How to make crispy and delicious French fries

French fries are a classic that never goes out of style and are enjoyed worldwide. Whether as a side with a hamburger or as a snack on their own, their irresistible crispy texture and somewhat salty flavor make them the perfect complement to various meals. Below, I share a complete guide on how to make French fries easily and effectively, ensuring they turn out crispy and delicious.
Necessary Ingredients
To prepare homemade French fries, you will need:
- Potatoes: Approximately 500 grams (preferably varieties like Russet or Idaho, which are ideal for frying).
- Cold water: To soak the potatoes.
- Vegetable oil: Sufficient quantity for frying (can be canola or sunflower oil).
- Salt: To taste.
Preparation of the Potatoes
Selection and Cutting
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Choose the potatoes: Select firm potatoes without blemishes. The ideal varieties are those with low moisture content, as they yield better results when frying.
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Wash and peel: Wash the potatoes well under water to remove any residue. Then, peel them (optional, as many people prefer to leave the skin on for extra texture).
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Cut: Cut the potatoes into uniform strips, about 1 cm thick. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
Soaking and Drying
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Soaking: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
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Drying: After soaking, drain the potatoes and dry them well with a cloth or paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent excessive water from causing splatters during frying.
Frying the Potatoes
First Step: Frying in Two Stages
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Heating the oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat enough oil to 160°C (320°F). To check the temperature, you can use a kitchen thermometer or immerse a potato and see if it bubbles.
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First fry: Add the potatoes to the hot oil in smaller batches to avoid cooling the oil. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes, until tender but not golden. Then, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
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Cooling: Allow the potatoes to cool for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
Second Step: Browning the Potatoes
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Increase oil temperature: Heat the oil to 190°C (375°F) for the second fry.
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Fry again: Return the potatoes to the hot oil and fry them for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
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Drain and salt: Remove the fried potatoes and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to taste while still hot.
Serving the Potatoes
French fries can be enjoyed hot and crispy. You can serve them with ketchup, mayonnaise, or your preferred sauce. This recipe is ideal for any occasion, from a family dinner to a gathering with friends.
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