How to Cut a Potato into Home Fries

By Rena Awada | Updated On June 24, 2022

You can learn how to make your very own homemade French fries with this simple method of how to cut a potato with a knife. This step-by-step guide teaches you the basics of how to quickly slice potatoes.

potato slices on cutting board


Cutting round potatoes into slices and fries can seem difficult. Allow us to show you the basics of cutting a potato into ¼-thick slices so you can fry or bake the best home fries for your favorite lunches, dinners, and special occasions.

Potatoes can be helpful for meal plans when you need to make sure dinner is planned out for the week ahead. French fry cuts are very easy to do and take no time at all–all you need are a cutting board and knife!

Why Cutting Homemade French Fries is better than storebought

  • Quick and easy: With only about five minutes, you can quickly cut a potato into a large number of fries to enjoy as side dishes and snacks. Cutting potatoes has never been easier!
  • Healthy and cost-effective: Homemade French fries are much more healthy than storebought or frozen fries because you can season them to your preference and bake them in the oven. Potatoes are cost-effective and easy to find in most grocery stores or your local gardens.
  • Delicious and crispy: Shoestring and home fries are crispy on the outside and soft in the center. You will love the flavors of homemade fries once you cook these potatoes.
three potatoes on wooden cutting board

How to Slice a Potato into Homemade Fries

First, wash and scrub the potato with running water until clean. Next, place the round or oval-shaped potato on a wooden cutting board.

Carefully, place the potato on its side and slice one-fourth to one-half of an inch of the potato straight down to the cutting board. Continue to slice the potato lengthwise until you have a spread of potato layers.

Next, place each slice of potato flat on the cutting board, then slice it into four even strips.

Continue to slice potato pieces into strips until you have even one-half in strips.

Now that you have sliced your potatoes into strips, you can cook the perfect homemade French, steak, or home fries. Yum!

potato strips on cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cut potatoes for French fries?

Simply start by picking evenly round potatoes to slice on a cutting board. Wash and scrub the potatoes, dry with a paper towel or linen, then carefully slice the potatoes into one-fourth inch to one-half strips.

Can you cut a potato and fry it?

Yes, if you have a sharp knife and cutting board, you are able to slice your fries to cook French fries.

Do you soak potatoes before frying?

Soaking the potato slices in a bowl of water overnight absorbs the extra starch and allows the fries to be extra crispy after cooked.

How do I cut sweet potato into fries?

You can cut sweet potatoes the exact same way you would cut golden, Russet, or red potatoes.

potato strips on cutting board

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of water before cooking to ensure extra crispiness.
  • Store any leftover potato slices in the refrigerator or freezer in a Ziploc bag until ready to use.
  • Use potato slices to make fries for game nights and other types of special occasions.
  • Serve French fries with homemade ketchup and your favorite sauces.

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cutting a potato with a knife

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potato slices on cutting board

How to Cut a Potato into Home Fries

You can learn how to make your very own homemade French fries with this simple method of how to cut a potato with a knife. This step-by-step guide teaches you the basics of how to quickly slice potatoes.
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Course: Appetizer, Gluten-Free, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 potato
Author: Rena

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 potato round

Instructions

  • Carefully, place the potato on its side and slice one-fourth to one-half of an inch of the potato straight down to the cutting board. Slice the potato until have slices have been sliced.
  • Next, place each slice of potato flat on the cutting board, then slice each potato piece into ¼ pieces.
  • Continue to slice potato pieces into strips until you have even ¼ to ½-inch strips.

Notes

  • Soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of water before cooking to ensure extra crispiness.
  • Store any leftover potato slices in the refrigerator or freezer in a Ziploc bag until ready to use.
  • Use potato slices to make fries for game nights and other types of special occasions.
  • Serve French fries with homemade ketchup and your favorite sauces.
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