Classic Crinkle Cuts Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Crinkle Cut Fry Try with a side of our Signature Fry Sauce

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Crinkle Cut Fries

Method

Crinkle Cut Fries

1

Prep potatoes

Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Do not peel unless desired. Using a crinkle-cut mandoline or crinkle cutter, slice potatoes into 1/4-inch thick crinkle strips. Keep slices even for uniform cooking.

2

Rinse and dry

Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and agitate to remove excess starch. Rinse until water runs clear. Soak for 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours refrigerated) to remove more starch and improve crisping. Drain and rinse again, then spread on clean kitchen towels or paper towels and dry thoroughly.

3

Coat with cornstarch

When fries are dry, put them in a large bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cornstarch over the fries and toss gently until lightly and evenly coated. This creates an extra-crispy exterior.

4

First (blanch) fry

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 325°F (163°C). If you don't have a thermometer, maintain medium heat so oil is hot but not smoking. Working in batches (do not overcrowd), fry the crinkle-cut potatoes for 3–4 minutes until they are softened and pale gold but not browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Let rest 5 minutes.

5

Final fry

Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched fries in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the wire rack. Immediately season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder while still hot so seasoning adheres.

6

Finish and serve

Allow fries to drain for a minute, then serve hot alongside the Signature Fry Sauce. For best texture, serve immediately. Keep fries in a warm oven (200°F / 95°C) on a baking sheet if making multiple batches so they stay crisp.

Signature Fry Sauce

7

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.

8

Add apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully incorporated and taste. Adjust seasoning: add more vinegar for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or more hot sauce for heat.

9

Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Transfer to a serving ramekin and serve alongside hot crinkle-cut fries.