Snacks Mason Williams March 29, 2025 0 Comments

Shoestring Fries

Few things in life are as satisfying as crispy, salty, golden fries. But have you ever tried making shoestring fries at home? These ultra-thin, crunchy fries, sometimes called shoestring potatoes or shoestring chips, are a step up from traditional thick-cut fries. And the best part? You only need three simple ingredients to make them.

This recipe delivers perfectly crisp julienne fries using potatoes, oil, and salt—nothing more, nothing less. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques, just pure, crispy deliciousness. If you’re ready to master shoestring potato fries, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something about shoestring french fries that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re piling them high on a burger, pairing them with a dipping sauce, or enjoying them straight out of the fryer, they never disappoint.

Here’s why you’ll love this shoestring fries recipe:

Crispier Than Regular Fries – Since they’re so thin, these fries turn out extra crunchy.
Easy to Make – Only three ingredients and minimal prep time.
Faster Cooking – No waiting around for thick fries to cook through.
Perfect for Snacking – Light, crispy, and dangerously addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this simple yet incredible recipe, all you need is:

2 large Russet potatoes – These are ideal for fries because they have a high starch content, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
Vegetable oil (for frying) – Any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil works great.
Salt, to taste – Classic seasoning for the perfect fry.

That’s it! Three ingredients for the crispiest shoe string fries you’ve ever tasted.

How to Make Shoestring Fries

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your shoestring potatoes clean under cold water. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds a rustic touch and extra crunch.

Next, it’s time to cut them into those signature thin strands. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into julienne fries. The thinner, the better—aim for strips about 1/8-inch thick. If you want a shortcut, some food processors have julienne attachments that work wonders.

Step 2: Soak for Extra Crispiness

One of the secrets to making perfectly crispy shoestring potato fries is to remove excess starch. To do this, place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This step prevents them from sticking together and helps them fry up beautifully golden and crisp.

After soaking, drain and thoroughly pat them dry with a clean towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the fries.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of potato—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Fry in Batches

Fry the shoestring fries in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy fries. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Within 2-3 minutes, they should be beautifully golden and crispy.

Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Immediately sprinkle the hot fries with salt while they’re still fresh out of the fryer. Serve them hot and crispy with your favorite dips—ketchup, garlic aioli, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Shoestring Fries

Use Starchy Potatoes – Russet potatoes are best for achieving the crispiest texture.
Cut Them Thinly and Evenly – This ensures even frying.
Soak and Dry Thoroughly – Removing starch makes a huge difference in crispiness.
Fry in Small Batches – Prevents fries from getting soggy.
Double Fry for Extra Crunch – If you want restaurant-level crispiness, fry the potatoes at 325°F (160°C) for the first round, let them cool, then fry again at 375°F (190°C) until golden.

Variations and Flavor Twists

While classic shoestring fries are incredible on their own, there’s always room for creativity. Here are some fun ways to switch up your fries:

Garlic Parmesan Shoestring Fries

After frying, toss the hot fries with grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley for a gourmet twist.

Spicy Shoestring Fries

Add some heat by seasoning your fries with paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Truffle Fries

A drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of parmesan take these fries to the next level.

Herbed Shoestring Fries

Toss with rosemary, thyme, and a dash of sea salt for an earthy, aromatic flavor.

What to Serve with Shoestring Fries

These crispy fries are delicious on their own but also make an excellent side dish. Here are a few ideas:

Burgers – Perfect with a juicy cheeseburger.
Hot Dogs – Classic combo for backyard cookouts.
Grilled Cheese – A match made in comfort food heaven.
Salads – Add a crunchy topping to fresh greens.
Fried Chicken – Crispy meets crispy!

Final Thoughts

Making shoestring fries at home is easier than you think. With just three ingredients, a little patience, and the right technique, you can create crispy, golden fries that rival any restaurant. Whether you enjoy them plain, seasoned, or loaded with toppings, one thing is certain—once you start making homemade shoestring potato fries, you won’t want to go back to store-bought versions.

So grab some potatoes, heat up that oil, and treat yourself to a batch of crunchy, salty, utterly delicious shoestring fries today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake shoestring fries instead of frying?

Yes! Toss the julienned potatoes in a bit of oil, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I air fry shoestring fries?

Absolutely! Spray them lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

3. How do I store leftover fries?

Shoestring fries are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer for best results.

4. Can I freeze shoestring fries?

Yes! Blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, drain, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and fry straight from frozen when ready to eat.