Smoky Seasoned French Fries Recipe

Our Smoky Seasoned French Fries offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for those who appreciate a little extra in their side dish. The exterior of the fries boasts a golden, crispy crunch, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft, fluffy interior. Flavor-wise, the fries carry a deep smoky essence, courtesy of a special seasoning blend that includes smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne for a slight kick. The result is a taste that complements any sandwich or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Fries

4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Cold water (enough to cover the potatoes)

Seasoning

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon smoke powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes. Peel them if desired; otherwise, leave the skin on for extra texture. Cut the potatoes into long, thin strips, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking.

Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and helps in getting crispier fries.

In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, smoke powder, cayenne pepper, and sugar. Mix well until evenly combined. Use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle to grind to a fine powder. Set aside.

Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving crispy fries.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (165°C). In batches, fry the potatoes for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they are soft but not browned. Remove them from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Increase the heat of the oil to 375°F (190°C). Return the fries to the oil in batches, cooking until they are golden and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes more.

Immediately after frying, toss the fries in a large bowl with the smoky seasoning mix to taste. Make sure to coat the fries evenly.

Serve the smoky seasoned fries hot and crispy as the perfect side dish to sandwiches. They're great with a side of ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.