3 Tips for Perfectly Golden, Extra Crispy French Fries That Stay Crunchy for Hours

When frying potatoes, you need a few simple tricks to get those beautifully golden, crispy fries.

French fries are a favorite snack for both kids and adults. Hot, crispy fries paired with ketchup or chili sauce are simple yet irresistibly delicious.

However, many people find that their homemade fries turn out soft, soggy, or even broken apart. To achieve crispy fries that stay crunchy for a long time, follow these tips below.

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1. Prepare the Potatoes Properly

After buying the potatoes, peel them, wash them, and cut them into finger-sized sticks. Once cut, immediately soak them in a bowl of water with a pinch of salt. Then rinse the potatoes several times with clean water to remove excess starch — this helps prevent the fries from sticking together during frying.
Soaking them in water right after cutting also prevents the potatoes from turning black.

Next, drain the potatoes well.

Meanwhile, prepare a pot of boiling water. Blanch the potatoes for about 1 minute, then remove and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Let them drain completely.

Blanching helps the potatoes cook faster and keeps their shape intact when fried.

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2. Coat with Starch and Chill

Once the potatoes are partially cooked, sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch or potato starch over them and mix well so that each piece is evenly coated with a thin layer of powder.

Then place the potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3–4 hours.

This is the secret to making fries extra crispy and dry, keeping them crunchy for hours without getting soggy.

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3. Double-Fry for Maximum Crispiness

Like many fried foods, double frying makes the surface extra crispy — and French fries are no exception.

First, heat the oil and fry the potatoes over medium heat so they cook evenly without burning. When they start turning light golden, remove them and let them drain on a rack or paper towel until completely cool.

Before serving, fry them a second time in hot oil over high heat. This step will make the fries perfectly golden on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy without soaking up too much oil.

Once they’re golden brown, remove and drain well before transferring them to a plate. This helps reduce oil absorption and keeps the fries crisp longer.

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The result: crispy, golden fries that stay crunchy even after cooling.

For an extra flavor boost, toss the fries with cheese powder to make cheesy fries — a snack loved by kids and adults alike.

French fries pair perfectly with ketchup, chili sauce, or mayonnaise.