Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Let’s face it—who doesn’t love French fries? Now, imagine taking that crispy, golden goodness and adding a delicious onion flavor to it. Sounds amazing, right? Onion French fries are not just tasty, but they’re also super easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack after school, a fun party treat, or just something to munch on while watching your favorite show, this recipe has got you covered.
What’s even better is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients or fancy equipment. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a plate of hot, crispy fries ready in only 20 minutes. Plus, I’ll share tips to make them extra crunchy and flavorful. So, grab some onions and potatoes, and let’s get started—you won’t believe how easy (and fun!) it is to make these at home!
Table of contents
What Are Onion French Fries?
A Flavorful Twist on Classic French Fries
Onion French fries are a fun and tasty spin on the classic French fries everyone loves. Instead of just frying plain potatoes, this recipe mixes in the amazing flavor of onions to create something extra special. The fries soak up the sweet and savory taste of onions, giving you a snack that’s crunchy on the outside but bursting with flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s a simple way to change up your usual fries and make something exciting for snack time or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients That Make Onion French Fries Special
The ingredients for onion French fries are super simple, which makes this recipe even better. First, you’ll need potatoes, of course—they’re the main star. Next, you’ll add onions, which bring a sweet and slightly sharp flavor to the fries. For the seasoning, you can use everyday spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to add even more flavor. To fry them, you’ll need a good amount of cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil. That’s it! You don’t need anything fancy, and chances are you already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love onion French fries. First of all, they’re super easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, you can whip them up in just 20 minutes. They’re also incredibly crispy, which makes every bite satisfying. On top of that, you can cook them in a deep fryer or even an air fryer, so you can choose what works best for you. Lastly, this recipe is versatile—you can pair these fries with your favorite dipping sauces or add your own twist with extra spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Onion French Fries
Fresh Ingredients for Onion French Fries
To make onion French fries, you only need a few fresh ingredients, and they’re all pretty easy to find. First, grab some potatoes, which will be the base of your fries. Russet potatoes are the best because they fry up super crispy. Next, you’ll need onions to add that special flavor. Sweet onions work great, but any kind will do. You’ll also need some cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying.
For seasonings, keep it simple with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices will add just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the onion taste. Using fresh ingredients makes the fries taste so much better, so don’t skip them!
Tools and Equipment for the Perfect Fry
When it comes to cooking onion French fries, having the right tools can make the process much easier. A deep fryer is the fastest way to fry them, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can use a heavy-bottomed pot filled with oil instead. If you’re looking for a healthier option, an air fryer is a great choice—it gives you crispy fries with way less oil.
You’ll also need a sharp knife for slicing the potatoes and onions, a mixing bowl to toss them with seasonings, and a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fries from the oil safely. Finally, have some paper towels ready to drain the fries and keep them crispy.
Optional Add-Ons to Customize Your Fries
If you want to make your onion French fries even more exciting, there are plenty of ways to customize them. Try adding shredded cheese for a gooey topping or sprinkling them with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor. Don’t forget about dipping sauces—ranch, ketchup, or even spicy aioli can take your fries to the next level. You can also add spices like chili powder for a bit of heat. The options are endless!
For inspiration, explore other flavor-packed ideas in this Turkey Pepperoni Snacks guide.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 3 large |
| Onions | 1 medium |
| Cooking Oil | Enough for frying |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
With these ingredients and tools, you’ll be ready to whip up the most delicious onion French fries in no time!
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Onion French Fries
Prepping the Onions and Potatoes
First things first, let’s get the onions and potatoes ready. Start by peeling the potatoes—this will give your fries that smooth texture everyone loves. Next, slice the potatoes into thin strips. You can go for thick fries or skinny ones, but just try to keep them the same size so they cook evenly. After slicing, soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This step is super important because it removes the starch, which helps the fries get extra crispy when they cook. While the potatoes soak, peel and slice the onions into thin rings or strips, depending on how much onion flavor you want in your fries.
Seasoning the Fries for Maximum Flavor
Once your potatoes are soaked and drained, it’s time to season! Toss the potatoes and onions together in a large bowl. Sprinkle on some paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. If you like a little heat, you can add some black pepper or even chili powder. The seasoning will stick better if you lightly coat the fries with a bit of oil first. Make sure everything is evenly coated—you don’t want one fry to be super spicy while the others are plain! For additional flavor, refer to this Turkey Injection Recipe to learn how to infuse bold seasonings into dishes.
Cooking Options: Deep Fryer vs. Air Fryer
Now it’s time to cook! If you’re using a deep fryer, heat the oil to around 350°F. Carefully place small batches of fries into the hot oil and fry for about 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. If you prefer a lighter option, the air fryer works great too. Preheat it to 375°F, then spread the fries in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Both methods work, but the deep fryer will give you the crispiest fries. For more frying inspiration, check out this guide on Enchiladas Michoacanas.
Draining and Serving Your Onion Fries
After cooking, place the fries on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. This step helps keep them crisp and not greasy. Serve the fries while they’re hot, and don’t forget to add your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or aioli. Trust me, they’ll be gone in no time!
Tips for Getting the Best Crispy Onion French Fries
Soak the Potatoes for Extra Crispiness
If you want your onion French fries to be perfectly crispy, soaking the potatoes is a step you should never skip. When you soak the potato slices in cold water, it removes extra starch. Why is this important? Starch can make the fries stick together and turn soggy when frying. By soaking them for about 20–30 minutes, the potatoes get a crispier texture that makes every bite amazing. After soaking, don’t forget to dry them well with a clean kitchen towel because wet potatoes can make the oil splatter.
Use the Right Oil for Frying
The type of oil you use plays a big role in how crispy and flavorful your onion French fries turn out. Canola oil and peanut oil are great choices because they have a high smoke point, which means they can handle the heat without burning. Using the wrong oil, like olive oil, can make the fries greasy and even affect the flavor. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of around 350–375°F works best for frying potatoes to golden perfection.
Fry in Small Batches for Even Cooking
One of the most common mistakes people make when frying is overcrowding the pot or fryer. If you put too many fries in at once, the oil temperature drops, and the fries end up soft instead of crispy. Frying in small batches helps each piece cook evenly and keeps the outside perfectly crunchy. After each batch, give the oil a minute to heat back up before adding more fries. It’s a little extra work, but the results are totally worth it!
Serving Ideas and Perfect Pairings
Best Dipping Sauces for Onion French Fries
When it comes to onion French fries, having the right dipping sauce makes all the difference. Classic options like ketchup or ranch dressing are always a hit and super easy to grab from your fridge. If you’re in the mood for something fancier, a spicy aioli (made with mayo, garlic, and a dash of hot sauce) can really take your fries to the next level. For cheese lovers, a warm cheese dip or nacho sauce is a great choice. Don’t forget about barbecue sauce or even honey mustard if you like a sweet and tangy kick. Mixing and matching sauces is half the fun!
You can also try sauces from the What to Serve With Chicken Piccata guide.
When to Serve Onion French Fries
Onion French fries are perfect for just about any occasion. You can make them as a quick after-school snack when hunger strikes, or serve them as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. If you’re throwing a party, these fries are a fantastic finger food that everyone will love. Whether it’s a family movie night, game day with friends, or a backyard barbecue, onion French fries fit right in. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often, let’s be honest), you’ll want to keep them crispy. Store the fries in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. When it’s time to reheat them, skip the microwave—it makes them soggy. Instead, use an oven or an air fryer to bring back their crunch. Preheat to 350°F, spread the fries in a single layer, and heat for 5–7 minutes. This way, your fries will taste almost as good as when they were fresh!
These serving ideas, sauces, and reheating tips make sure your onion French fries stay delicious no matter when or how you enjoy them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to good fries?
The secret to good fries is all about preparation and cooking. First, soak the potato slices in cold water to remove extra starch, which helps make them crispier. Then, make sure to fry them in hot oil (around 350–375°F) for the perfect golden crunch. Lastly, always season your fries right after frying so the salt sticks!
What can I add to fries to make them taste better?
To make fries taste even better, you can sprinkle them with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or even chili powder for a spicy kick. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil can also make them extra fancy. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, aioli, or cheese sauce for even more flavor.
Why do you soak French fries in water before frying?
Soaking the fries in water removes the extra starch from the potatoes. This step helps them cook evenly and get that crispy outside while staying soft inside. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference!
What is the coating that makes fries crispy?
A light coating of cornstarch or flour can make fries extra crispy. Just toss the sliced potatoes with a bit of cornstarch before frying, and you’ll notice a delicious crunch in every bite.