To cook French fries in a deep fryer, the ideal method is to fry them twice — first to cook the inside, and second to crisp the exterior. The process typically takes about 8–10 minutes of total frying time plus resting between batches.
Step-by-Step Guide
- First Fry (Par-fry for tenderness)
- Heat the oil to 325°F (160°C).
- Fry the cut and dried potatoes for 5–7 minutes until softened but still pale.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes to cool and allow steam to escape.
- Second Fry (For crispness)
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Re-fry the cooled fries in small batches for 2–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain again on paper towels and season with salt immediately.
Quick Reference Table
Step| Oil Temperature| Time| Purpose
---|---|---|---
1st Fry| 325°F / 160°C| 5–7 min| Cook through and soften 1
Rest/Cool| Room Temp| 30 min| Remove moisture 2
2nd Fry| 375°F / 190°C| 2–4 min| Crisp and brown exterior 3
For home cooking, Russet potatoes work best, and frying oil such as peanut or vegetable oil gives the best crispness without smoking. Using the double-fry method ensures fries that are fluffy inside and crisp outside — similar to restaurant quality.
