When it comes to frying up crispy, golden French fries at home, the type of oil you use makes all the difference. The right oil can lead to fries that are crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor. So what oil is best for frying French fries at home? Here’s a look at some of the top options.
Peanut Oil
Many professional chefs and restaurants choose peanut oil for frying French fries. Peanut oil has a high smoke point of 450°F, meaning you can heat it up to high temperatures before it starts to burn or smoke. This allows the fries to fry up crispy and browned without the oil burning. Peanut oil also has a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the flavor of the potatoes. The downside is that peanut oil tends to be more expensive than other vegetable oils.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is another excellent option for frying French fries at home. It has a smoke point of 400°F, so it can get hot enough to crisp up the fries nicely. Canola oil also has a neutral taste that lets the flavor of the fries shine. And it’s usually pretty affordable as cooking oils go. One thing to note is that you want to use refined canola oil, not virgin or cold-pressed. The refining process gives canola oil a higher smoke point.
Vegetable Oil
Basic vegetable oil, a blend of different plant oils, can also work well for frying fries. Look for a vegetable oil with a high smoke point of 400-450°F. Vegetable oil has a mild flavor that won’t compete with the potatoes. It’s readily available and budget-friendly. The neutral taste means it works for most recipes. Just keep in mind that the smoke point can vary between brands, so check the label.
Corn Oil
With a smoke point around 450°F, corn oil is suitable for deep frying. It has a mild flavor that lets the French fry flavor take center stage. Corn oil is also economical and widely available. One advantage of corn oil is that it can produce less smoke at high heat compared to some other oils. Just keep in mind that cold-pressed or virgin corn oil has a lower smoke point, so opt for refined corn oil.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has grown very popular in recent years and can also be used for frying potatoes. Look for refined coconut oil which has a smoke point around 400°F. Unrefined virgin coconut oil’s smoke point is only 350°F. Coconut oil will impart a very subtle coconut flavor, which could complement the flavor of the fries. But coconut oil solidifies below 76°F, so you’ll need to melt it first before frying.
Best Oil for Frying French Fries
So which is the very best oil for frying perfect French fries at home? Most experts agree that peanut oil is ideal. It has the highest smoke point, neutral flavor, and produces crispy fries. But peanut oil is expensive, so canola oil is probably the best oil for most home cooks. It shares many of the benefits of peanut oil while being more budget-friendly. Either oil heated to the proper frying temperature will let you achieve fast-food-style fries!
Key Factors in Choosing Fry Oil
Here are the key factors to keep in mind when selecting an oil for frying French fries:
- High smoke point (400°F+) – Allows the oil to get hot enough to make the fries crispy.
- Neutral flavor – Doesn’t overpower the potato flavor.
- Refined/high-heat – Unrefined oils burn more easily.
- Affordable – Oils like peanut are great but pricey for most uses.
- Widely available – Common oils like canola or vegetable oil are easiest to find.
Tips for Frying French Fries
Once you’ve chosen a frying oil, here are some tips for crispy homemade French fries:
- Cut potatoes into uniform sticks and dry thoroughly before frying.
- Heat oil to 375°F for crispiest results.
- Fry fries in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Fry once at lower temp (325°F) then a second time at higher temp (375°F).
- Allow excess oil to drain off on paper towels after frying.
- Season immediately with salt or other spices/herbs.
How Different Oils Impact Nutrition
Oil is mostly fat, so it significantly increases the calories and fat content of French fries. But some oils are healthier than others:
| Oil | Fat Profile |
|---|---|
| Peanut oil | Mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat |
| Canola oil | Mostly monounsaturated fat, with polyunsaturated and saturated |
| Vegetable oil | Varies depending on blend |
| Corn oil | Mostly polyunsaturated fat, with monounsaturated and saturated |
| Coconut oil | Mostly saturated fat |
Oils high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like peanut and canola oil, are considered healthier choices than oils high in saturated fat, like coconut oil. But all oils pack a calorie punch, around 120 calories per tablespoon.
The Best Oil for Air Frying French Fries
More people are turning to air fryers to make healthier “fried” foods. Air fryers use rapid hot circulating air instead of submerging food in oil. You’ll need to use just a small amount of oil to coat the fries before air frying, about 1-2 teaspoons. The best oils for air fried French fries are light oils that can coat the potatoes evenly, like canola, vegetable, sunflower, or olive oil sprays.
Conclusion
When deep frying at high heat, peanut oil is the gold standard oil for crisp restaurant-quality French fries. But more affordable canola oil makes an excellent choice for home cooks. Opt for oils with high smoke points and neutral flavors. And don’t skimp on proper frying techniques like double frying—the oil alone won’t guarantee perfect fries. Air fried fries use minimal oil, just enough to lightly coat the potatoes. With the right oil and proper technique, you can enjoy golden, crispy French fries made to order at home.