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Craving crispy French fries but don’t want to rely on frozen bags or fancy kitchen tools? Say hello to your new favorite crispy homemade french fries recipe! These fries are crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Whether you’re making an afternoon snack, movie-night treat, or the perfect side for burgers or fried chicken, these homemade fries deliver that crave-worthy crunch without the fuss..
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Homemade French Fries Recipe
No need to freeze or buy pre-cut packs
Uses basic pantry ingredients
Super crispy and golden with a fluffy inside
Fun to make with or without tools
Customizable with spices, cheese, or herbs
What are the Ingredients for your Crispy Homemade French Fries (with Simple Benefits)
- 400g potatoes – The heart of every good fry. Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture.
- 90g cornstarch – Helps create that irresistible crispy shell.
- 2/3 tsp salt – For balanced flavor.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional) – Adds a subtle kick (perfect if you like spicy snacks!).
- 4 tbsp cooking oil (plus more for frying) – For shaping and deep-frying.
How To Make This Crispy Homemade French Fries?
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks—smaller pieces cook faster.
- Place in a pot, cover with water, and boil for about 13 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the water completely and mash the potatoes until smooth.
2. Make the Dough
- Add cornstarch, salt, chili powder, and 4 tbsp of oil to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix everything well until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
3. Shape the Fries
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag with a 1.2 cm round tip. Don’t have one? Just roll the dough into long logs and cut into sticks!
- Pipe or shape the dough into finger-length pieces on a tray or plate.
4. Fry the Fries
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the shaped potato sticks in batches for about 7 minutes, just until the surface starts to firm up.
- Lower the heat slightly and continue frying until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
5. Serve
- Enjoy warm with ketchup, mayo, spicy dip, or even a cheese sauce!
- These fries are so good, they barely need anything on the side.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
✔ Don’t overboil your potatoes—just until tender. Overcooked potatoes make the dough too wet.
✔ If your dough feels too soft to shape, add 1–2 tbsp more cornstarch.
✔ Keep the fries similar in thickness for even cooking.
✔ For a crunchier finish, double-fry: fry once at medium heat, cool, then fry again briefly at higher heat.
Recommended Equipment
Heavy-duty Non-stick Frying Pan
Reusable Silicone Piping Bag Set with Tips
Stainless Steel Potato Masher
Strainer for Boiled Potatoes
Oil Thermometer Clip-on (for perfect frying temp!)
How to Serve Your Crispy Homemade French Fries
Serve as a snack with dips (cheese, ketchup, garlic mayo)
Pair with burgers, sandwiches, or fried chicken
Toss in grated cheese or herbs right after frying
Add to lunchboxes for a crispy surprise
Diet-Friendly Options
Vegan – This recipe is already plant-based!
Gluten-Free – Just make sure the cornstarch is certified GF
Low-salt? – Reduce salt and skip salty dips
Air fryer version? – You can try air-frying shaped fries at 180°C for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway
Best Ways To Keep This Crispy Homemade French Fries
Fridge: Keep leftover fries in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Freezer: Freeze raw shaped fries on a tray, then store in a bag. Fry from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time
To Reheat: Air fry or bake at 180°C until hot and crispy again
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Fries: Toss in parmesan or cheddar right after frying
Herb Fries: Sprinkle with rosemary, oregano, or garlic powder
Sweet Potato Version: Sub with boiled sweet potato for a sweet-savory spin
Curly Shapes: Roll into spirals or mini nuggets for a fun twist or just check this out Crispy Potato Rings
Crispy Homemade French Fries – Super Easy Fried Potato Snack
Equipment
- Pot for boiling
- Strainer or sieve
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag with 1.2cm tip (optional)
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 400g potatoes (peeled)
- 90g cornstarch
- 2/3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a hint of spice)
- 4 tbsp cooking oil (plus more for deep frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:Peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces for faster cooking.Place in a pot, cover with water, and boil for about 13 minutes until soft.Drain and mash the boiled potatoes until smooth.
- Make the Dough:Add cornstarch, salt, chili powder, and 4 tbsp of cooking oil to the mashed potatoes.Mix until everything comes together into a soft, pliable dough.
- Shape the Fries:Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a 1.2cm round tip. (You can also shape them by hand.)Pipe or roll the dough into finger-length sticks.
- Fry the Fries:Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.Fry the potato sticks in batches for about 7 minutes or until they start to harden.Lower the heat to medium-low and continue frying until golden and crispy.Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:Serve warm with ketchup or your favorite dip. Perfect on their own or with a cold drink!
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations:
- Don’t Overboil: Boil the potatoes until just fork-tender. Overcooking may make the dough sticky.
- No Piping Bag? No problem! Roll the dough into logs by hand and cut to size.
- For Extra Crispiness: Double-fry—first at medium heat, then briefly again at high heat.
- Add Cheese or Herbs: Mix in grated parmesan or dried herbs like oregano for a flavor twist.
- Make Ahead: Shape and freeze the fries. Just fry them straight from the freezer when ready.
5 Common Questions Answered
1. Can I skip the cornstarch?
Cornstarch is what makes them super crispy—best not to skip it! But potato starch works too.
2. Why are my fries not holding their shape?
Too much moisture! Make sure your potatoes are well-drained and mash isn’t too wet.
3. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, though they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Can I freeze shaped fries before frying?
Yes! Lay them flat on a tray to freeze, then store in bags. Fry straight from frozen.
5. What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil for best results.
These crispy homemade fries are so easy and so satisfying, you’ll never want to go back to frozen bags again! Whether you’re frying up a quick snack or making a full meal, this recipe brings serious crunch with just a few pantry staples.
Ready to impress your family and friends with the best fries ever? Let’s get frying! 🍟💥