Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy french fry that's seasoned to perfection - with a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. These pan-roasted french fries aren't just a side dish; they're a culinary experience that will transform your home cooking and have your family begging for more. Forget greasy fast-food fries and discover how simple it is to create restaurant-quality potatoes that will steal the show at any meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the potatoes completely dry using clean kitchen towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Cut the potatoes into uniform french fry strips, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the size consistent to ensure even cooking.
- Place the cut potato strips in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and will result in crispier fries.
- Drain the potato strips and thoroughly pat them dry with clean kitchen towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy fries, so ensure they are completely dry.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a seasoning blend.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully arrange the potato strips in a single layer in the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper spacing.
- Allow the fries to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, letting them develop a golden-brown crust on one side before flipping.
- Use tongs to carefully turn the fries, rotating them to ensure even browning on all sides. Continue cooking and turning every few minutes.
- Cook the fries for approximately 20-25 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning while achieving a crispy exterior.
- Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Immediately sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy pan-roasted french fries!
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness - always thoroughly dry your potato strips before cooking
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and best browning
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to ensure each fry gets crispy
- Keep the potato strips uniform in size for consistent cooking
- Use a neutral, high-smoke point oil like olive oil for best results
- Season immediately after cooking for maximum flavor absorption
- Serve hot and fresh for the ultimate crispy texture experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
