Crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible, Papas Fritas (aka French fries) are a classic comfort food enjoyed worldwide. Whether served as a side dish, a snack, or the main event, homemade Papas Fritas are a game-changer. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality fries that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Get ready to level up your fry game!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Learn the secret to achieving that crunchy, golden crust.
- Simple Ingredients: Just potatoes, oil, and seasoning—no fancy extras needed.
- Customizable: Spice them up, season them to your liking, or pair them with your favorite dips.
- Better Than Fast Food: Fresh, homemade fries taste so much better and aren’t loaded with preservatives.
Ingredients Papas Fritas
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for their high starch content, which leads to crispier fries.
- Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Salt: Classic seasoning that enhances the natural potato flavor.
- Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder for extra flavor.
How to Make Papas Fritas
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Peel (optional) and cut the potatoes into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
- Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is key for crispy fries!
- Drain and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel to prevent oil splatter.
2. Heat the Oil
- In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 325°F (163°C) for the first fry.
3. First Fry (Blanching)
- Fry the potatoes in batches for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft but not browned.
- Remove them and let them drain on a paper towel.
4. Second Fry (Crisping)
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the potatoes again in batches for about 2-3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel and immediately season with salt.
Pro Tips for Making Papas Fritas
- Double frying is the secret to achieving the perfect crispness.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer—this drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy fries.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature.
- Season immediately while the fries are hot so the salt sticks.
How to Serve Papas Fritas
- Enjoy them hot with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Serve as a side with burgers, grilled meats, or sandwiches.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and herbs for an extra gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can cut and soak the potatoes ahead of time, storing them in the fridge in water for up to 24 hours.
- Storage: Leftover fries can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs Papas Fritas
What is the meaning of papas fritas?
“Papas fritas” is Spanish for “fried potatoes,” commonly referring to French fries or potato chips, depending on the country.
What is the difference between papas fritas and patatas fritas?
Both terms mean “fried potatoes,” but usage depends on the region. In Latin America, people say “papas fritas”, while in Spain, they say “patatas fritas”. Additionally, in Spain, “patatas fritas” can also refer to potato chips.
What does papas mean in potatoes?
“Papas” is the Latin American Spanish word for “potatoes.” In Spain, “potatoes” are called “patatas.”
What do they call fries in Spain?
In Spain, fries are called “patatas fritas.” If referring to thicker-cut, homemade fries, they might say “patatas fritas caseras.”
What do Mexicans call French fries?
In Mexico, French fries are called “papas fritas.” Sometimes, they might also be referred to as “papas a la francesa.”
Why are they called dirty fries?
“Dirty fries” refer to loaded fries topped with ingredients like cheese, bacon, sauces, and spices, making them look messy but delicious. The term “dirty” comes from the abundance of toppings rather than actual dirt.
What do Italians call French fries?
In Italy, French fries are called “patatine fritte.” If referring specifically to potato chips, they might also use the term “patatine.”
How to order fries in Spain?
To order fries in Spain, you can say:
“Una ración de patatas fritas, por favor.” (A portion of fries, please.)
“¿Me pone unas patatas fritas?” (Can you give me some fries?)
If you want loaded fries, you can ask for “patatas bravas” (spicy sauce) or “patatas alioli” (garlic mayo).
Conclusion
Papas Fritas are a timeless and delicious snack that’s easy to make at home with just a few key techniques. Double frying ensures the perfect crispy texture, and seasoning them immediately locks in flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or a snack, homemade fries are a game-changer. With endless seasoning and dipping possibilities, you can customize them to your heart’s content. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought fries again!