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Golden, crispy, salty, and downright addictive… French fries definitely deserve their own holiday. That’s where National French Fry Day comes in! Celebrated every year on the second Friday in July (this year, July 11, 2025), this unofficial but delicious holiday gives fry lovers everywhere the perfect excuse to grab a side of their favorite spuds and savor every bite.
It doesn’t matter if you like your fries thick or thin, curly or crinkle-cut, waffle or shoestring; today is all about honoring the humble potato in its crispiest form. You can celebrate by making fries at home or by grabbing some from your favorite fast-food joint (they may be free!) You never really needed a reason to eat fries, but it sure feels better to have one!
Are French Fries Really From France?
Did you know that French fries might not actually be French? Shocking, we know. The origins of fries is a hot debate between France and Belgium that has been going on for centuries.
According to Belgian lore, fries were invented in the late 1600s when villagers in the Meuse Valley would fry small fish from the river. But when the river froze over in winter, they sliced potatoes into fish shapes and fried those instead. Voilà—the fry was born.
But, it may not be that clear if those were the first fries as we know them today. The French claim they popularized fries as street food in Paris in the late 1700s. Street vendors along the Seine sold “pommes frites,” and the snack became beloved by locals and visitors alike.
So why are they called “French fries” in America? That is thanks to American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I. The soldiers tasted these fried delights, and because the Belgian army spoke French, they dubbed them “French fries.”
The history and mythology go deep, but we don’t think that it necessarily matters anymore if fries are Belgian or French. We are just thankful someone invented them in the first place!
How to Make Perfect French Fries
If you want to celebrate National French Fry Day with some homemade goodness, we have some tips for you! Here’s what to do:
- Pick the Right Potato – Russet potatoes are your best bet. Their high starch content and low moisture give fries that perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside.
- Cut Them Evenly – No matter if you are making thick steak fries or skinny shoestrings, you need to aim for uniform cuts. This helps them cook evenly. Take a look at my guide to cutting perfect wedge fries here.
- Soak Before Frying – Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This step removes excess starch and helps achieve that signature crispiness.
- Double Fry for Perfection -The secret to perfect fries? Fry them twice!
- First fry: 325°F until soft but not browned (about 4-5 minutes)
- Let them cool
- Second fry: 375°F until golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes)
5. Season While Hot
As soon as they come out of the oil, toss them with salt (and whatever other seasonings you love). Garlic powder, paprika, parmesan, or even truffle oil work wonders.
No fryer? No problem. Air fryers make crispy fries with way less oil and mess. Just don’t skip the soaking step! Here’s my recipe for air fryer French fries, and also my air fryer Parmesan French fries.
Restaurant Deals on National French Fry Day
Okay, here is my favorite part of National French Fry Day – the deals! You don’t even have to cook to celebrate. Many restaurants offer free fries or special deals. Here are a few tasty offers for 2025:
- McDonald’s– McDonald’s is giving away free medium fries—no purchase necessary! Just use the McDonald’s app on July 11 to claim your free fries.
- Burger King– Royal Perks members can snag a free any-size fries with any purchase made through the Burger King app or website. Perfect excuse to upgrade to large!
You can celebrate National Fry Day with a hot basket of homemade fries or snag a freebie from your favorite drive-thru. Either way, National French Fry Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the world’s favorite comfort foods.
Now, the only question left is: ketchup, ranch, or just plain salt? I’m going with my famous homemade French Fry dip!
