Crispy Homemade Potato Sticks

Featured in Perfect Bites for Every Occasion.

These crispy potato sticks are a delightful homemade snack that everyone will love. Starting with perfectly boiled potatoes that are mashed until smooth, then seasoned with salt, pepper and fresh coriander. The secret to their amazing texture comes from a special mix of cornflour and rice flour. They're piped into perfect finger shapes, frozen briefly to hold their form, then fried until golden brown. The result is incredibly crispy sticks that are crunchy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Served hot with your favorite dipping sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack that disappears fast. The key to success is frying them in hot oil and draining on a rack to maintain that perfect crunch.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:30:54 GMT
A plate of french fries with ketchup and a bowl of sauce. Pin it
A plate of french fries with ketchup and a bowl of sauce. | recipebyme.com

Creating these irresistible potato sticks takes me back to my bustling restaurant days. The perfect blend of crispy exterior and fluffy interior makes them an absolute crowd-pleaser. This recipe transforms simple potatoes into delectable finger food that vanishes from the plate within minutes.

Last summer, I served these at my daughter's graduation party. The guests couldn't believe they were homemade, and I ended up sharing the recipe with nearly everyone there. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of cornflour to rice flour, which creates that unmistakable crunch.

Essential Recipe Components

  • Russet potatoes: Choose mature, starchy potatoes for the fluffiest interior texture. Look for firm, unblemished ones of similar size
  • Cornflour: Creates that signature outer crispiness while helping bind the mixture
  • Rice flour: Adds extra crunchiness and prevents the sticks from becoming too dense
  • Fresh coriander: Brings brightness and color while complementing the potato's natural flavor
  • High-quality oil: Select an oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or sunflower, for the perfect golden finish

Creating Your Potato Sticks

Potato Preparation:
Peel and cut potatoes into uniform chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender but not waterlogged. Drain thoroughly and let steam escape for 5 minutes.
Mixing Magic:
Mash potatoes while still warm for the smoothest consistency. Incorporate seasonings gradually, tasting as you go. Blend in both flours until mixture holds its shape.
Shaping Success:
Load mixture into a sturdy piping bag with a large star tip. Pipe onto parchment in 4-inch lengths, maintaining even pressure. Alternative: Roll portions between palms for uniform thickness.
Freezing Foundation:
Arrange shaped sticks with space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Freeze until completely firm, about 30-45 minutes.
Perfect Frying:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Fry in small batches, maintaining oil temperature. Achieve golden perfection in 3-4 minutes per batch.
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A plate of french fries with a dipping sauce. | recipebyme.com

My family particularly loves the cornflour in this recipe. Its subtle sweetness perfectly balances the savory potatoes, and I've found it creates a more delicate crunch than using all-purpose flour alone.

Perfect Pairings

Transform these crispy delights into a complete meal by serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish. They shine as part of a varied appetizer spread or alongside other finger foods at parties. For casual dining, serve them with a selection of dipping sauces for a fun, interactive experience.

Creative Twists

Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs for a Mediterranean version. Incorporate finely minced garlic and rosemary for a gourmet variation. For spice lovers, mix in cayenne pepper or curry powder before shaping. The possibilities are endless while maintaining the basic technique.

Keeping Them Fresh

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay crispy at room temperature for several hours or can be refrigerated for up to three days. To restore crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

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A plate of french fries with a bowl of ketchup on the side. | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found it's not just about the ingredients but the technique. The careful attention to temperature and timing transforms simple potatoes into something truly special. Whether served at a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, these potato sticks never fail to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to freeze the potato sticks before frying?
Freezing helps the sticks hold their shape during frying and ensures they turn out extra crispy instead of falling apart in the oil.
→ Can I make these potato sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the potato sticks, then keep them frozen for up to 2 weeks. Fry them directly from frozen when ready to serve.
→ Why use a cooling rack instead of paper towels?
A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the fried sticks, keeping them crispy. Paper towels can trap steam and make them soggy.
→ What's the best oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be very hot, around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Too low temperature will make the sticks absorb excess oil and become greasy.
→ How do I know when the potato sticks are done frying?
They should be golden brown in color and crispy on the outside, which usually takes 3-4 minutes in hot oil.

Crispy Homemade Potato Sticks

These golden crispy potato sticks are the perfect snack - crunchy on the outside, fluffy inside and absolutely irresistible when served hot.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Sana


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 3 medium potatoes (about 290g), boiled
02 Salt to taste
03 Freshly ground black pepper, just a pinch
04 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped

→ Coating

05 1 tablespoon cornflour
06 1 tablespoon rice flour

Instructions

Step 01

Start by thoroughly mashing your boiled potatoes until they're completely smooth and lump-free. This will ensure your potato sticks have that perfect texture we're looking for.

Step 02

Now combine the mashed potatoes with salt, a pinch of pepper, freshly chopped coriander, cornflour, and rice flour. Mix everything together until you've got a uniform mixture.

Step 03

Transfer your potato mixture into a piping bag and pipe long sticks onto parchment paper. If you find the mixture is too soft, you can add a tiny bit more flour, but don't overdo it! Alternatively, you could shape them by hand, though piping is quicker and gives more consistent results.

Step 04

Pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes until they're firm. Then deep fry them in hot oil until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remember to keep the oil nice and hot - no low-heat frying, or they'll turn out greasy instead of crispy!

Step 05

Let them drain on a cooling rack (avoid paper towels as they can make your sticks soggy), and serve them hot with ketchup or your favorite dip.

Notes

  1. Make sure to cover with cling film while freezing to maintain freshness
  2. For best results, fry in very hot oil at medium heat - low heat frying will make them absorb too much oil
  3. Always drain on a cooling rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness

Tools You'll Need

  • Piping bag
  • Parchment paper
  • Deep frying pan
  • Cooling rack

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 3 g