will have to do that next time! My husband loves sweet potatoes and I think the boys will eat them, too.
I love that you cut these homemade fries so thick. We make ours in the oven and leave the skin. These do look like something you’d order out. Nice and golden.
I haven’t tried leaving the skin on for french fries. But maybe I’ll have to do that next time for something different.
Nothing better than homemade French fries and this recipe is the best!! Love how easy it is and that it takes just 20 minutes…YUM!!!
Yes, being able to make them quickly is the best!
I’ve never tried doing homemade fries…but I have always wanted to. You have inspired me to go for it!
You should give it a try! I want an air fryer next so I’ll try them in there to avoid the oil. But even in a pan with oil, they are still easy and delicious!
I love thick cut fires too because they are so satisfying and you don’t have to eat so many
These look delicious.
It’s so true, I don’t feel like I eat as many when they are thick-cut fries.
I love french fries. I always eat them hotdog sandwiches. they go well together
These look like the perfect french fries. I love your tips on reheating them as I never know how best to reheat and serve.
I wish I would have seen the post before since I have already spent thousand of dollars before buying french fries from several restraunts. But from today I am going to make it by myself and I am going to write down the recipe. Thanks for sharing!
I love french fries, One thing I always hated about making fries at home was it takes time, but I loved your recipe. A quick recipe to make french fries, Amazing, will surely try this. Thanks for sharing!
YUMMY!!!! Potatoes are my love language. And homemade french fries are delish comfort food. Thank you for sharing this quick home version. I can’t wait to try.
For me, homemade french fries are the best, and I like the thick-cut fries, too.
wow those look like the perfect fries. I like the same way you do (crispy outside, soft inside) so I have to try this recipe!
Yum. I could probably eat these every day!
I love french fries, and this homemade kind is just perfect. I love how chunky they are. By the way, you can also sprinkle them with cornstarch before frying – makes them even crispier 😉
These look great! I tried some homemade french fries last time and it did not look like this. Would love to reattempt and follow your tips. Thank you for sharing.
Things like this are excellent options for the air fryer. They always come out good.
These looks really simple to make but I bet they are so fluffy in the middle and delicious! Thanks for sharing.
This is really good! I my place we have cheese powder to shake with the french fries, it truly boosts the taste. You may want to try.