Natural-Cut French Fries from Hardee's feature thick, golden-brown potato strips with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, delivering a classic, hearty snack with a perfectly seasoned finish.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Potato cutter (for thick, natural-cut fries)
- Fry baskets
- Oil filtration system
- Heat lamp or fry holding station
- Potato washing/peeling equipment
- Mixing bowl or tumble container (for seasoning)
- Slotted spoon or fry scoop
- Sheet pan or tray (for draining/cooling)
- Salt shaker or seasoning dispenser
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Kosher salt
- Russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (canola, soybean, or blend)
- Salt
Russet potatoes are best for achieving the thick, golden-brown strips characteristic of Hardee's Natural-Cut French Fries, offering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or soybean oil, ensures even frying and a perfect crispy finish without absorbing excess grease. Using kosher salt enhances the natural flavor without overwhelming the potatoes, providing the ideal seasoning balance. Water content in fresh potatoes should be minimized by thorough washing and drying before frying to maintain crispiness. To replicate Natural-Cut French Fries from Hardee's in your copycat menu, focus on using fresh, thick-cut russet potatoes fried twice for optimal texture and taste.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and peel the russet potatoes using the washing/peeling equipment.
- Cut potatoes into thick strips using the potato cutter for natural-cut fries.
- Rinse cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Drain and thoroughly dry the fries.
- Preheat the deep fryer filled with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Place fries into the fry basket, do not overcrowd.
- Lower fry basket into the hot oil and fry potatoes for 2-3 minutes (first fry/blanch).
- Remove fries with the slotted spoon or fry scoop and drain on a sheet pan or tray.
- Allow fries to cool for several minutes.
- Raise oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the blanched fries a second time until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove fries and drain on a tray or sheet pan.
- Immediately transfer fries to a mixing bowl or tumble container.
- Season fries generously with kosher salt while hot, using a salt shaker or seasoning dispenser.
- Hold fries under heat lamp or in fry holding station until serving.
Substitution
Natural-Cut French Fries from Hardee's copycat menu replicate the thick, golden-brown potato strips with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, seasoned to perfection. You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly sweeter and creamier texture, though frying times may vary. If a deep fryer is unavailable, a heavy-bottomed pot with a thermometer can maintain consistent oil temperature for optimal crispiness. When seasoning, toss fries in a mixing bowl while still hot to ensure even coating and better flavor absorption. To keep fries crisp after cooking, place them under a heat lamp or in a warm oven rather than stacking them, which can cause sogginess.
Tips
Ensure your russet potatoes are thoroughly dried after rinsing to prevent oil splattering and soggy fries during frying. Fry in small batches without overcrowding the basket to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even, crispy results. The double-frying method is key: the first fry cooks the potatoes through, while the second fry crisps the exterior to a golden finish. Season your fries immediately after frying to allow the kosher salt to adhere properly, enhancing flavor.
Nutritions
Natural-Cut French Fries from Hardee's provide a substantial source of carbohydrates primarily from russet potatoes, offering energy with a moderate amount of dietary fiber and essential vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. The frying process adds calories and fat content due to vegetable oil, predominantly canola or soybean oil, which contributes heart-healthy unsaturated fats but also increases total fat intake. Your serving will contain sodium from the kosher salt seasoning, which can affect daily salt consumption levels. Consuming these fries in moderation fits within a balanced diet, especially when paired with nutrient-dense accompaniments.
Storage
To maintain the crispiness and freshness of your natural-cut French fries from Hardee's, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Keep the container at room temperature if eating within a few hours, or refrigerate for longer storage, then reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crunch. Avoid storing fries in sealed plastic bags as trapped steam can cause sogginess, compromising the desired texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute sweet potatoes for russet potatoes to create a naturally sweeter variation with a softer texture. Try using an air fryer instead of deep frying to reduce oil absorption while maintaining crispiness. Consider tossing fries with seasoned salt blends like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to enhance flavor explosively. For an extra crispy exterior, soak cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before drying and frying.
Allergies
Natural-Cut French Fries from Hardee's are made primarily from russet potatoes and fried in vegetable oil, which can include canola or soybean oil. Individuals with soy allergies should be cautious, as soybean oil may cause reactions in sensitive people. Your best option is to verify with the restaurant if cross-contamination occurs or if alternative frying options are available.
Why this recipe?
Natural-Cut French Fries from Hardee's feature thick, hand-cut potatoes with a crispy golden exterior and a tender, fluffy inside, delivering a satisfying texture and rich potato flavor. The fries are seasoned with a perfect balance of salt and a hint of seasoning blend that enhances their natural taste without overpowering it. You will appreciate how these fries offer a homemade quality that stands out from typical fast-food options, making it worth trying to create a copycat version at home. Capturing the authentic taste and texture allows you to enjoy the iconic Hardee's experience anytime.