Homemade French Fries

Choose from classic deep-fried, oven-baked, or air fryer French fries. Each method starts with evenly cut potatoes and simple seasonings.

Makes: About 4 servings

Basic Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, optional
• Garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, or another favorite seasoning, optional

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and peel the potatoes, or leave the skins on if desired.
2. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized fry-shaped sticks.
3. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Drain and pat the potatoes completely dry.

Classic Deep-Fried French Fries

Additional Ingredient

• Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying

1. Heat the oil to 325°F (165°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
2. Fry the potatoes in small batches for 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender but still pale.
3. Remove the fries and drain them on paper towels or a wire rack.
4. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry the potatoes again in small batches for 2 to 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
6. Drain and season immediately.

Oven-Baked French Fries

Additional Ingredient

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. Toss the prepared potatoes with the oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
4. Spread the fries in a single layer without overlapping.
5. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Turn the fries and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
7. Season to taste and serve immediately.

Air Fryer French Fries

Additional Ingredient

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C), if required by your model.
2. Toss the prepared potatoes with the oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3. Place the fries loosely in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
5. Continue cooking until golden and crisp.
6. Season to taste and serve immediately.