How to Cut Potatoes Into Fries with Step-by-Step Instructions

There are a multitude of ways to cut potatoes into fries, and everyone has their favorite. Some fries like the wedge can be made simply by cutting a potato into quarters with a knife and baking, while waffle fries require multiple cuts on a grater and frying. Whatever style you choose to make, you just need the correct tools and some potatoes. Here are some tips on how to cut potatoes into fries.

How to choose what kind of fries to make

The type of fry you decide to make depends on how much effort you want to put into cutting the potatoes, the time you have to cook them, and what they are being served with. Decide whether you want them to dip in a sauce, eat as a hearty side, or just something that is super crispy.

How do you cut potatoes into fries?

Here are the easiest ways to cut potatoes into fries based on the style of fry.

French fries

This is the main style of fries. These are best made using a uniform cutter like a mandolin with a fry blade or a french fry press. This will ensure that each fry cooks evenly in the fryer. 

Waffle fries

How to cut potatoes into waffle fries isn’t too hard of a process, it just requires a crinkle cutter tool and some patience. Start by taking your potato and making one cut with the crinkle cutter. Next, rotate the potato 90 degrees and make another cut. Repeat this until you have the number of waffle fries you want. If you have trouble getting the perfect waffle design, just slow down and line up each cut perfectly.

Shoestring fries

Shoestring fries are just a thinner version of the french fry that cooks up extra crispy. These are also cut using a mandolin or fry press, but all you have to do is use the smaller grid blade instead of the normal fry-sized one. Shoestrings cook very fast, so don’t burn them.

Sweet potato fries

There isn’t a difference in how to cut a sweet potato into fries compared to a normal potato. Take your sweet potato and cut it into fries using your mandolin or fry press. The only difference is when it comes to the cooking time. Sweet potato fries can burn faster since they have more sugar, so pay close attention when frying.

Potato wedges

Potato wedges, also called Jojos, are one of the easiest types of fry to cut. All you have to do to make wedges is take a sharp knife and cut a potato in quarters. Start by cutting the potato in half and lying the cut side down on the cutting board. Next, cut this half in half again and you will have quarters. This is usually the perfect size, unless the potato is so big you need to cut it into sixths or eighths. 

Potato chips

Chips are another fun cut you can make that are perfect to just sprinkle on some dry seasoning and enjoy. If you have good knife skills, you can do this freehand and cut the potato into evenly sized thin circles. If you want the process to go faster, set your mandolin to 1/8 inch or less and slice away. Once these come out of the fryer, spread them out evenly on a paper towel and dust them with your favorite seasoning so that it sticks to them.

Curly fries

Everyone thinks that curly fries are hard to make, but they can be made in seconds with the correct tool. All you need is a veggie spiralizer to quicken the process. Simply insert your potato and spin it until curly spirals of potato come out. Cut them into 2-3 inch lengths, and they are ready for the fryer.

Steak fries

Steak fries are a thicker, wider version of the normal french fry. These are best prepared freehand with a knife. Cut your potato in half then place each cut side face down on your cutting board. Slice each half lengthwise into your favorite thickness of steak fry. These are best baked due to their thickness.

Cottage fries

Cottage fries are a close relative of the potato chip. They got their name from when they are laid out on a plate, they look like the shingled roof of a cottage. To make them, instead of cutting them thin like a potato chip, they are cut into 1/4in rounds using a crinkle slicer tool and then fried. 

Tater tots

While some may not consider the tater tot a fry, you can still learn how to make them. Place your potatoes in a pot and cover with water, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Allow them to cool and then shred them on a box grater. Season the shreds with salt and pepper, plus some flour to help bind everything. Stir the mixture together and then shape it into tater tots. They are now ready to be fried or baked.

Tips for frying potatoes

There are a few different methods you can use to make sure your fries come out perfect each time:

• Soak the fries in cold water for a few hours to draw out excess starch, then dry out on paper towels before frying. This helps make them more crispy and stops them from sticking together.
• First, fry the fries at 325 degrees until slightly firm to cook the insides, then move them to 375-degree oil and fry them until golden brown.
• Fry them in small batches. If you overcrowd the pot, they won’t cook evenly and can get soggy.
• Let the oil come back to temperature between batches; this ensures even cooking between batches.

Final thoughts on how to cut potatoes into fries

Once you decide on what type of fry you want to make, all you need to do is shop for a couple of simple ingredients like oil and potatoes. The shopping process is made easy with Instacart. It saves you from even having to leave your house. You can pick from same-day pickup or delivery or even schedule it for the day that works best for you.

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