Five Guys Fries from Five Guys feature hand-cut, fresh potatoes cooked twice in peanut oil to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and a fluffy, tender interior, offering a classic and satisfying snack with a perfectly salty finish.
Equipments
- Potato cutter (French fry cutter)
- Fry baskets
- Deep fryer
- Thermometer
- Mixing bowl (for soaking/rinsing potatoes)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Colander (for draining potatoes)
- Large tray or sheet pan (for holding cut potatoes)
- Peanut oil
- Salt shaker
- Paper towels or draining rack (for excess oil)
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Peanut oil
- Salt
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Peanut oil
- Kosher salt
Russet potatoes are essential for achieving the signature texture of Five Guys Fries, as their high starch content creates a fluffy interior and crispy exterior when fried. Using fresh, hand-cut potatoes rather than frozen ensures the authentic taste and texture you want. Peanut oil is crucial due to its high smoke point and ability to produce a golden, crispy finish without overpowering the fries' flavor. Kosher salt provides the perfect level of seasoning and enhances the natural potato flavor without being too harsh. When making Five Guys Fries from Five Guys copycat menu, make sure to double-fry the potatoes in peanut oil for that classic, crunchy texture you expect.
Instructions
- Wash and scrub 4 large russet potatoes.
- Cut potatoes using a potato cutter or chef’s knife into fries.
- Rinse cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Soak fries in fresh cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- Drain fries using a colander.
- Dry fries thoroughly with paper towels or let air dry.
- Preheat peanut oil in deep fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- Fry potatoes in batches for first fry (blanch) about 3–4 minutes (fries should be soft but not browned).
- Remove fries and drain on paper towels or draining rack.
- Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Return fries to fryer for second fry, about 2–3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Drain fries on paper towels or draining rack.
- Immediately season hot fries with kosher salt.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Substitution
Five Guys Fries from Five Guys copycat menu recreate the signature hand-cut, twice-fried potatoes cooked in peanut oil for a crispy outside and tender inside. If peanut oil is unavailable, you can substitute with canola or vegetable oil, though the flavor and crispiness may vary slightly. Using a potato cutter ensures uniform fry thickness, but a sharp chef's knife and steady hand can achieve similar results. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, preventing fries from sticking together during frying. Pat your fries dry thoroughly before frying to reduce oil splatter and maintain a crispy texture.
Tips
Your fries need to be dried thoroughly after soaking to prevent splattering when frying and to ensure a crispy texture. Frying in two stages--first at 325degF to cook through, then at 375degF for crispiness--is essential for the ideal balance of tender interior and golden exterior. Use fresh peanut oil and maintain the correct temperature with a thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked fries. Season your fries with kosher salt immediately after frying to allow the salt to adhere properly and maximize flavor.
Nutritions
Five Guys Fries contain a good amount of carbohydrates from fresh russet potatoes, providing a quick energy source. Cooking twice in peanut oil increases their fat content, primarily unsaturated fats, which contribute to a crispy texture but also elevate calorie density. The fries offer moderate protein and fiber from the potatoes, but the added salt enhances sodium levels, potentially impacting blood pressure if consumed in excess. You can enjoy these fries as an indulgent treat, keeping portion size in mind to balance taste and nutritional intake.
Storage
You can store leftover Five Guys-style fries in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Reheat fries in a hot oven at 400degF (200degC) for 5-10 minutes or use an air fryer to restore their crispy exterior without sogginess. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the fries limp and reduce their crispy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute peanut oil with other high smoke point oils like canola or sunflower oil for a different flavor profile while maintaining the crispiness. Try seasoning the fries after the second fry with flavored salts such as garlic salt, smoked paprika, or truffle salt to enhance taste variety. Instead of soaking fries in just cold water, adding ice cubes can help preserve their texture and firmness during the soaking process. For a twist on texture, par-cook fries in the oven after the first fry before the second fry to make them extra crispy.
Allergies
Five Guys Fries contain peanut oil, which is a common allergen and can trigger severe reactions in individuals with peanut allergies. If you have a peanut allergy, you should avoid these fries to prevent exposure to peanut proteins. Always inform the restaurant about your allergy to ensure your safety when ordering.
Why this recipe?
Five Guys Fries are renowned for their fresh-cut, hand-prepared quality using high-grade Idaho potatoes, delivering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that aficionados crave. Their generous double-frying method ensures an unmatched texture and flavor profile that stands out in the fast-food market. You'll appreciate creating a copycat version at home to capture the authentic taste and customizable seasoning options, making it a rewarding culinary challenge. This approach allows for a personalized, cost-effective alternative that replicates the iconic restaurant experience.