When it comes to homemade fries, nothing beats the crunch and fluffy inside of a truly perfect batch. This Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe is my go-to method for fries that stay crispy even after they cool down—a game changer, trust me!

A white bowl lined with a white cloth holds a pile of golden-brown French fries. The fries are thin and crispy, seasoned lightly with green herb flakes scattered evenly on top. Two small sprigs of fresh rosemary, dark green in color, rest over the fries, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is set against a white marbled background, making the warm color of the fries stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tried countless fry recipes, yet this one keeps winning because it’s all about technique—proper blanching, precise temperatures, and double frying. It turns simple potatoes into golden, crispy delights that’ll have you reaching for more.

Ultra Crunchy Texture: Thanks to double frying and careful moisture removal, these fries never go soggy quickly.
Perfectly Fluffy Inside: Using floury potatoes and blanching ensures the interior stays tender and soft.
Reliable Method: Adapted from Kenji López-Alt's The Food Lab, this technique guarantees consistent results every time.
Customizable Seasonings: You can easily switch up how you season them for a personal touch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To get these fries just right, choosing the right type of potato and a few pantry staples is key. I always opt for high-starch, floury potatoes to get that crispy outside and fluffy center.

Flat lay of three whole unpeeled floury potatoes with a rough natural skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear white vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a deep white ceramic bowl containing golden vegetable oil, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Potatoes: Go for floury or starchy varieties like Russet or Maris Piper—these crisp up beautifully compared to waxy types.
White Vinegar: It helps break down surface starch during blanching, which is essential for that crispy texture.
Cooking or Kosher Salt: Used both in the blanching water and for seasoning, salt enhances flavor and assists in moisture removal.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke points are perfect for frying at the precise temperatures this recipe calls for.
Seasonings: From simple table salt to fancy rosemary or nori salt, choose what you like—these add an extra burst of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you like a simple salty snack or want to elevate your fries with interesting flavors, there are plenty of delicious twists to try.

Rosemary Salt Variation: My personal favorite! Tossing the fries in freshly chopped rosemary mixed with coarse sea salt adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture.
Spicy Shaker Fries: For those who love a bit of heat, shake on your favorite spice blend—paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder all work wonders. It’s a quick way to turn classic fries into a bold snack.
Nori Salt: A delightful umami twist inspired by Japanese flavors. Finely crushed nori sheets combined with sea salt make for a unique, savory seasoning that’s great with a squeeze of lemon.
Vegan Cheese Dust: For a cheesy vibe without dairy, sprinkle your fries with nutritional yeast mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and smoked paprika. It’s rich in flavor and totally plant-based.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe

A close-up of a cheeseburger and fries on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The cheeseburger has four main layers: the top layer is a shiny golden-brown bun with sesame seeds, below it is melted yellow cheese dripping over a dark, cooked beef patty. Under the patty, there are fresh green lettuce leaves sitting on the bottom golden bun. Next to the burger, there is a large pile of thin, golden fries with a light sheen and some salt sprinkled on them. The background is softly blurred with warm brown tones, and the lighting highlights the textures of the bun and fries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Cut Your Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes, then use a serrated knife to cut them into 6 mm (¼ inch) thick fries. The serrated edges create a slightly rough surface that encourages crispiness—definitely worth the effort if you can! Keep the cut fries submerged in a bowl of water as you work to prevent them from browning while you finish cutting.

Step 2: Rinse and Simmer to Remove Excess Starch

Rinse your fries briefly under running water for about 15-20 seconds. Next, place them into a large pot with 2 litres of cold tap water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil on high heat, then immediately reduce to low so the water is barely rippling—no vigorous bubbling. Simmer for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for washing away surface sugars that cause fries to brown too quickly or become mushy.

Step 3: Steam Dry Your Fries

Carefully remove the fries with a slotted spoon into a colander, avoiding tipping the pot which can break them. Then spread them out onto two trays lined with tea towels and let them steam dry for 5 minutes. Removing surface moisture here means extra crunch later on!

Step 4: Prepare Your Oil and Fry in Batches

Pour 3 cm (1.2 inches) of canola or vegetable oil into a pot that’s at least 10 cm (4 inches) tall—this is important for safety because you need about 7 cm (3 inches) clearance from the oil surface to the pot rim to prevent spills and burns.

Heat the oil to 205°C (400°F). Divide your fries into three batches. For the first fry, carefully lower one third of a batch into the hot oil, wait 10 seconds, add the next third, wait another 10 seconds, then add the last third. This slow addition helps control oil bubbling. Fry for 50 seconds, gently moving fries once or twice. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel-lined trays in a single layer. The fries will look white and floppy at this point. Repeat for the other batches, making sure the oil heats back up to 205°C before each.

Step 5: Cool Your Fries Before the Final Fry

Let all the fries cool for 30 minutes. This resting time helps the fries develop their structure to achieve that ultra-crispy texture in the final fry. Trust me, this pause makes all the difference!

Step 6: The Final Fry for Golden Crispiness

Reheat your oil to 205°C (400°F). Fry half the fries for 4 minutes, gently stirring twice to ensure even browning. When they’re a gorgeous golden brown and perfectly crispy, remove them and drain in a large bowl lined with paper towels. Repeat for the remaining fries.

Step 7: Season and Serve Immediately

Sprinkle fries with salt or your preferred seasoning blend. Toss gently to coat evenly and serve right away. These fries will stay crispy even after cooling down, making them the perfect indulgent treat to enjoy at any time.

Top Tip

These tips come from my own adventures in the kitchen with the Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe, and I promise they make all the difference between good fries, and fries that truly wow your guests.

Patience is everything: Let those fries cool for the full 30 minutes before the second fry. Rushing this step means missing out on that signature crispiness that keeps even cooled fries crunchy.
Gentle simmering: Keeping the water just rippling and not bubbling vigorously during the blanching stage avoids breakage and creates fries that hold their shape beautifully—lesson learned after a few too many floppy fries!
Control your oil bubbles: Adding the fries in thirds with 10-second pauses really helps keep the oil calm and safe, plus it ensures the fries cook evenly instead of clumping together.
Season carefully: Since the fries absorb salt during simmering, start with a light sprinkle of seasoning after frying, then adjust to taste. This prevents over-salting while still delivering a perfectly seasoned bite.

How to Serve Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a sharp knife, slicing peeled potatoes into thick sticks on a light cutting board. On the right side, there is a small pile of cut potato sticks with a pale yellow color and smooth texture. The background is a white marbled surface, keeping the focus on the potatoes and the slicing action. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

You can keep it classic with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or table salt right after frying. For a flavor boost, try shaking on some rosemary salt for a herby touch, or even sprinkle nori salt for an umami twist. A dash of your favorite shaker fries seasoning turns these fries into a crowd-pleaser in no time!

Side Dishes

These crispy fries pair beautifully with just about anything! Serve alongside juicy burgers, crispy fried chicken, or grilled steaks. They're also fantastic with classic fish and chips or as a side to hearty sandwiches and wraps. And don’t forget a creamy dipping sauce—think garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or even melted cheese sauce to elevate your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any fries left over (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. To maintain some crispiness, layer paper towels between fries to absorb moisture as they chill.

Freezing

The first frying is perfect for prepping fries to freeze! After frying and cooling your batch, place the fries in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to airtight containers or ziplock bags. When you’re ready, cook them straight from frozen in the hot oil for 4½ minutes during the final fry. This method locks in that perfect texture, making future crispy fries quick and easy.

Reheating

To reheat and crisp up stored fries, flash-fry them for just 30 seconds to 1 minute in oil heated to 205°C (400°F). This revives their crunch without overcooking. Alternatively, for refrigerated fries, a hot oven or air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 5–7 minutes also works well to bring back some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do you use vinegar when blanching the fries?

The vinegar helps break down surface starch on the potatoes during the simmering step. This prevents them from turning mushy and encourages fries that stay crispy and fluffy after frying. It’s a game changer for texture!

Can I use waxy potatoes instead of floury ones?

Floury or starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper are best because they yield fluffy insides and crisp outsides. Waxy potatoes don’t crisp up well and tend to be more soggy, so it’s best to stick with the recommended types for this recipe.

How important is the oil temperature?

Very important! The oil must reach and stay at 205°C (400°F) for both frying steps. Too low and the fries absorb more oil and become greasy; too high and they can burn before cooking through. Using a thermometer ensures perfect fries every time.

Will the fries stay crispy after cooling?

Yes! Thanks to the double frying method and the vinegar blanch, these fries stay delightfully crispy even after they cool down. It’s one of the best features of this Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Homemade French Fries might feel like a bit of a process, but trust me, it’s so worth it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering this recipe and impressing friends and family with fries that look and taste like a top-tier restaurant's. I hope you have as much fun making them as I do eating them—and don’t forget that magic moment when your fries stay crispy even as they cool. Happy frying!