Crispy Smiley Face Potato Fries Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the smiley faces. After the first fry, let them cool completely, then fry again at a higher temperature for a shorter time.

This removes excess moisture and creates an even crunchier texture. Make sure to drain well on a wire rack after each frying.

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can cut the smiley faces and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag.

Fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. This is a great way to have a quick snack ready anytime.

Variations

• Cheesy Smiles: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough before kneading. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, savory surprise inside the crispy shell.
• Spicy Smiles: Increase the amount of Turkish red pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with a cooling dip like sour cream or yogurt.
• Herb Smiles: Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill. This adds a fresh, aromatic note that complements the potatoes beautifully.
• Sweet Potato Smiles: Substitute the russet potatoes with an equal amount of sweet potatoes. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet-spicy twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezer

Freeze uncooked smiley faces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry from frozen for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Reheat

Reheat cooked fries in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving.

Store any leftover smiley face fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.

You can prepare the dough and cut the smiley faces up to a day in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap.

When ready to fry, bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.

Serving ideas

Serve these smiley face fries as a fun appetizer at parties, game days, or kids' gatherings.

They pair wonderfully with ketchup, but you can also offer a variety of dips like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. The cheerful faces make them a hit with children and adults alike.

For a complete meal, serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or as a side to your favorite main dish. They are also great as a snack on their own. The crispy texture and mild spice make them versatile enough to complement many flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Smiley Face Potato Fries

Prep 20 minCook 15 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 500 g russet potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 100 g potato starch (about 4 tbsp)
• 3 slices white sandwich bread, crumbled into fine breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber)
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying, to taste
• Ketchup, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the warm boiled potatoes until completely smooth with no lumps. Add the potato starch, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and Turkish red pepper flakes. Knead everything together by hand until a soft, pliable dough forms.
2. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Use a straw to punch two small holes for eyes, and press a dessert spoon gently to create a smile shape.
3. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until a thermometer reads 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully lower a few smiley faces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until puffed and golden brown on all sides.
5. Remove the fried smiley faces with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6. Serve the crispy smiley face fries immediately with a bowl of ketchup for dipping. Enjoy the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

220

Protein

3 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

8 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.