French Fries Done Right
The 101 on how to fry crispy French fries that retain their crispiness longer—every time.
Recipe Ingredients:
6 medium russet potatoes
Suggested fats or oils for frying: Tallow, lard, coconut oil, avocado oil, light olive oil
Salt to taste
Deep fryer or large cooking pot
Cooking Directions:
- Peel potatoes. Cut each in 3/4-inch slices. Stack slices and cut into 3/4-inch sticks. Place in a bowl of ice water to soak for 30 minutes. (Soaking removes starch, so that potatoes will be crisp when deep fried.)
- Heat fat/oil to 325°F (160°C) in deep fryer.
- Drain potatoes and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels. Any excess water will splatter when they are added to the hot oil.
- Dip frying basket in fat/oil (this prevents the potatoes from sticking to it), then add a handful of potatoes into basket. Lower into fat/oil and par-fry for 3 minutes or until potatoes are tender, but not browned. Lift basket and allow potatoes to drain. Turn out onto a brown paper bag lined with paper towels. Repeat procedure with remaining potatoes.
- Increase the temperature of the heated fat/oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Return the par-fried potatoes to the fat/oil in batches and cook a second time for 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a fresh brown paper bag lined with paper towels. Salt to taste and serve hot.
Makes 6 servings.
Recipe and photograph by Hope Cantil; copyright © 1999; properties of CooksRecipes.com. See Terms of Use.