Description
These Salt and Vinegar French Fries are crispy on the outside and tender inside, bursting with a tangy, zesty flavor that recreates the classic pub favorite. Utilizing simple pantry staples and a double-fry method, this recipe delivers perfectly golden fries seasoned with white vinegar and sea salt for the ultimate comfort snack that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- Cold water, enough to soak potatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then cut them into even sticks about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch and help achieve crispiness.
- Dry the Potatoes: Drain the soaked fries and thoroughly pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Removing moisture is essential to prevent oil splatter and ensure crunchy fries.
- First Fry – Blanching: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 325°F (163°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes until they are softened but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Vinegar Bath: Mix cold water and white vinegar in a bowl. Briefly soak the blanched fries for 5 minutes to infuse the tangy vinegar flavor, then drain and pat dry again.
- Second Fry – Crisping: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes a second time for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. This double-frying locks in the crunch.
- Season and Serve: Immediately toss the hot fries with sea salt and an optional extra drizzle of vinegar or seasoned salt mix. Serve the fries hot for the best tangy, crispy flavor.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for their high starch content, which yields fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors.
- Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch, reducing sogginess and helping fries stay separate.
- Maintain proper oil temperature using a thermometer to avoid greasy or burnt fries.
- Double frying is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture with a tender inside.
- Season the fries immediately while still hot so salt and vinegar stick well.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American / British Pub
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg