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 better-for-you 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 nutritious ingredients
So yesterday I decided to surprise my kids with fries as a side to my dinner recipe. This way I could choose the healthiest ingredients.
To complement these fries and ensure a well-rounded meal, you’ll find ideal sides in my collection of vegetable and salad recipes—try refreshing Coleslaw With Sugar-Free Dressing or savory Sautéed Broccoli With Garlic, for example.
Another great “fries” option is my Oven Baked Curly Cheese Fries—crispy, cheesy, and delicious.
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 as I do with my Gluten Free Salmon Patties. Refined avocado oil is highly nutritious and loaded with antioxidants. Read all about its health benefits here.
It’s 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 better-for-you 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.
Ready to make them? Let’s go.
Ingredients
- organic russet potatoes
- avocado oil
- and salt
Instructions
*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.
Notice we are not deep frying them. Only 3 tablespoons of oil in each skillet. Shallow frying with avocado oil can still give you crispy fries if you ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the potatoes. Preheat the oil and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
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.
How long to air fry French fries?
Not only have I made these fries on the stove, but also in my air fryer. Simply toss them with a quarter cup of avocado oil. Then, working in batches, arrange potatoes in a single layer on the bottom of your air fryer basket. Cook at 400 ℉ for 20 minutes, flipping over with tongs halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Now they’re ready to be eaten. Sprinkle them with salt, serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and dig in.
Pro tips and recipe notes
What seasonings work well with these fries? I season these fries with sea salt. You could also go with black pepper, and garlic powder. For a twist, try adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs. Seasoning the fries immediately after cooking helps the flavors adhere better.
Can I use a different type of potato? While russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content and texture, you can use other types like Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes. Just note that cooking times and results will vary based on the potato variety.
How can I store leftovers? Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These are such a fun summer treat and safely gluten free. Enjoy!
More fun potato recipes
Irish Nachos – Our readers have been raving about this Easy Irish Nachos recipe! I’m thrilled that one happy reader from Instagram commented that these are the “best ones out there!”.
Roasted Potatoes – What is it about these roasted potatoes that makes them so irresistible? Try them and see!
Parmesan Baked Sweet Potatoes – The sweet potatoes are roasted in lots of butter with a hint of garlic and parmesan cheese that forms an out-of-this-world delicious parmesan crust on top.
3 Simple Tips On How To Make A Healthier Potato Salad – Potato salad trick! Discover my potato salad trick to make healthier potato salad.
Dr. Ted Naiman’s P:E Potatoes Au Gratin – Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a creamy low-fat yogurt and cheddar cheese sauce and then topped with low-fat Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a delicious and healthy high-protein potatoes au gratin casserole.
Sheet Pan Roast Chicken And Potatoes – Tender marinated chicken thighs baked in their own juices on a bed of vegetables, sausage, and potatoes is an absolutely mouthwatering recipe that will leave you craving for more.
Pin it!
Healthier Homemade French Fries Recipe
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.6 medium organic russet potatoes
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 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.Salt to taste
Notes
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 https://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.
Victoria says
They look fantastic! I should give the recipe a shot.
Barbara Bianchi says
Thank you, Victoria! I hope you enjoy them. Have a great weekend. ❤️
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