Tips for Crispy French Fries That Stay Crisp: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove Starch:
After peeling and cutting the potatoes into desired shapes, immediately soak them in cold water. Gently rinse a few times to get rid of the surface starch. This crucial step prevents the potatoes from sticking together during frying and minimizes discoloration due to oxidation.

2. Blanch in Boiling Water:
Add a pinch of salt to a pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Briefly blanch the potatoes for about 30 seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice-cold water. This step helps the potatoes retain their shape, ensuring they remain soft on the inside without breaking during frying. Additionally, it prepares the potatoes for a crispier exterior.
3. Dry and Freeze:
Once cooled, thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with kitchen paper towels. Place them in a container or a zip lock bag and freeze for a minimum of 3 hours. Freezing stabilizes the potatoes’ internal structure, resulting in fries that stay crisp longer and absorb less oil during frying.
4. Double Fry for Ultimate Crispness:
For the perfect crispness, fry the potatoes twice. The first fry should be at a moderate temperature until they are lightly golden. Let them cool, and then fry them again at a higher temperature for a shorter duration. This two-step process ensures a crunchy exterior that stays crisp even when left out for a while.
5. Coat with Cornstarch for an Extra Crunch:
If you want to take the crispness a notch higher and ensure it lasts longer, dust the potatoes lightly with cornstarch (cornflour) before frying. This thin coating acts as a natural “crispy coat,” resulting in irresistibly crunchy fries that stay crisp even when cooled.
By following these simple yet effective tips, your homemade French fries will rival any restaurant’s. They will boast a beautiful golden color, stay crisp longer without absorbing excess oil, and taste absolutely delicious.
Happy frying, and good luck elevating your homemade French fries!