There’s something truly satisfying about biting into hot, crispy frozen fries without seed oils. The golden outside, the soft and fluffy inside—it’s a comfort food loved by almost everyone. While it’s easy to order fries at a restaurant or grab a healthy frozen french fries from the store, nothing compares to making your own from scratch.

Homemade fries may seem tricky at first, but with a few simple steps, you can make fries that taste just as good as your favorite diner’s. Whether you want to fry them, bake them, or use an air fryer, this guide walks you through the best way to make crunchy, flavorful fries right at home.

Start with the Right Potatoes

The first step to great fries is choosing the right kind of potato. Russet potatoes are the top choice because they have a lot of starch and not much moisture. This helps them crisp up nicely while staying fluffy inside.

If Russets aren’t available, Yukon Gold or white potatoes are also good, though they can be a bit softer. Try not to use waxy potatoes like red, fingerling, or baby potatoes. These hold more water, which makes fries turn out limp or soggy.

Best choices for fries:

  • Russet (also called Idaho)
  • Yukon Gold
  • White potatoes

Potatoes to avoid:

  • Red potatoes
  • Fingerlings
  • Petite or baby potatoes

Soak the Cut Potatoes in Cold Water

Once you’ve peeled and sliced your potatoes into fries, soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. You can even keep them in the fridge while soaking.

Why this works:

  • It washes away excess starch, which helps fries cook evenly and not brown too fast.
  • It strengthens the structure of the fries, helping them stay firm and crisp while cooking.

After soaking, be sure to dry them very well with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If the fries are wet, they won’t crisp up properly during cooking.

Parboil the Potatoes for Better Texture

Parboiling means cooking the fries in boiling water for a few minutes before frying or baking. This step makes a big difference in how the fries turn out. It helps cook the inside of the fries so that when they’re fried or baked, they end up fluffy inside and golden outside.

How to parboil:

  1. Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add your cut and soaked potatoes.
  3. Boil gently for about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Drain them and let them cool. Dry them again before moving on to the final step.

Cooking Methods: Choose What Works for You

Now that your fries are prepared, it’s time to cook them. There are three great ways to make fries at home: deep frying, air frying, and oven baking. Each one gives slightly different results, but they can all make delicious fries if done right.

Deep Frying: Classic and Crispy

Deep frying gives the best crunch. The trick to perfect deep-fried fries is to cook them twice—this is called the double-fry method.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Heat oil in a deep pot to around 300°F (150°C).
  2. Fry your potatoes in small batches for about 5–7 minutes. They’ll look pale and soft—this is normal.
  3. Remove and drain them on paper towels. Let them rest for a few minutes.
  4. Increase the oil heat to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Fry the potatoes again for 4–6 minutes, until golden and crisp.
  6. Sprinkle with salt while still hot and serve.

Use an oil with a high smoke point like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil for frying because it can burn at high heat.

Air Frying: Crispy with Less Oil

Air fryers are a great option if you want fries with less oil but still want a nice crunch. This method is quick, easy, and cleaner than deep frying.

Steps:

  1. After soaking and parboiling, dry the fries well.
  2. Toss them with a small amount of oil, salt, and any other seasonings you like.
  3. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.
  5. Add more time if you like them extra crispy.

If you’re making a large batch, keep finished fries warm in the oven set to low heat while you air fry the rest.

Oven-Baked Fries: Easy and Delicious

Baking fries in the oven takes a little longer, but it’s simple and still gives great results. As always, dry the fries well before baking.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss the fries with oil, salt, and seasonings.
  3. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
  5. Increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Keep an eye on the fries during the last few minutes. Oven strength can vary, so use the color and texture as your guide.

Helpful Tips for the Best Homemade Fries

  • Cut your fries evenly – This helps them cook at the same rate.
  • Dry thoroughly after soaking and boiling – Any extra water will make them soggy.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer – Fries need space to crisp up.
  • Season right after cooking – Salt sticks better when fries are hot.

Enjoy Fresh, Homemade Fries Any Time

Once you know the steps, making French fries at home becomes easy and rewarding. From choosing the best potato to soaking, boiling, and cooking, each part of the process helps you get fries that are crisp on the outside and soft inside—just how they should be.

 

Whether you prefer them deep-fried, air-fried, or oven-baked, your homemade fries can be just as tasty as any fast food or restaurant version. With a little care and the right method, you can enjoy this favorite snack fresh from your own kitchen.