In order to make perfect French fries, you’ll need to cut potatoes into evenly sized fries (or wedges if you’re making steak fries). Luckily, that’s easy to do if you follow our step-by-step guide.

How to Cut Potatoes Into Fries with a Knife

Step 1: Slice a potato in half lengthwise with a chef’s knife (long potatoes are best for fries).

Step 2: Lay each half cut-side down. Slice lengthwise into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick slices.

Step 3: Stack about half of the slices and cut lengthwise into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick fries. Repeat with the rest.

How to Cut Potatoes Into Wedges

Step 1: Slice a potato in half lengthwise with a chef’s knife (long potatoes are best for fries).

Step 2: Lay each half cut-side down. Slice each half in half lengthwise again to create quarters.

Step 3: Flip each quarter so it’s resting on its rounded side and cut the quarter in half through the center pointy side to create eight wedges. If these wedges aren’t small enough for your liking, cut them in half again using the same method.

Should You Soak Cut Potatoes In Water Before Frying?

You by no means have to soak potatoes in water before frying. However, there are two benefits of doing so. First, cut potatoes in a bowl of water in the fridge overnight helps draw out potato starch making for extra crispy fries. Second, water prevents potatoes from discoloring if you want to peel and slice them ahead of time.

Whether or not you choose to soak potatoes before frying, they need to be completely dry before frying. Spin them in a salad spinner to remove excess moisture and pat dry with paper towels.