Pan-Fried French Fries

French fries are one of life’s guilty pleasures. Many people order them when they’re out to eat or when they’re making a pit stop at the drive-through to avoid making them at home, but homemade pan-fried french fries are easier to make (and even less messy) than you may think.

The secret to the best skillet french fries is using the double-fry method. When double-frying, you fry the potatoes once at a lower temperature, then increase the heat and fry them a second time. The result: the crispest and tastiest golden brown fries you’ll ever eat. Here’s everything you need to know when learning how to make french fries in a skillet.

Ingredients for Pan-Fried French Fries

• Potatoes: The best type of potato for making french fries is a high-starch variety. We recommend using russet (also known as Idaho) potatoes in this particular pan-fried french fries recipe. These potatoes are dense and don’t contain much moisture, which means you’re less likely to end up with soggy fries.
• Oil: When it comes to learning how to make french fries in a skillet, use a cooking oil with a high smoking point. One of the healthiest oils for frying is safflower oil, but other options include peanut oil, canola oil or soybean oil.
• Seasoning: These skillet french fries are seasoned to taste with a little salt.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the potatoes

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Wash and peel the potatoes. Use a sharp knife to cut each potato into 1/4-inch julienned strips.

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Place the potato strips in a medium bowl and cover them with water.

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Soak the potato strips for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Drain, then pat dry.

Editor’s Tip: Water and oil don’t mix! Make sure to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry before placing them into the hot oil. Otherwise, the oil will splatter. (Ouch!)

Step 2: Fry the potatoes

Heat 2 inches of oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 340°F. Working in small batches, fry the potatoes in an even layer until lightly golden brown, five to six minutes. Remove the fries from the skillet and drain on a tray lined with paper towels. Repeat until all potatoes have been fried once.

Step 3: Fry ’em again

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Heat the oil to 375°. Working in small batches, fry the potatoes a second time for two to three minutes or until crisp and golden brown, turning frequently to ensure even frying. Drain on fresh paper towels.

Step 4: Season the fries

Season with salt to taste, and serve immediately with your condiment of choice.

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Pan-Fried French Fries Variations

• Switch up the seasonings: Play with the flavor of your skillet french fries with herbs and seasonings. For a kick of heat, use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a Cajun seasoning blend. Onion powder, garlic powder, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme are also tasty options. Experiment with the spices to find your perfect combination.
• Bake the fries: If frying isn’t your thing, try our recipe for oven-baked fries. You’ll enjoy all the great flavor with less mess to clean up afterward.

How to Store Pan-Fried French Fries

Leftover fried french fries should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To help prevent them from getting soggy, line the bottom of the container with a paper towel and separate layers of fried french fries with a paper towel or a piece of parchment as well.

How long do french fries last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover skillet french fries last up to five days.

Can you freeze pan-fried french fries?

Yes, you can freeze fried french fries. After allowing the fries to cool completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze them until frozen, about one hour. Then, place the frozen fries in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.

There’s no need to thaw before reheating. Preheat the oven to 450°. Place the frozen fries on a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Flip once while baking.

How do you reheat pan-fried french fries?

French fries are best eaten when fresh. If you have extras, here’s how to reheat fries so they’re as good as day one.

Pan-Fried French Fries Tips

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Why do you soak potatoes before frying?

Soaking the cut potatoes in water before frying helps remove any excess starches and sugars from the surface of the potatoes that could make them stick to the pan and burn when frying. Soaking also prevents the potatoes from browning due to air exposure.

What condiments can you serve with pan-fried french fries?

What could possibly be a better partner to french fries than ketchup? If you don’t already have a bottle at home, try one of our Test Kitchen’s picks for the best ketchup brands. Or, have a little fun in your kitchen and try our recipe for chunky ketchup, spicy ketchup or rhubarb ketchup. Of course, you don’t have to stick to just the red stuff: Other delicious condiments to pair with skillet french fries include homemade aioli, fry sauce or spicy mayo.

How else can you serve pan-fried french fries?

There are a lot of creative ways you can use pan-fried french fries. They would make a delicious base for cheeseburger nachos. Or, make a one-bowl meal with this restaurant-inspired steak and fries salad recipe. Smother them with chili, cheddar cheese and your favorite chili toppings to make chili fries. Or, take a tasty tip from the Canadians and serve the fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy (aka poutine).