Fryer Flexibility: Can Tempura Fryers Handle French Fries?

Tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of shrimp and/or vegetables dipped in a batter and then deep-fried. It is typically served as a side dish, but can also be a main course when served over rice. While traditionally prepared through deep frying, it is possible to make tempura in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. This method requires some adjustments to the batter to prevent it from flying off during the air frying process.

French fries, on the other hand, are a popular side dish that can be prepared in various ways, including the standard double-fry method and the easier one-step method. While they are typically associated with fast food, making homemade french fries can be a hassle due to the cutting, rinsing, soaking, frying, and re-frying process.

Both tempura and french fries involve deep frying, and there are dedicated deep fryers available in the market that can be used for both. These fryers are usually made of stainless steel and come with features like thermometers, lids, and oil drip drainer racks.

Tempura vs French Fries: Which is Healthier?

Deep-fried foods are often considered unhealthy, but does that mean we should avoid them altogether? Let's compare tempura and French fries to see which one is the healthier option.

Tempura

Tempura is a Japanese dish that typically consists of shrimp and/or vegetables dipped in a batter and then deep-fried. While it is a delicious treat, tempura is not the healthiest option due to its high-fat content. The fat content in a typical serving of tempura breaks down to approximately 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 8.2 grams of unsaturated fat. As saturated fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels in the body, consuming too much tempura can have negative health effects. Additionally, the deep-frying process can result in excess oil absorption, further increasing the fat and calorie content.

However, it's important to note that the health impact of consuming tempura depends on portion size and overall calorie balance. As long as you watch your portion sizes and ensure your total calorie intake doesn't exceed your body's needs, indulging in tempura occasionally is not inherently unhealthy.

French Fries

French fries are a popular side dish and snack made by deep-frying potato strips. Like tempura, French fries have a reputation for being unhealthy due to their high-fat content. A typical serving of French fries can contain around 15 grams of fat, including both saturated and unsaturated fats. [X]

Comparison

Both tempura and French fries are deep-fried foods with a crispy texture and a delicious taste. However, when it comes to health, French fries may have a slight edge over tempura. This is because French fries are typically made with potatoes, which are a good source of vitamins, fibre, and certain minerals. On the other hand, tempura is usually made with shrimp or vegetables that are battered and deep-fried, resulting in a higher fat content.

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried tempura or French fries, consider the following options:

• Baked or oven-fried options: Instead of deep-frying, you can bake tempura or French fries in the oven, using minimal or no oil. This significantly reduces the fat content and calorie count.
• Air-frying: Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but with less oil. Air-fried tempura and French fries can be just as tasty and are definitely healthier options.
• Choose healthier dipping sauces: Instead of calorie-dense sauces like mayonnaise or ketchup, opt for healthier dips like hummus, tzatziki, or a yogurt-based sauce.

In conclusion, while both tempura and French fries are indulgent treats, French fries may be considered slightly healthier due to the nutritional benefits of potatoes. However, the key to enjoying either of these foods healthily is moderation. As long as you maintain a balanced diet overall and don't exceed your recommended daily calorie intake, you can still enjoy these fried treats occasionally without compromising your health.

Can You Reuse Oil After Frying French Fries?

Yes, you can reuse frying oil. However, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that your oil is still safe to use and will not negatively impact the quality of your food. Firstly, frying oil has a limited lifespan and can be reused anywhere from two to eight times, depending on various factors. These factors include the type of oil, the food being fried, the effectiveness of straining, and the condition of the oil.

To reuse frying oil, it is important to strain it after each use and store it in a lidded container in a cool, dark place. Once the oil has cooled completely, use a cheesecloth and a fine mesh strainer, or just a strainer, to strain the oil into a clean vessel, such as a glass jar or its original container. Label the container with the date, the type of food it was used for, and the number of times it has been reused.

When reusing frying oil, it is crucial to monitor its condition. If the oil becomes dark or dirty, smokes before reaching frying temperature, foams at the top, or develops a rancid or musty odour, it is no longer suitable for use and should be disposed of properly. Additionally, frying oil takes on the flavour of the food it is used to fry, so it is important to consider this when reusing oil for different types of dishes.

By following these guidelines, you can safely reuse frying oil and reduce waste and costs. However, it is important to be vigilant about the condition of the oil to ensure the best results for your fried foods.

How to Make Tempura-Style French Fries in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 3 large russet potatoes
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup sparkling water, ice-cold
• 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Method:

• Prep: Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes into fries.
• Soak: Place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for an hour. This will help remove excess starch and improve crispness.
• Preheat: Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Make the batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, sparkling water, and Japanese mayonnaise. In a separate bowl, mix the water.
• Dip: Dip the potatoes into the batter, then into the water, and back into the batter again.
• Fry: Place the battered potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray with vegetable oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve: Remove the tempura fries from the air fryer and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, use ice-cold water in the batter and shake off any excess batter before frying.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up the fries.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Serve the tempura fries immediately while they're still hot and crispy.

What Type of Oil Should You Use for French Fries?

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish worldwide, but achieving that perfect crispiness can be tricky. The secret lies in choosing the right type of oil for frying. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an oil for making mouth-watering French fries:

Oil Temperature and Smoke Point

The oil temperature plays a crucial role in the cooking process. For French fries, the oil should be between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, not all oils can withstand this high heat without burning. This is where the concept of the "smoke point" comes in.

The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it starts to smoke and burn. Oils with low smoke points are not suitable for deep-frying French fries, as they will degrade and add an unpleasant burnt flavour. Therefore, it is essential to choose an oil with a smoke point above 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Neutral Flavour

Another important consideration is the flavour of the oil. You want the natural, savoury taste of the fries to shine through without being overpowered by the oil's flavour. Therefore, a neutral-tasting oil is best. Avoid oils with strong flavours, such as extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, or walnut oil, as they can overpower the taste of the fries.

Cost

Cost is also a factor when choosing an oil for frying French fries, especially if you are using large quantities. Oils like peanut oil, while excellent for frying, can be quite expensive. On the other hand, options like canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and vegetable oil are more affordable and widely accessible.

Recommended Oils for French Fries

Now that we've discussed the key considerations, here are some of the best oils to use for making French fries:

• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is a blend of oils extracted from various plants, typically soybeans, canola seeds, and sunflower seeds. It has a high smoke point, usually between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for deep-frying. It is also affordable, neutral in flavour, and widely available in grocery stores.
• Canola Oil: Canola oil is another excellent option that checks all the boxes. It has a high smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a neutral flavour, and is more cost-effective than peanut oil.
• Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is a favourite among some fast-food chains, like Chick-fil-A and Five Guys. It has a high smoke point, exceptional crisping properties, and a slightly nutty and rich flavour. However, it tends to be more expensive.
• Sunflower Oil, Corn Oil, Safflower Oil, and Soybean Oil: These refined oils are good alternatives to vegetable and canola oils. They have high smoke points, are neutral in flavour, and are more affordable options.
• Refined Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has an incredibly high smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit and is packed with healthy fats and nutrients. However, it is one of the most expensive oils, costing up to 50% more than olive oil.

How to Make Tempura-Style French Fries Without Deep Frying

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/2 cup water, or as needed
• Ice cubes, for chilling the water

Method

First, slice your potatoes into French fries and place them into a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown. Next, heat your oil in a heavy saucepan or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

While the oil is heating, make your tempura-style batter by sifting the flour, garlic salt, and onion salt into a large bowl. Add paprika for an extra kick if you like. Then, in a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of water and ice cubes. Strain the water, and add the now ice-cold water to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with chopsticks until just combined—be careful not to overmix the batter.

Now, drain and dry your potato slices, then dip them into the batter. Carefully lower the battered potatoes into the hot oil in batches to prevent them from clumping together. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Finally, drain the fries on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade tempura-style French fries!

Frequently asked questions