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A pile of golden-brown shoestring potato fries is served on a rustic platter lined with white parchment paper. A small bowl of ketchup is visible in the top right, and coarse salt is sprinkled on the paper.

Shoestring Potato Fries: How to Cut, Fry, and Season Like a Pro

By Nancy
Struggling to keep fries crispy? These Shoestring Potato Fries stay golden and crunchy every time. Discover the secret now.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Global Comfort Food
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Russet potatoes
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika or cayenne
  • Fresh herbs

Instructions
 

Step 1: Slice the Potatoes

  • Use a mandoline to cut your potatoes into thin matchsticks. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick. Too thick, and they’ll turn soggy; too thin, and they burn fast.
    pile of raw, thin shoestring potato strips on a white cutting board with a wooden edge. The strips have bits of potato skin remaining, indicating they were freshly cut.

Step 2: Soak and Dry

  • Place the slices in cold water for at least 10 minutes. This removes excess starch and keeps your shoestring potato fries crisp, not limp. Drain them well, then pat completely dry with paper towels.
    shoestring potato strips soaking in a bowl of water with ice cubes. The soaking process helps to remove excess starch for crispier fries.

Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry in Batches

  • Pour the oil into a frying pan or Dutch oven. Heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
    Carefully add a handful of potato slices. Fry them for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Stir them occasionally so they don’t stick together.
    golden-yellow shoestring potato fries draining in a metal mesh strainer, suggesting they were freshly fried and are crispy and salty.

Step 4: Drain and Season

  • Lift the fries with your slotted spoon, let them rest on paper towels, and season immediately. That’s when the salt really sticks.
    A pile of golden-brown shoestring potato fries is served on a rustic platter lined with white parchment paper. A small bowl of ketchup is visible in the top right, and coarse salt is sprinkled on the paper.

Notes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: ~180
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: (around 200mg with salt).
Note: The nutritional values provided are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, quantities, and brands used.
Keyword Shoestring Potato Fries