French Fries Recipe
Crispy and delicious. Add cheese sauce $2.99. Old Bay $1.99
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.
Potatoes & Prep
Seasoning & Frying
Optional Add-ons (priced separately)
Method
Potatoes & Prep
- 1
- 2
Rinse and soak
Place cut potato sticks in a large bowl and rinse under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear to remove surface starch. Cover with the 6 cups cold water and refrigerate or set aside with 1 cup ice for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. This removes excess starch and firms the potato for crisper fries.
Seasoning & Frying
- 3
Drain and dry
Drain the soaked potatoes in a colander and spread in a single layer on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat thoroughly dry. If using cornstarch for extra crispness, toss the dried potato sticks with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated, then shake off any excess.
- 4
Heat oil
Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer so it is at least 2–3 inches deep but not filling more than half the vessel. Heat oil to 325°F (163°C) for the first (blanch) fry. If you don't have a thermometer, heat until a small piece of potato sizzles gently and slowly rises.
- 5
First fry — blanch
Working in small batches (so the oil temperature stays consistent), fry the dried potato sticks at 325°F (163°C) for 3–4 minutes. They should be softened and pale, not browned. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove fries and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Lightly sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt over the batch while they rest.
- 6
Increase heat
Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry. Allow oil to come back to temperature between batches.
- 7
Second fry — crisp
Fry the blanched fries in small batches at 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Immediately season with a pinch more kosher salt to taste.
- 8
Serve
Serve fries hot and crisp. Offer optional add-ons: warm cheese sauce drizzled on top or served on the side (priced +$2.99) and Old Bay seasoning to sprinkle (priced +$1.99).