Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe

The Crunchiest Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe Ever Made

Crispy mashed potato fries bring an unexpected twist to your comfort food repertoire.

Russet potatoes mashed and shaped into golden delights create a magical side dish.

Perfectly seasoned with herbs, these fries deliver crunch and creamy satisfaction in every bite.

Kitchen experiments sometimes yield surprising culinary victories, and this recipe proves that point brilliantly.

potato lovers will appreciate the clever technique of transforming mashed goodness into crispy, irresistible strips.

Each forkful promises a delightful contrast between soft interior and crackling exterior.

Want to impress dinner companions with something unique and delectable?

Dive right in and make these extraordinary fries!

Crispy Mashed Potato Fries With Perfect Crunch

  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for impressing friends and family with a professional-looking treat that tastes like a bakery masterpiece.
  • Master Layered Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy cheesecake base with bright, tangy raspberry topping that creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
  • Simple Step-by-Step Success: Breaks down complex dessert-making into manageable stages, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels, even those with minimal pastry experience.
  • No-Stress Special Occasion Showstopper: Elegant enough for celebrations like birthdays, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings while remaining straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients For Golden Crispy Mashed Potato Fries

For the Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that create a smooth and creamy base for the crispy fries.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the mashed potato mixture.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy exterior.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick to the potato fries.
For the Coating and Frying:
  • Potato Starch: Helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior when frying.
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables deep-frying and provides a crisp texture.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, green garnish for visual appeal and light herbal flavor.

How To Make Crispy Mashed Potato Fries

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Peel and cube potatoes. Add salt to a pot of water and bring to a boil.

Cook potatoes until they’re fork-tender and soft throughout.

Step 2: Mash and Season

Drain potatoes completely.

Mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. Add these ingredients:
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper
  • Potato starch

Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Shape Potato Fries

Form the potato mixture into thin, elongated fry shapes. Dust each fry generously with additional potato starch to create a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Prepare Frying Station

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350F (175C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for perfect crispiness.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower potato fries into hot oil in small batches. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Remove fries using a slotted spoon. Place on paper towels to absorb excess oil and let them drain for a few moments.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer fries to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.

Tips To Get Crunchy Fries With Soft Centers

  • Swap potato starch with cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the crispy texture.
  • Ensure potatoes are completely dry after boiling to achieve maximum crispiness when frying.
  • Chill the shaped potato fries in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape better.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt fries.
  • Season with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor complexity and aromatic appeal.

Flavor Ideas For Mashed Potato Fries

  • Herbed Potato Sticks: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, and chives to the mashed potato mixture for an aromatic herb-infused version.
  • Spicy Cheese Fries: Mix in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, fiery kick.
  • Truffle Parmesan Fries: Incorporate truffle oil and extra parmesan cheese for a luxurious gourmet upgrade.
  • Sweet Potato Variation: Replace regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes and add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweeter profile.

Serving Suggestions For Crispy Mashed Potato Fries

  • Diner-Style Comfort Platter: Arrange crispy potato fries on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of spicy sriracha mayo, classic ketchup, and tangy ranch dressing. Sprinkle extra parmesan and chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
  • Game Night Appetizer: Create bite-sized potato fry stacks by stacking 3-4 fries vertically, securing with a toothpick. Serve on a party platter with colorful dipping sauces for easy finger food during movie or sports watching.
  • Brunch Side Dish Delight: Pair these crispy potato fries alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a fresh herb omelet. The parmesan-infused fries add a gourmet touch to a classic breakfast spread, elevating the morning meal with crunchy texture.

Best Storage For Crispy Mashed Potato Fries

  • Store leftover crispy mashed potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain crispiness.
  • Warm the fries in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, which will make them soggy.
  • Prepare the potato fry shapes before frying and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store frozen for up to 1 month.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute parmesan with cheddar, romano, or any hard cheese that melts well for similar flavor and texture.

  • How do I prevent the mashed potato fries from falling apart during frying?

Ensure the mixture is well-combined, chilled for 15-20 minutes before shaping, and coated with potato starch to help maintain structure during frying.

  • Is potato starch necessary for this recipe?

Potato starch helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the fries from falling apart. If unavailable, cornstarch can be used as an alternative.

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Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe

Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy mashed potato fries bring classic comfort to potato lovers seeking a delightful twist on traditional french fries. Homemade goodness combines creamy potato interior with golden-brown exterior, creating an irresistible side dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g / 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into equal-sized cubes
  • 4 tbsps potato starch
  • 1 tbsp potato starch (for dusting)
  • 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling)
  • Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
  • Oil for frying (sunflower, peanut, or canola oil recommended)
  • Additional grated parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor
  • Various dipping sauces like aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayo

Instructions

  1. Submerge peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water, cooking until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
  2. Thoroughly drain potatoes and transform into a silky, lump-free mashed consistency using a potato masher or rigor.
  3. Incorporate grated parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and potato starch, blending until a cohesive mixture forms.
  4. Craft uniform potato fry shapes by carefully molding the mixture, then delicately coat each piece with an additional dusting of potato starch.
  5. Prepare oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heating to precisely 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal temperature for crispy exterior.
  6. Carefully lower potato fries into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
  7. Fry until exterior transforms into a rich golden-brown color and develops a crisp, crunchy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  8. Extract fries using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
  9. Plate immediately while piping hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese.
  10. Serve alongside preferred dipping sauces for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best crispy texture and smooth mashing.
  • Pat the mashed potato mixture completely dry before shaping to ensure maximum crispiness when frying.
  • Allow potato fries to rest for 10-15 minutes after shaping to help them hold their structure during frying.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt exterior.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace potato starch with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
  • Try additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to enhance flavor profile.
  • Bake as an alternative to frying by placing shaped fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 7 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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