Homemade French Fries in Cast Iron Skillet

Learn how to make the best homemade french fries in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. This easy-to-follow pan fry recipe will show you how to achieve the perfect golden brown fries with an irresistible crispy texture.

Pan Fry French Fries On Stovetop

Discover the secret to making perfect french fries with a cast iron skillet. This easy-to-follow recipe will teach you how to achieve crispy and golden brown fries that rival your favorite restaurant’s offerings.

Pan-fried to perfection, these cast iron skillet french fries are the best!

Say goodbye to greasy deep frying and hello to a healthier yet equally satisfying option. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply craving a tasty snack, this crispy fry recipe will surely become a favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you love homemade french fries, this recipe prepared in a cast iron skillet will quickly become your go-to. Here is why you will love it:

• Easy Preparation – Minimal prep work. Chop, pan-fry, and season. Chilling the potatoes or letting them soak in water is unnecessary.
• Healthier Option – Pan-fried in coconut oil instead of hydrogenated oils like canola or vegetable oil.
• Delicious – These crispy french fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
• Versatility: – Perfect as a side dish, snack, or party food.
• Budget-Friendly – Economical and cost-effective compared to store-bought alternatives.
• Family Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour these tasty fries.

Ingredients

To make the best homemade fries, you will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes – Choose your preferred variety, such as Russet, for the best taste and texture.
• Oil—For healthier frying of French fries, Use tallow, lard, or refined coconut oil. Unlike olive oil, these oils have high smoke points, which should be avoided due to its lower smoke point.
• Salt—Season the fries with Celtic salt or sea salt. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Optional Seasonings – Add seasonings to customize the flavor of your fries. Some popular options include pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Kitchen Tools: Cutting Board and Knife (or french fry cutter) | Large Cast Iron Skillet | Spider Spoon (or tongs)| Paper Towels

How to Make Homemade French Fries in a Skillet

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry french fries in a cast iron skillet:

Peel and Cut the Potatoes

• Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes to remove dirt. Peeling is optional, but I prefer to leave the peel on since I use organic potatoes.
• Then, cut the potatoes into slices slightly over 1/4″ thick. It is important to try to cut them about the same size to ensure even cooking.

Preheat the Oil

• Place a cast iron skillet on the stovetop and add the oil. For ideal frying conditions, preheat the oil to around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (use a frying thermometer).
• To check if the oil is ready, gently drop a small piece of potato into the skillet. The oil temperature is right if it sizzles and begins to fry immediately. If not, allow the oil to heat longer and test again.

Pan Fry the Potatoes

• Once the oil is hot, carefully add a batch of potatoes to the skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer, not overcrowded.
• Fry the potatoes in the hot oil for 8 to 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and promote even browning. Adjust the heat if needed to maintain a steady temperature.
• Continue frying the fries until they reach your desired level of golden brown crispiness. This may take an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries.

Drain and Season

• Transfer the cooked fries to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon or tongs. Allow the towels to absorb the excess oil.
• Sprinkle the freshly cooked hot fries with salt or your preferred seasonings. Gently toss the fries to ensure even distribution.

Serve

• Transfer the seasoned fries to a serving dish and serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
• Pair them with ketchup, mayonnaise, honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Best Oil For Homemade Healthy French Fries

When it comes to the healthiest choices for frying french fries, these are excellent options to consider:

1. Beef Tallow
2. Lard
3. Coconut Oil

These three options have a high smoke point for frying and provide health benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Recipe FAQs

Do You Have to Soak Potatoes Before Frying? Soaking potatoes before frying is not necessary. Having personally tried both methods, I noticed little difference in the outcome. Therefore, you can skip the soaking step and directly pan-fry the French fries.

Can You Fry French Fries in Coconut Oil? Yes, you can fry french fries in coconut oil. Refined coconut oil is important because it has a higher smoke point and less noticeable coconut flavor than unrefined or virgin coconut oil.

How Long to Fry French Fries? French fries usually take about 8 to 10 minutes to fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.

What Potatoes are Best for French Fries? Idaho or Russet potatoes are the best potatoes for making french fries. They have a high starch content and low moisture, resulting in crispy fries.

What to Serve With French Fries

Here are some delicious recipes to serve with cast iron skillet french fries:

1. Enjoy your homemade fries alongside a juicy burger for a classic combination.
2. Enjoy a bowl of creamy mac and cheese as the perfect side dish alongside a juicy burger and crispy skillet french fries.

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