Homemade French Fries in a Skillet

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Gather everything you'll need. Use fresh potatoes — new potatoes are ideal. Choose ones that are on the longer side and fairly large, since they're easier to cut into long, thin strips. Any vegetable oil works: olive, corn, or canola. Just make sure it's refined and odorless — otherwise it'll burn, and that's the last thing we want.

2. Step 2:

   

   Peel the potatoes, trying to shave the skin off as thinly as you can. If a knife isn't cutting it, a vegetable peeler works great — it takes off just a thin layer of skin.

3. Step 3:

   

   Cut the potatoes into long, thin strips about 1/4 inch (5–7 mm) thick.

4. Step 4:

   

   Soak the peeled potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes. Then drain and rinse them in a sieve until the water runs clear. This washes away excess starch — starch makes the potatoes soft, and we want them crispy instead.

5. Step 5:

   

   Now dry the cut potatoes thoroughly. Use paper towels or let them air-dry. Keep in mind that even a single drop of water hitting the hot oil will cause a lot of splattering.

6. Step 6:

   

   Heat the oil well in a heavy-bottomed skillet. To keep it from splattering, add a pinch of salt — it'll absorb any lingering moisture.

7. Step 7:

   

   Add the potatoes in small batches and fry over medium heat, stirring now and then with a slotted spoon.

8. Step 8:

   

   Fry the potatoes until golden brown and cooked through. It took me about 12–15 minutes.

9. Step 9:

   

   Transfer the finished fries to a paper towel to blot off the excess oil.

10. Step 10:

    

    Salt the fries at the very end. You can also dust them with paprika, dried dill, or garlic powder. Serve right away, while they're hot.

11. Step 11:

    

    This favorite of kids and grown-ups alike is ready. Enjoy!