National French Fry Day: A Global Favorite Dish

On the second Friday of July, we celebrate one of the most beloved foods around the world—French fries. Known by many names—chips, fries, potato fingers, or French-fried potatoes—these crispy delights are a staple in fast food restaurants and loved by people of all ages!

📜 The History of National French Fry Day

While the origin or founder of National French Fry Day is unclear, French fries themselves have a long history.

For example, the term “French-fried potatoes” first appeared in the 1856 cookbook Cookery for Maids of All Work by E. Warren.

Some believe the name "French fries" became popular when American soldiers in World War I discovered fried potatoes in Belgium. Since French was the official language of the Belgian army at the time, they likely called the dish "French fries".

🥫 What Are the Best Dipping Sauces for Fries?

Dipping sauces are a personal preference. While most people enjoy fries with ketchup, others prefer more adventurous flavors. Here are a few delicious options to try:

Ranch dressing
Vinegar
Mayonnaise
Honey mustard
Cheese sauce

Chefs and home cooks also love to season fries creatively. Whether you sprinkle garlic and onion powder, use Cajun spices, or add hot chili and nacho cheese, crispy fries can satisfy all tastes. You can even create specialty versions by adding toppings and giving them fun names.

🍠 Tasty Alternatives to Regular Fries

Fries don’t have to be made from potatoes only! Here are some healthier or fun alternatives to traditional fries:

Sweet potato fries
Jicama fries
Parsnip fries
Baked carrot fries
Asparagus fries with parmesan cheese

🎉 7 Fun Ways to Celebrate National French Fry Day

Bake your fries instead of frying them.
Make homemade French fries.
Create a new recipe using fries.
Try fries from Checkers or Rally’s.
Make your own seasoning mix.
Order fries with your dinner at a restaurant.
Take a photo and share your fries on social media!

🥄 Should You Boil Potatoes Before Frying Them?

Some recipes recommend boiling potatoes first to reduce cooking time, but it’s an extra step and requires more cleanup. If you cook fries covered over medium heat, the trapped steam helps them cook through without boiling.

🔥 How Do You Know Fries Are Done?

Fries usually take about 20 minutes to cook—the same time as boiling. As they steam in the pan, the oil helps them start browning. Check them every 5 minutes to avoid burning, as stoves and pans can vary.

🍳 How to Keep Fries from Sticking

Wait until the fries are golden brown on one side before flipping them. Like searing meat, once they’re crisp, they’ll release from the pan easily. Once they’re movable with tongs, flip them to the other side.

Raise the heat to medium-high
Cook the other side until deep golden brown (5–10 minutes)
Move them around as needed for even crispiness

🧂 What’s the Best Pan for Making Fries?

Choose a pan with a tight lid to trap steam. If you don’t have a lid, use a baking sheet. If you use cast iron, preheat it well and use enough oil so the fries sizzle when they hit the pan.

For size:

A 10-inch pan fits about 1 lb of potatoes in one layer.
A 12-inch pan gives extra space and better results.

🥔 Healthy & Crispy Skillet Fries Recipe

Reheating fries can be tricky since they lose moisture. Avoid the microwave—reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil.

🧾 Ingredients:

1 lb small potatoes, washed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Step 1

Cut potatoes into ¼-inch slices. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook without stirring until the bottom is golden and crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes.

Step 2

Sprinkle garlic and chili powder. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and crisp, about 2 more minutes. Serve warm.