How to Fry Potatoes in 9 Easy Steps
Are you wondering how to fry potatoes in a pan? Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure you have tried to throw a potato slice in a pan, hoping it would turn into a culinary masterpiece. I’m also pretty sure it didn’t turn out the way you thought it would be. The result: wobbly pale “fries” with burned edges. Not exactly the firm, crispy, golden ones you had in your mind. Believe me, making exquisite home fried potatoes is simple as pie; well, they are effortless compared to making a pie. Fries just require some basic cooking.
Before attempting to make real fries, (the ones you actually want to eat), remember you have to pay close attention to them. By that, I mean no TV while you are frying. You know what happens when you get too involved in the soap opera, yeah burned fries! You want them crispy but not that much.
This recipe for fried potatoes is pretty straightforward, so no need for a headache. You can use coconut oil, canola oil or any other vegetable oil you like. You can add a unique touch by using different cuts like stick (Julienne or matchstick cut), grated, shoestring, wedge, crinkle, steak, and log cut. Other deluxe cuts you may want to try are butterfly (or ribbon), tornado (fried and served in a bamboo skewer), spiral, and waffle.
Below, you will find the basic recipe to fry potatoes in your kitchen.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- canola oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 5 potatoes (Russet, for example)
- salt (to taste)
Directions:
1- The first step is to rinse all the potatoes you are going to use (unless you don’t mind a little bit of dirt).
2- Dry them well and peel them.
3- Cut the potatoes in strips with a knife. If you want to make your life easier go for a French fry cutter (they are so worth it).
*TIP* Place the potatoes in a bowl with water and some ice to keep them from browning (or put them in the refrigerator if you can’t cook them immediately).
4- Pour oil in a frying pan. The oil should reach halfway up the sides of the pan. Turn on the stove to medium heat for 5 minutes.
5- Dry the potato strips with towel paper (yes again, as you don’t want water in the oil).
6- Now, fry the potatoes in batches. Do not add too many potatoes’ strips to the pan at once because it could turn messy; also they won’t be cooked well. This is a very important to avoid uneven cooking (only put as many as you can handle).
7- Cook the home fries for about 5 minutes and keep turning every 8 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
8- Remove the potatoes from the frying pan with a heat proof spatula and drain on paper towel.
9- Place them in a bowl or plate with paper towel or napkins. Add salt to taste and serve.
That is how you make fried potatoes the right way without fancy ingredients. You can use them as a side dish with chicken or any other meat. You can also eat them alone (if you can’t resist the appetizing aroma). In any case enjoy your fries!
Look at how to fry potatoes: