These homemade french fries really are wonderfully easy to make, and they surpass restaurant fries, hands down. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, not a bit greasy: these healthy fries are in a category all their own.
French fries and healthy in the same sentence? I know what you’re thinking: french fries aren’t usually thought of as part of a healthy diet. And that’s why I’m so excited about this homemade french fries recipe.
My kids love french fries (honestly, don’t we all!), and by using avocado oil, I don’t have to worry about them snacking on an unhealthy treat. It’s just a fun and tasty way to serve potatoes!
We generally don’t eat fries as often as the kids would like to. When eating out in restaurants, the fries are usually cooked in a shared frier or sometimes coated in a batter. Definitely not gluten free. And, of course, restaurant fries are deep fried in a huge vat of oil. Not so good for your health.
Choosing Healthy Ingredients
So yesterday I decided to surprise my kids with fries as a side at dinner. This way I could choose the healthiest ingredients.
Is It Necessary To Buy Organic Potatoes?
I always choose to cook with organic potatoes as potatoes are listed as one of the dirty dozen, frequently found to be contaminated with toxic insecticides. Read more here.
Which Is The Best Oil For Healthier Homemade French Fries?
In addition, I fry them in avocado oil. Refined avocado oil is highly nutritious and loaded with antioxidants. Read all about its health benefits here and here. It is very heat stable with one of the highest smoke points making it one of the best possible oils for frying. I find that I don’t need to have a high flame. I just keep the flame on medium and make sure the oil doesn’t start to smoke.
My son, Peter, loved the fries so much he suggested making them again today for this blog post. He took these beautiful pictures (that are making my mouth water all over again!) and made sure to sample a few fries during the photo shoot. That’s one of the perks of being a food photographer.
These fries really are wonderfully easy to make, and they surpass restaurant fries, hands down. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, not a bit greasy: these healthy fries are in a category all their own. You may find it hard to resist sampling a few before they even make it to the table.
3 simple ingredients to make healthier homemade french fries
- organic russet potatoes
- avocado oil
- and salt
How to make healthier homemade french fries
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
So how to make them? First, peel your potatoes. I always remove potato skins since reading that potentially toxic glycoalkaloids which repel pests are concentrated in the skin of the potato. Next, slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch slices. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch. Pat dry.
Now heat the avocado oil in a large skillet. Actually, I had two skillets going at once so that all the fries would be ready at the same time. Half of the potato slices should fit in each skillet without crowding. Fry them over a medium flame being careful not to let the oil smoke. Turning with a spatula, cook the slices until they’re lightly browned.
And they’re ready to be eaten. Sprinkle them with salt, serve with ketchup, and dig in. These are such a fun summer treat and safely gluten free. Enjoy, friends!
More Fun Healthy Potato Recipes
3 Simple Tips On How To Make A Healthier Potato Salad
One-Pan Roast Chicken And Potatoes
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Healthier Homemade French Fries
Ingredients
- 6 medium organic russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and slice potatoes lengthwise and cut into ¼” pieces. Then rinse them to remove any excess starch. Pat dry.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add half of the potato slices and fry for 20-30 minutes, until lightly browned. Add more oil if necessary and repeat for the remaining potatoes.
- Season with salt.
Nutrition
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Jeanne Melanson says
Oh, those do look good. How clever of your son to suggest you make them again for the blog post. He good wonderful pics too. Great presentation. I love the idea of using the can to hold them. I love french fries. I just might try these. Thanks so much!
Barbara says
Ha ha, yes, my son is very clever. Thank you. The fries in the can was his idea. He really enjoyed taking these pics.
Francene Stanley says
What a great idea. However, I haven’t seen avocado oil in our local supermarket here in the UK. And, I guess it would be rather expensive.
Barbara says
Hi Francene, I hope you do find it there. Avocado oil is good in so many ways. 🙂
Jason (from Dealspotr) says
They look so good! I’ll have to try that recipe.
Barbara says
Thank you, Jason. Enjoy!
GiGi Eats says
Mmm Avocado Oil! 🙂 I need to utilize that oil far more than I do!
Barbara says
Yes. Starting with these french fries! 🙂
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
They look fabulous! I love french fries…the not so good for you ones are definitely my downfall! I’ll definitely try these! Pinned and sharing on my Facebook page this weekend!
Barbara says
That’s what I love about these: all of the taste and none of the guilt. I appreciate your sharing, Michelle. Thank you.
julie says
Looks yummy! Do you have nutritional information for this?
Barbara says
Thank you, Julie. The nutritional info is listed on Yummly http://www.yummly.com/recipe/My-Try-At-Healthier-French-Fries-1209979?columns=5&position=2%2F18
Michelle James says
You are right…who doesn’t love french fries. I have to say that McDonald’s are my fave but I don’t eat them very often. Thanks goodness. Yours look really yummy though and your son takes wonderful pictures. Thanks so much for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Barbara says
Thank you so much for stopping by, Michelle, and taking the time to comment and tweet.:)
Marla says
Hi Barbara & Nicole,
This fries look so tasty and crispy and with the avocado oil surely is a great health benefit. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
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Lamar Smith says
Hi, Saw your blog and your sons pictures and just had to try this. I usually slice up and bake my fries in the oven. But after trying it this way I think I will stick with frying them in Avocado oil. Turkey Burgers and Fries were a hit. Thanks for the recipe.
Barbara says
Hi, Lamar! Thanks so much for letting me know that you enjoyed these fries. Mmm, turkey burger with fries sounds really yummy. Have a healthy week. 🙂 (Thanks for the stars too!)
Josie says
“French fries and healthy in the same sentence? I know what you’re thinking: french fries aren’t usually thought of as part of a healthy diet.”
That’s because they aren’t! You can use all the “healthy” oil you want, potatoes still have a high glycemic load.
Quote from study:
“People who ate potatoes two to four times per week had a modest increase in type 2 diabetes risk—7 percent—compared with those who ate them less than once a week. Those who had 7 servings a week, however, had a 33 percent increased risk. While all forms of potatoes—baked, boiled, fried, and mashed—were linked to the disease, French fries were most problematic.”
Summation: All potatoes are bad, fried are the worst (avocado oil or not).
So ya know, not telling you not to HAVE them, just sayin’… let’s not pretend they should be eaten.