How to Cut French Fries: A Simple Guide for Perfect Homemade Fries

Introduction

Want to make crispy homemade fries that taste better than frozen fries? I’ve been cutting and cooking fries for over 10 years. Today, I’ll show you exactly how to cut French fries the right way.

This guide works for anyone. You don’t need fancy tools. Just a knife, a potato, and a few minutes of your time.

Let’s get started.

Why Make Homemade French Fries?

Homemade fries beat store-bought ones every time. Here’s why:

• Better taste – Fresh fries have more flavor
• No additives – You control what goes in
• Cost savings – Potatoes are cheap
• Fun to make – It’s a great cooking skill

Plus, you can cut them any way you like. Thin, thick, or crinkle cut potatoes – it’s your choice.

Choosing the Right Potato

Not all potatoes work the same. Pick the right one and your fries will turn out perfect.

Best Potatoes for Fries

Russet potatoes are the top choice. Here’s why:

• High starch content
• Low moisture inside
• They get crispy fast
• Perfect for all cooking methods

Other good options:

• Yukon Gold (slightly waxy)
• Idaho potatoes (similar to russets)
• Sweet potatoes (for sweet fries)

What to Look For

Pick potatoes that are:

• Firm to touch
• Free of soft spots
• Not sprouting
• Medium to large size

Avoid potatoes with green patches. They taste bitter.

Tools You Need

You don’t need much to cut fries. Here are your options:

Basic Tools

1. Sharp knife – Most important tool
2. Cutting board – Large and stable
3. Bowl of water – For soaking

Optional Tools

• French fry cutter – Makes uniform cuts
• Mandoline slicer – For thin fries
• Crinkle cutter – For crinkle fries

A good knife does the job fine. I’ve cut thousands of fries with just a knife and board.

How to Cut French Fries: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps for perfect fries every time.

Step 1: Wash the Potatoes

Scrub each potato under cold water. Remove all dirt. You can peel them or leave the skin on. I keep the skin for extra texture.

Step 2: Cut Off the Ends

Place the potato flat on your board. Cut a thin slice off each end. This creates a stable base.

Step 3: Cut Into Slabs

Stand the potato on one flat end. Cut it into slabs. Each slab should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

For thin fries: Cut 1/4 inch slabs For thick fries: Cut 1/2 inch slabs

Step 4: Stack and Slice

Stack 2-3 slabs together. Cut them lengthwise into strips. Keep your cuts even.

Pro tip: Keep your knife sharp. Dull knives slip and make uneven cuts.

Step 5: Soak in Water

Put all sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water. Soak for 30 minutes. This removes extra starch and makes fries crispy.

Change the water once if it looks cloudy.

Step 6: Dry Thoroughly

Drain the water. Pat the fries dry with a clean towel. Remove all moisture. Wet fries won’t get crispy.

Different Cutting Styles

You can cut fries many ways. Each style gives a different result.

Classic Stick Cut

This is the standard French fry shape. Cut 1/4 inch thick sticks. They cook evenly and get crispy fast.

Thick Steak Fries

Cut 1/2 inch or thicker. These have a soft inside and crispy outside. They take longer to cook.

Thin Shoestring Fries

Cut very thin, about 1/8 inch. They cook super fast and get extra crispy. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.

Crinkle Cut Potatoes

Use a crinkle cutter tool. Cut slabs with the wavy blade. Then cut into strips. These hold more seasoning in the ridges.

Wedge Cut

Cut the potato in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 4-6 wedges. These are great for oven baked fries.

Cooking Methods for Your Cut Fries

Once you’ve cut your fries, it’s time to cook them. Here are three proven methods.

Deep Frying (Most Crispy)

This gives you the crispiest results.

Steps:

1. Heat oil to 325°F
2. Fry in small batches for 3-4 minutes
3. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes
4. Heat oil to 375°F
5. Fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden

This double-fry method makes them extra crispy.

Air Fryer Method

The air fryer makes great fries with less oil.

Steps:

1. Toss cut fries with 1 tablespoon oil
2. Set air fryer to 380°F
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes
4. Shake basket every 5 minutes
5. Cook until golden brown

Air fryer fries are healthier and still taste great.

Oven Baked Fries

Oven fries work well when feeding a crowd.

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Toss fries with oil and salt
3. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes
5. Flip halfway through

Don’t crowd the pan. Give each fry space to crisp up.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Fries

Want your fries to turn out perfect? Follow these tips:

Before Cooking

• Soak longer – 30 minutes minimum, up to 2 hours
• Dry completely – No water at all
• Cut evenly – Same size cooks evenly
• Use cold potatoes – Room temp is fine

During Cooking

• Don’t overcrowd – Give fries space
• Hot oil – Keep temperature consistent
• Watch closely – They brown fast at the end
• Season immediately – Salt sticks better when hot

After Cooking

• Drain on paper – Remove excess oil
• Serve right away – Fries taste best fresh
• Keep warm in oven – At 200°F if needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made every mistake possible with fries. Learn from my errors:

Mistake 1: Skipping the Soak

Not soaking makes gummy fries. The starch needs to come out. Always soak for at least 30 minutes.

Mistake 2: Wet Fries

Water and hot oil don’t mix. Plus, wet fries steam instead of fry. Dry them completely.

Mistake 3: Wrong Oil Temperature

Too cold = greasy fries Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside

Use a thermometer. Keep oil at the right temp.

Mistake 4: Cutting Uneven Sizes

Big fries stay raw while small ones burn. Cut the same size for even cooking.

Mistake 5: Overcrowding

Too many fries drop the oil temperature. Cook in small batches.

Seasoning Ideas

Plain salt is great, but try these flavor ideas:

Classic Seasonings

• Sea salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Herb Blends

• Rosemary and thyme
• Italian seasoning
• Ranch powder
• Cajun spice

Creative Options

• Parmesan cheese
• Truffle salt
• Old Bay
• Taco seasoning

Add seasonings while fries are hot. The heat helps flavors stick.

Storage and Reheating

Sometimes you have leftover fries. Here’s how to keep them good:

Storing Cut Raw Potatoes

Keep sliced potatoes in water in the fridge. They last up to 24 hours. Change water once.

Storing Cooked Fries

Put cooled fries in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

Best method: Air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes

Good method: Oven at 400°F for 10 minutes

Avoid: Microwave makes them soggy

Frozen Fries vs. Homemade

Many people buy frozen fries for convenience. Let’s compare:

Frozen Fries Pros

• Quick and easy
• Consistent results
• Long shelf life
• Pre-cut and ready

Homemade Fries Pros

• Better flavor
• Fresh ingredients
• No preservatives
• You control everything
• More satisfying

My take: Homemade wins for taste. Frozen fries work when you’re rushed.

Recipe: Perfect Homemade French Fries

Here’s my go-to recipe for crispy fries.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 8 cups water (for soaking)
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and cut potatoes into 1/4 inch sticks
2. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes
3. Drain and dry completely
4. Heat oil to 325°F
5. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes
6. Remove and rest for 5 minutes
7. Heat oil to 375°F
8. Fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden
9. Drain on paper towels
10. Season with salt immediately
11. Serve hot

Yield: 4 servings Time: 45 minutes (including soaking)

Troubleshooting Guide

Having problems? Here are quick fixes:

Problem: Soggy Fries

Solutions:

• Dry them better before cooking
• Increase cooking temperature
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Double fry them

Problem: Burnt Outside, Raw Inside

Solutions:

• Cut thinner pieces
• Lower the temperature
• Cook longer at lower heat first

Problem: Fries Stick Together

Solutions:

• Dry them completely
• Don’t pile them up
• Use enough oil
• Shake or stir during cooking

Problem: Not Crispy Enough

Solutions:

• Soak longer
• Try double frying
• Make sure oil is hot enough
• Cut them thinner

FAQ

How thick should I cut French fries?

Cut them 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner fries (1/4 inch) get crispier. Thicker fries (1/2 inch) stay soft inside.

Do I need to peel potatoes for fries?

No, you don’t have to. The skin adds texture and nutrients. I leave it on. But you can peel if you prefer smooth fries.

How long should I soak cut potatoes?

Soak for at least 30 minutes. You can soak up to 2 hours for extra crispy results. Change the water if it gets cloudy.

Can I cut fries ahead of time?

Yes. Keep sliced potatoes in cold water in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Dry them well before cooking.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use oils with high smoke points. Best choices are peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Avoid olive oil for deep frying.

Why are my homemade fries not crispy?

Common reasons: not soaking long enough, not drying completely, oil too cold, or overcrowding the pan. Fix these and your fries will crisp up.

How do I make crinkle fries at home?

Use a crinkle cutter tool. Cut the potato into slabs with the wavy blade. Then cut those slabs into strips. Cook the same way as regular fries.

Can I bake fries instead of frying?

Yes. Oven baked fries work great. Toss with oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. Flip halfway through.

Conclusion

Cutting French fries at home is simple once you know the steps. Pick good russet potatoes, cut them evenly, soak them well, and dry them completely.

Whether you fry, bake, or use an air fryer, the key is proper preparation. Take your time with the cutting and soaking. Your patience pays off with crispy, delicious homemade fries.

Start with this basic method. Then experiment with different cuts and seasonings. Soon you’ll be making fries better than any restaurant.

Now grab some potatoes and get cutting. Your perfect batch of crispy fries is waiting.

Happy cooking!