Description

Crispy, golden Zesty Shoestring Fries made from julienned russet potatoes tossed in a flavorful blend of spices and perfectly deep-fried to a crunchy finish. These homemade fries are seasoned with paprika, garlic, onion powder, and an optional kick of cayenne pepper, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a refreshing twist. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these vegan and gluten-free fries offer a delightful texture and bright flavor that pairs wonderfully with aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayo.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and julienned into thin matchsticks

Spice Mix

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

Vegetable oil for frying
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Soak the Potatoes: Place the julienned potatoes in cold water and soak them for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps ensure crispiness after frying.
Dry and Season Potatoes: Drain the soaked potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is essential to achieve crispy fries without absorbing excess oil.
Fry Potatoes in Batches: Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the coated potato sticks for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Avoid stirring excessively to maintain shape and texture.
Drain and Season: Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with additional salt and optional lemon zest to enhance flavor.
Optional Double Fry: For extra crispiness, fry the potatoes twice: initially for 2 minutes, let them rest, then fry again for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the zesty shoestring fries hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. They are excellent alongside aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayo for dipping.

Notes

Double-frying yields extra crispy fries by creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Soaking potatoes in cold water removes starch and prevents fries from sticking together.
These fries pair perfectly with aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayonnaise for dipping.
Adjust seasoning and cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American