Described is a method for the preparation of instant stir-fried potato strings having a refrigerated shelf life before stir-frying, comprising the steps of providing potatoes, cutting the potatoes in strings having a cross-sectional area of 25 mm2 or less, heating the potato strings, blast chilling the heated potato strings and packaging and storing the potato strings at a refrigerated temperature, the method being free of contacting the potato strings with oil.