Chef John's French Fries

Learn how to make French fries that are super crispy with this twice-fried method. I don't think most people realize that any decent French fry needs to be fried twice. The first frying is done at a lower temperature, which softens the potato and prepares the starchy surface for the second frying's crispification.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 2087 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 large russet potato, cut into evenly sized strips

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soak potato strips in a large bowl of water for about 30 minutes. Pat with paper towels until thoroughly dry.

Step 2

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Gently add potatoes to the hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping the potatoes occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool completely.

Step 3

Heat oil again, but this time to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Add potatoes and fry a second time until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from the deep-fryer and blot with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt to serve.