Homemade Burger King French Fries Recipe

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Burger King French Fries have always been that go-to comfort food—hot, salty, and just the right amount of crunchy. But have you ever wondered what makes these fries stand out from the rest? Is it the way they’re cut, the seasoning, or maybe the frying technique?

How to make Burger King French Fries

Burger King French Fries are the chain’s classic side dish—thin-cut, straight fries made from potatoes, lightly coated with a seasoned batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes (preferred for their starchy quality) – 3 to 4 medium-sized
• Cold water – For soaking the potato sticks
• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (for extra crispiness)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste, for seasoning)
• Vegetable oil or canola oil – Enough to fill a fryer or deep pot for frying
• Ice water – For blanching the fries before frying
• Paprika powder – A pinch (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
• Garlic powder – A small dash (for added seasoning if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the Russet potatoes thoroughly and peel them (optional). Slice them into uniform, thick strips about ¼-inch wide to match Burger King’s thick-cut style. Consistency in size helps ensure even cooking.

2. Soak the Potatoes in Cold Water: Place the potato slices into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, ensuring the fries stay light and crispy. Bonus tip: Add a few ice cubes to keep the water extra cold.

3. Blanch the Fries: Bring a pot of water to a simmer, but don’t let it fully boil. Add the potato strips and simmer them for 3-4 minutes. Immediately remove the fries and place them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step makes the interior soft and fluffy once fried.

4. Dry the Fries Thoroughly: Remove the potato sticks from the ice water and pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will make the oil splatter and prevent proper frying.

5. Coat with Cornstarch: Lightly toss the fries in cornstarch. This forms a wonderful outer layer that adds the signature crispiness of Burger King fries. (You can mix in a small pinch of paprika or garlic powder here, if desired.)

6. Fry the Potatoes (First Fry): Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or deep pot to around 325°F (163°C). Add the fries in small batches (to avoid overcrowding) and fry them for 3-4 minutes, until they’re pale and partially cooked. Don’t wait for them to brown at this stage. Remove the fries from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

7. Fry the Potatoes Again (Second Fry): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the pre-cooked potatoes again, this time for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and perfectly crispy on the outside. Remove from the fryer and drain excess oil on paper towels.

8. Season and Serve: While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them generously with salt for that authentic fast-food taste. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces (ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo works great).

Tips for Perfecting Burger King French Fries

• The Right Potato Matters: Use starchy potatoes like Russet potatoes, as they create the classic soft-on-the-inside texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, which don’t crisp well.
• Double Frying is Key: The first frying step cooks the inside, while the second one achieves that golden, crispy exterior. Don’t skip it!
• Ice Water Equals Success: Soaking the fries in ice water removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better during frying. The ice water also helps prevent the fries from turning brown.
• Don’t Crowd the Pot: When frying, overcrowding lowers the oil temperature dramatically and leads to soggy fries. Fry in small batches to maintain heat consistency.
• Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Precise frying temperatures are essential to mimic the signature crispiness.
• Use Fresh Oil: For the best results, use clean and fresh vegetable or canola oil. Reused oil can affect the texture and flavor of the fries.
• Customize Seasonings: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a mix of paprika, garlic powder, or even a touch of Cajun seasoning over the fries to give them a personal twist.

What to serve with

Burger King French fries are a classic crowd-pleaser on their own, but why stop there? These crispy, golden fries make an excellent companion to a variety of meals.

1. Classic Cheeseburgers: What’s more iconic than fries served alongside a juicy cheeseburger? Recreate the Burger King experience by making homemade cheeseburgers with all the classic toppings—melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a dollop of mayo or ketchup. The slightly salty, crispy fries balance perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the burger.

2. Grilled or Fried Chicken Sandwiches: Right next to burgers, a fried or grilled chicken sandwich is another iconic pairing with Burger King French Fries. Make a crispy chicken sandwich with a crunchy breading, mayo, and coleslaw, or opt for a lighter grilled version with fresh veggies and a tangy sauce. The crunchy outer layer of the fries complements the softness of the chicken while adding extra satisfaction to every bite.

3. Chicken Nuggets or Tenders: Chicken nuggets or tenders paired with French fries are a match made in fast-food heaven. This combination is perfect for family dinners, especially if you’re serving kids. You can bake or fry the chicken nuggets or tenders and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for both the nuggets and fries—such as honey mustard, ranch, buffalo, or barbecue sauce.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Burger King French fries at home doesn’t mean you’re limited to the exact ingredients listed in the recipe.

1. Potatoes

Original Ingredient: Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the go-to choice for French fries because of their high starch content and fluffy interior, which contributes to the classic crunchy outside and soft inside texture.

Substitutes:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are slightly less starchy but still work well for fries and yield a creamier interior. However, the outer texture may be a bit softer compared to Russet potatoes.
• Sweet Potatoes: For a healthier or sweeter variation, use sweet potatoes. While they don’t mimic Burger King’s fries exactly, they create a delicious alternative that’s a little denser and naturally sweeter.
• Red Potatoes: Although waxy potatoes like red potatoes aren’t ideal for fries, cutting them thin and frying them twice can still result in decent results with a crispier texture.
• Frozen Store-Bought French Fries: If you’re short on time, skip slicing potatoes and opt for frozen thick-cut fries. You can still fry or bake them to golden perfection.

2. Cornstarch

Original Ingredient: Cornstarch

Cornstarch is key to achieving the crispy, golden crust on French fries. It helps absorb moisture from the surface of the potato and creates a thin layer that crisps up in hot oil.

Substitutes:

• All-Purpose Flour: While not as effective as cornstarch, flour can still create a crispy coating. Toss the fries lightly in flour for a similar result.
• Potato Starch: This is an excellent 1:1 substitute for cornstarch, as it behaves very similarly in frying applications and yields great crispiness.
• Rice Flour: Rice flour is another option that helps ensure a light and crispy crust. It’s especially popular in gluten-free recipes.
• Arrowroot Powder: Use arrowroot powder as a cornstarch alternative if you’re looking for a more natural substitute.

3. Vegetable Oil

Original Ingredient: Vegetable Oil

Burger King traditionally uses a proprietary type of vegetable oil blend for frying to achieve their signature texture and taste. In a home kitchen, regular vegetable oil works well for deep frying.

Substitutes:

• Canola Oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for frying, canola oil is the closest substitute for vegetable oil.
• Peanut Oil: Known for its high smoke point, peanut oil is ideal for frying. It can add a subtle nutty flavor to the fries, enhancing the taste.
• Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is another neutral option with a high smoke point, making it great for deep frying.
• Avocado Oil: While it’s more expensive, avocado oil is healthier and excellent for high-heat frying due to its high smoke point.
• Air Fryer or Oven Baking: If you want to skip deep-frying altogether, bake or air fry the fries instead. Use a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.

4. Salt

Original Ingredient: Table Salt

Salt is the finishing touch, bringing out the fries’ full flavor. Typical table salt is used in the traditional recipe.

Substitutes:

• Sea Salt: A slightly coarser option with more depth of flavor than table salt.
• Kosher Salt: A great alternative to table salt that sticks well to fries.
• Seasoned Salt: Add a twist of flavor by using seasoned salt, which contains a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Himalayan Pink Salt: For a healthier and slightly different taste, use this mineral-rich salt.
• Salt-Free Spices: If you’re cutting down on sodium, try salt-free spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder for seasoning without the salt.

Final Thoughts

While the original Burger King French Fries recipe is simple, these ingredient substitutes allow you to adapt the fries to your preferences, dietary needs, or available supplies in your pantry.

More Burger King Recipes:

• Copycat Burger King Krabby Whopper Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Spongebob Pie Recipe
• Homemade Burger King Vampire Nuggets Recipe