Ultra-thin, perfectly crisp Shoestring French Fries are easy to make at home, and great to enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces! This 5 ingredient recipe for Julienne Fries can be made on the stovetop or in the air fryer.
Wash the potatoes, but do not peel them. Set out a large bowl of ice water and a mandolin slicer. Set the mandolin slicer on the julienne setting. Carefully cut all the potatoes into thin julienne strips. Place them in the ice water.
Once all the potatoes are cut and in the ice water, set the bowl in the fridge for at least two hours. (The longer the better; you can even do this the day before! Just be sure they are completely submerged in the water.) The cold water removes excess starches and keeps the french fries from getting soggy in the oil.
Set a large 6-8 quart saucepot over medium heat. Attach a cooking thermometer to the side of the pot and pour in the oil. Set a large rimmed baking sheet lined with paper towels to the side.
Take several handfuls of julienne-cut fries out of the ice water. Toss them in paper towels to get them as dry as possible.
Once the oil reaches 350°F, use a skimmer to lower a small batch of shoestring fries down into the hot oil. If there is still moisture on the fries the oil will bubble up quite a bit, so be cautious. Stir once to separate the fries. Fry for 2 to 4 minutes, until the color is a medium blonde or straw color.
Use the skimmer to remove the fries from the hot oil and place them on the prepared pan. Sprinkle immediately with salt and pepper and toss.
Repeat in small batches, making sure to dry the fries as well as possible to remove excess water.
You can keep the fries warm in a low 200 degree F oven, but they will become hard over time.
Notes
Try with our Cajun Fry Seasoning.Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Toss the fries with 1/3 cup oil, then salt and pepper generously. Air fry in small batches for 10-11 minutes, shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark. 3 pounds of shoestring fries is about 3-5 batches, depending on your air fryer.