How to Make Skillet Fries: Crispy, Easy, and Delicious Recipe

Craving crispy golden fries but want to skip the deep fryer? Skillet fries are your perfect solution. They deliver that satisfying crunch with a tender inside, all made right on your stovetop.

You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps to whip up this classic side. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fries at home anytime. Whether it’s a quick snack or a side for dinner, skillet fries always hit the spot.

Ready to master this easy and delicious recipe? Let’s dive into how to make skillet fries that are crispy, flavorful, and totally addictive.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Skillet Fries

Start with starchy potatoes like Russets if you want crispy, golden fries. Their high starch and low moisture content create a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy. Opt for medium-sized potatoes to ensure even cooking and easy handling.

Select Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture with slightly less crispiness. Their buttery flavor enhances the taste and adds richness to your skillet fries. Use firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts to avoid bitterness.

Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss as they contain high moisture and low starch, resulting in soggy fries. Store your potatoes in a cool, dark place to maintain their texture and flavor before cooking.

Preparing the Potatoes

Preparing potatoes properly ensures your skillet fries come out crispy and flavorful. Follow these steps to get the best texture and taste from your potatoes.

Washing and Peeling

Start by rinsing your potatoes under cold water to remove dirt and debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface if needed. Peel the potatoes using a sharp peeler for smooth, uniform fries, or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.

Cutting the Potatoes into Fries

Slice the potatoes into uniform sticks about ¼ to ½ inch thick, ensuring even cooking. Use a sharp knife and cut each potato lengthwise, then into sticks. Uniform cuts avoid undercooked centers and burnt edges in the skillet.

Soaking to Remove Excess Starch

Soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch. This step reduces stickiness and promotes crispiness. Drain and pat the fries completely dry before cooking to avoid oil splatter and sogginess.

Cooking the Skillet Fries

Master your technique to achieve golden, crispy skillet fries with a tender center. Follow these steps carefully to cook them perfectly every time.

Selecting the Right Oil and Heating the Skillet

Choose oils with high smoke points like avocado oil, peanut oil, or light olive oil to avoid burning during cooking. Heat a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke. This heating ensures the fries start cooking immediately on contact, locking in crispiness.

Frying the Potatoes for Perfect Crispiness

Add the dried potato sticks to the hot oil in a single layer without overcrowding to maintain the oil temperature. Cook for 4-6 minutes undisturbed until the bottom side turns golden brown. Flip the fries using a spatula, then continue frying for another 4-6 minutes until all sides are crispy and cooked through. Total cooking time varies between 8 to 12 minutes depending on potato thickness.

Seasoning and Flipping Fries

Season the fries with salt, pepper, and any desired spices like paprika or garlic powder right after adding them to the skillet. Flip the fries every few minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Toss gently to coat the fries evenly with seasoning and oil, boosting flavor and maintaining crisp texture.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

Pair skillet fries with classic condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, or garlic aioli for familiar flavor boosts. Enhance taste by sprinkling grated Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika immediately after cooking. Add heat with sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. Complement fries by serving alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches to balance your meal. Offer toppings like melted cheddar, crumbled bacon, or caramelized onions to create loaded skillet fries for a hearty option. Use lemon zest or fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish that contrasts well with the fries’ richness.

Tips for Making Perfect Skillet Fries Every Time

Choose potatoes with care. Russet potatoes offer high starch for crispiness. Yukon Gold provides a creamier bite but still crisps well. Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss to prevent sogginess.

Cut fries evenly. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to produce uniform sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Consistent size ensures even cooking and browning.

Dry the fries thoroughly. After soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, drain and pat them completely dry. Moisture causes oil splatter and soft fries.

Use high smoke point oil. Select avocado, peanut, or canola oils for optimal heat tolerance. Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the fries to maintain temperature and avoid greasiness.

Cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which drops the oil temperature. Fry small batches in a single layer, letting fries crisp undisturbed for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until golden.

Season immediately. Add salt, pepper, and spices right after placing fries in the skillet to maximize seasoning absorption. Flip every few minutes to brown each side evenly.

Drain excess oil. Use paper towels to remove surplus oil once fries reach desired crispiness. This step preserves crunch and prevents limp fries.

Add finishing touches selectively. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, or smoked paprika after frying. For heat, drizzle sriracha or scatter sliced jalapeños.

Maintain a hot skillet. Adjust the heat as needed to keep oil temperature steady between 350°F and 375°F. Cooler oil results in soggy fries; hotter oil risks burning.

Experiment with toppings for variety. Create loaded fries by layering cheddar, bacon, or caramelized onions over hot fries. Add lemon zest or juice for a bright contrast.

Conclusion

Making skillet fries is a straightforward way to enjoy crispy, flavorful fries without deep frying. With the right potatoes, proper prep, and careful cooking, you can master this technique and customize your fries with endless toppings and dips.

Once you get the hang of it, skillet fries become a versatile side dish that elevates any meal. Whether you’re serving them up for a casual snack or alongside your favorite entrée, these fries deliver satisfying crunch and taste every time. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.