Copycat Freddy's Shoestring Fries Recipe
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| Bring home that salty, diner-style crunch with these copycat Freddy’s shoestring fries, hot from the fryer and made for burgers, dipping, and disappearing fast. |
If you love those thin, crispy, salty fries from Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, this easy homemade version is for you. These copycat Freddy's shoestring fries are light, golden, crunchy, and perfect with burgers, hot dogs, or your favorite dipping sauce.
The best part? You do not need a restaurant kitchen to make them. With a few simple ingredients, a sharp knife or mandoline, and a little patience, you can make restaurant-style shoestring fries at home.
Why People Love Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has built a loyal following across the USA for its classic diner-style food. The menu is known for crispy-edged steakburgers, rich frozen custard, and those famous skinny fries that seem to disappear minutes after they hit the table.
What makes the fries so iconic? It is all about the texture. They are super thin, which means more crispy edges in every bite. They come out golden, crackly, and lightly fluffy inside. Add a good sprinkle of salt and dip them into fry sauce, ketchup, or cheese sauce, and it is easy to see why people crave them.
This recipe is inspired by Freddy's-style fries. It is not the original restaurant recipe, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
What Are Shoestring Fries?
Shoestring fries are ultra-thin French fries cut into narrow strips. Think of them as the crispier cousin of standard fries. Because they are so thin, they cook fast and turn wonderfully crunchy. If thick-cut fries are like baked potatoes in stick form, shoestring fries are more like potato chips and fries meeting in the middle.
They are a great side dish when you want something fast, snackable, and packed with crunch.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
There are a few simple tricks that help these homemade fries taste more like the real thing:
- Russet potatoes give you the best fry texture.
- Soaking the cut potatoes removes extra starch so the fries crisp better.
- Drying them well helps prevent splattering and soggy spots.
- Double frying creates that classic crispy outside and tender inside.
- Salting right away helps the seasoning stick while the fries are hot.
If you have ever made fries that came out limp, do not worry. That happens to a lot of us. The first time I tried shoestring fries at home, I crowded the pot and skipped the drying step. Big mistake. Once I slowed down and fried in batches, the difference was huge.
Ingredients
Makes: 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes soaking time
Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 6 cups cold water, for soaking
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, helps the potatoes stay firm)
- Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, for frying
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt or fine black pepper (optional)
Optional for serving:
- Ketchup
- Fry sauce
- Cheese sauce
- Ranch dressing
Tools That Make It Easier
You can absolutely make these with a knife, but a few tools make the job easier:
- Mandoline with julienne blade for even shoestring cuts
- Deep heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Spider strainer or slotted spoon
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towels
- Thermometer to keep track of oil temperature
- Baking sheet or large plate for draining
How to Make Copycat Freddy's Shoestring Fries
Step 1: Wash and peel the potatoes.
Scrub the russet potatoes well. Peel them if you want that classic smooth restaurant look. If you like a more rustic fry, you can leave some peel on, but peeled potatoes will look closer to Freddy's-style shoestring fries.
Step 2: Cut the potatoes into very thin strips.
Using a mandoline julienne attachment or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin matchsticks. Try to keep them close in size so they cook evenly. Aim for fries about 1/8 inch thick. Thin and even is the goal here.
Step 3: Soak the cut potatoes.
Place the potato strips in a large bowl with cold water and the vinegar, if using. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps wash away excess starch, which gives you a crispier fry.
Step 4: Drain and dry very well.
Drain the potatoes and spread them on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. This step matters more than people think. Wet potatoes hitting hot oil can splatter, and extra moisture can make the fries steam instead of crisp.
Step 5: Heat the oil for the first fry.
Pour about 2 to 3 inches of oil into a deep heavy pot. Heat the oil to 325 degrees F. Use a thermometer if you have one. Keeping the oil at the right temperature is one of the secrets to great homemade French fries.
Step 6: Fry in small batches.
Carefully add a small handful of potatoes to the oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the fries are softened and pale blond. They should not be deeply browned yet.
Step 7: Remove and rest.
Lift the fries out with a spider strainer or slotted spoon. Place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes. Let the fries rest for 5 to 10 minutes while you increase the heat.
Step 8: Heat the oil for the second fry.
Bring the oil up to 375 degrees F. This second fry is where the magic happens. It gives the fries their golden color and signature crunch.
Step 9: Fry again until crispy.
Return the fries to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Since shoestring fries are thin, they can go from perfect to too dark pretty quickly, so watch them closely.
Step 10: Season right away.
Transfer the hot fries to a fresh paper towel-lined tray or a wire rack. Sprinkle immediately with kosher salt and any optional seasoning. Toss gently so the seasoning coats evenly.
Step 11: Serve hot.
Serve these crispy shoestring fries right away for the best texture. They are especially good fresh from the fryer while still hot and crunchy.
Food Safety Tips for Frying at Home
Hot oil deserves respect, so here are a few important home frying safety tips:
- Use a deep, heavy pot and never fill it more than halfway with oil.
- Dry the potatoes well before frying to reduce splatter.
- Do not leave hot oil unattended.
- Keep kids and pets away from the stove while frying.
- Use a thermometer to help maintain safe oil temperatures.
- Let used oil cool completely before straining or discarding.
Since this recipe is potato-based and not meat-based, there is no internal meat temperature to check here. If you serve these fries with burgers or chicken, be sure to cook ground beef to 160 degrees F and chicken to 165 degrees F.
Air Fryer Version
If you want a lighter and easier method, you can make air fryer shoestring fries. They will not taste exactly like deep-fried fries, but they can still be delicious and crisp.
- After soaking and drying, toss the cut potatoes with 1 to 2 tablespoons oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Arrange the fries in a thin layer. Work in batches for best results.
- Cook for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season right after cooking.
If your air fryer runs hot, start checking early. Thin fries cook fast.
Time-Saving Shortcuts for Busy Cooks
Need to keep things simple? Here are a few helpful shortcuts:
- Use a mandoline instead of cutting by hand.
- Slice the potatoes earlier in the day and keep them soaking in the fridge.
- Do the first fry ahead of time, then finish the second fry right before serving.
- Use the air fryer method when you do not want to deep fry.
- Serve with store-bought fry sauce if you need dinner on the table quickly.
Flavor Ideas and Seasoning Options
These fries are great with plain salt, but you can switch things up if you want to make them your own:
- Garlic fries: Toss with garlic powder and chopped parsley.
- Spicy fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Cheesy fries: Top with finely grated Parmesan right after frying.
- Diner-style fries: Serve with fry sauce or burger sauce.
- Pepper fries: Add freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of seasoned salt.
Allergy-Friendly and Dietary Modifications
One thing I love about homemade fries is how easy they are to adjust for different needs. If someone at your table has allergies or food preferences, here are some ideas.
Gluten-free:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always check your seasoning blends.
- Make sure any dipping sauces are labeled gluten-free too.
- If using a shared fryer for other foods, be aware of cross-contact.
Dairy-free:
- The fries themselves are dairy-free as written.
- Skip cheese toppings or use a dairy-free cheese sauce.
- Choose dairy-free dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or vegan ranch.
Vegan:
- This recipe can be fully vegan if you use plant-based dipping sauces.
- Avoid Parmesan or dairy-based toppings.
- Try vegan aioli, spicy ketchup, or egg-free fry sauce.
Nut-free:
- Use canola or vegetable oil instead of peanut oil if needed.
- Check bottled sauces for allergen warnings.
Lower-sodium:
- Reduce the salt and use herbs, black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for flavor.
- Serve with no-salt-added ketchup if you are watching sodium closely.
Oil choice concerns:
- Canola oil and vegetable oil are common, neutral choices.
- Avocado oil can also work if you prefer it for high-heat cooking.
Paleo-style:
- Traditional white potatoes may or may not fit a paleo approach depending on your preference.
- If needed, try the same method with sweet potatoes, though they will cook differently and may not get quite as crisp.
- Use simple seasonings and paleo-friendly dipping sauces.
Whole-food option:
- If you want a less processed version, bake or air fry them with a light coat of oil and sea salt.
- The texture will be a bit different, but still tasty.
What to Serve with Shoestring Fries
Looking for dinner ideas? These homemade fries pair well with all kinds of comfort food favorites:
- Smash burgers
- Steakburgers
- Hot dogs
- Grilled chicken sandwiches
- Patty melts
- Chicken tenders
- Sloppy Joes
And of course, do not forget the frozen custard for dessert if you want the full diner-inspired experience.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
These numbers are estimates and can vary based on oil absorption and portion size.
- Calories: 250 to 320
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g to 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg to 500mg
Common Questions
Can I leave the potatoes unpeeled?
Yes, but peeled potatoes look more like classic Freddy's shoestring fries.
Why are my fries not crispy?
The usual reasons are too much moisture, overcrowding the pot, or oil that is not hot enough. Drying the potatoes well and frying in batches makes a big difference.
Do I really need to double fry?
If you want the best texture, yes. It is the easiest way to get fries that are soft inside and crisp outside.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. After the first fry, cool them completely and freeze in a single layer. Then store in a freezer bag. Fry or air fry from frozen until crisp and hot.
Final Thoughts
These copycat Freddy's shoestring fries are simple, craveable, and fun to make at home. They have that irresistible mix of salty crunch, golden color, and thin crispy edges that makes restaurant fries so hard to resist.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out. Did you deep fry them or use the air fryer? Did you keep them classic or add your own seasoning twist? Leave a comment and share your results. And if this recipe helped you bring a little Freddy's-inspired flavor into your kitchen, share it with a friend or save it for later.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavor and style of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers shoestring fries. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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