Frying Frozen Fries: How Long Should You Fry Them?

Frozen fries are a convenient and tasty treat, but getting them just right can be a challenge. The key to crispy fries is ensuring they are cooked evenly, which means not overcrowding the fryer and cooking in batches. Fries should be cooked for around 2-3 minutes in a deep fryer or large pot of oil, or 10 minutes in an air fryer, and should be a golden colour when done.

Preheat fryer to 345˚F

Preheating your fryer to 345˚F is an important step in the process of making frozen fries. While it may be tempting to set the fryer to a higher temperature to reduce cooking time, this is not recommended. Oil breaks down faster at higher temperatures, and fryer oil is expensive. For example, at 369˚F, the oil breaks down 2-3 times faster than at 345˚F.

To preheat your fryer, first set it up by filling it with oil. Then, heat the oil to the desired temperature of 345˚F. This will ensure that your fries cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy exterior. It's important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the frying process for even cooking.

Once your fryer has reached the correct temperature, you can carefully place the frozen fries into the hot oil. Make sure to only fill your fryer basket to half full or less, and never fill it over the fryer to prevent the introduction of ice crystals and potato slivers that can degrade the oil. Also, avoid overcrowding the fryer by frying the frozen fries in small batches. This will ensure even cooking and allow for better heat distribution, so that each fry cooks properly.

After placing the fries in the oil, let them cook for 3-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Monitor the fryer regularly and adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature. For extra crispy fries, you can try double frying them by frying at a lower temperature first and then increasing the temperature for the second round of frying.

Use a skimmer to remove debris from the kettle

To cook frozen fries in a deep fryer, preheat your fryer to 345˚F. Fill your basket half full or less—never overfill the basket or introduce ice crystals and potato slivers that degrade the fryer oil. Shake the basket for a few seconds about 30 seconds after dropping the fries to prevent clumping.

Now, onto using a skimmer to remove debris from the kettle. A kitchen skimmer is an essential tool for removing solid foods from hot liquids. It's particularly useful for removing debris and food particles from your fryer oil to keep it clean and fresh for longer. Skimmers feature a wire mesh construction, allowing liquids to fall through while leaving solid foods in the basket, which can then be safely discarded.

To use a skimmer to remove debris from your fryer kettle, first, ensure the oil is completely cool. You should never clean your fryer while it's still plugged in or add water to hot oil, as the mixture could explode. Once the oil has cooled, use a skimmer with a long handle to reach into the fryer and remove any leftover debris and food particles. Be sure to use a skimmer made from heat-resistant materials, such as metal or wood, to avoid melting or burning.

In addition to removing debris, a skimmer can also be used to retrieve items from hot oil, such as donuts or vegetables from boiling water. Remember to regularly clean your skimmer by washing it with hot water and detergent. By following these steps and using a skimmer, you can help maintain the quality of your fryer oil and ensure safe and efficient frying.

Shake the basket after 30 seconds to prevent clumping

How to Cook Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Fries

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your frozen fries by placing them in the air fryer basket and spraying them lightly with olive oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket—it's best to cook the fries in a single layer if possible.

Step 2: Initial Fry

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to start cooking. Set the timer for 10 minutes and let the fries cook. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to gently shake the basket or rotate the fries halfway through this initial cooking period to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Shake the Basket and Continue Cooking

After the initial 10 minutes, shake the basket to prevent the fries from clumping together. This step is crucial for achieving evenly cooked, crispy fries. After shaking the basket, return it to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the fries have reached your desired level of doneness.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a bowl or serving dish. Season the hot fries with salt and any additional seasonings of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese. Toss the fries gently to evenly coat them with the seasonings, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Frozen Fries:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the fries in a single layer, if possible, will help ensure even cooking and a crispier texture.
• Experiment with different types of fries. Thicker cuts, such as steak fries, may require a slightly lower temperature and longer cooking time. Curly, sweet potato, or thinner cuts like shoestring fries tend to get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
• For extra crispy fries, consider double frying. After the initial fry, remove the fries from the air fryer, let them cool for a few minutes, then return them to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes.

Don't overcrowd the fryer

When cooking frozen fries, it's important not to overcrowd the fryer. This is because overcrowding the fryer can lead to a number of issues that will affect the quality of your fries.

Firstly, when the fryer is overcrowded, the temperature of the oil is reduced, which means that your food will not become crispy. This is because when too many ingredients are placed in the fryer, a great deal of moisture is released. This moisture lowers the temperature of the oil, preventing it from reaching the optimal temperature for frying. As a result, your fries will end up soggy and undercooked.

Additionally, overcrowding the fryer can also affect the cooking time. With too many fries in the fryer, hot air cannot circulate properly, and the food will take longer to cook. This means that you'll end up with overcooked fries on the outside and undercooked fries on the inside.

To avoid these issues, it's important to give your fries enough space in the fryer. Make sure that your fries are not overlapping or touching each other. If you're cooking a large quantity of fries, it's best to cook them in smaller batches. This will ensure that your fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside without becoming mushy or overcooked.

By following these tips and avoiding overcrowding the fryer, you'll be able to achieve the perfect crispy texture for your frozen fries.

Season with salt, paprika, or parmesan cheese

When it comes to seasoning your fries, there are a few options to choose from. You can keep it simple with just salt, or you can get a little more creative with paprika or Parmesan cheese. Here are some tips and tricks to help you season your frozen fries like a pro:

Salt

First of all, it is important to note that you should never salt your fries over the fryer. Salting over the fryer will reduce the lifespan of your fryer oil. Instead, transfer your cooked fries to a holding station or heat lamp, and then season them. This will ensure that your fries stay crispy and flavourful. When it comes to the amount of salt, be sure not to overdo it. A light and even sprinkle of salt should be enough to enhance the natural flavour of the potatoes.

Paprika

If you're looking to add a little kick to your fries, paprika is a great option. It adds a subtle spiciness and a beautiful reddish-brown colour to your dish. Depending on the type of paprika you use, the flavour can range from sweet and mild to smoky and intense. If you're using smoked paprika, a little goes a long way. You can also mix paprika with other spices like garlic powder and onion powder to create a unique seasoning blend.

Parmesan Cheese

For something a little more indulgent, Parmesan cheese takes your average fry to the next level. Freshly grated Parmesan is the best option, as it melts beautifully and adds a tangy, savoury flavour. You can toss your hot fries with grated Parmesan, or you can make a Parmesan garlic sauce by melting butter with garlic and Parmesan, and then tossing it with your fries. This combination is irresistible and will have your fries disappearing in no time!

Other Seasoning Ideas

While salt, paprika, and Parmesan cheese are fantastic options on their own, you can also get creative and combine them in different ways. For example, you can make a paprika-Parmesan salt blend by mixing grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This blend will give your fries a well-rounded flavour that's sure to impress. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect fry seasoning!

Frequently asked questions