Frying Fries: Timing For Perfect Golden Chips

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but achieving the perfect level of crispiness can be tricky. The key to success lies in the preparation and cooking method. Before frying, it is essential to cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, approximately 1/4-inch wide, to ensure uniform cooking. Soaking the potatoes in water, or even a sugar solution, for 15 minutes to several hours is also recommended to remove excess starch and prevent them from absorbing too much grease during frying, resulting in a crispier texture.

When it comes to cooking, the type of fryer and desired level of crispiness will determine the cooking time and temperature. Air fryers are a popular choice for their convenience and ability to produce crispy fries with less oil. In an air fryer, French fries typically cook at temperatures between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the model and desired crispiness. For deep frying, the double-frying method is preferred, with the first fry at a lower temperature of around 325 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, followed by a second fry at a higher temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes, until the desired level of crispness is achieved.

Soaking potatoes in water or a sugar solution before frying

Soaking potatoes before frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect French fry. It is recommended to soak potatoes in water or a sugar solution for at least two hours, or even overnight, to remove excess starch and prevent the potatoes from sticking together during frying. This step also helps to reduce the risk of burning and ensures a consistent colour.

Water Soak

To soak potatoes in water, place the cut potatoes in a large bowl or pot and cover them with cold water. Leave them to soak for at least two hours or overnight. This process helps to remove the troublesome starch on the outside of the potatoes, which can interfere with the texture and prevent the desired crispness. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before frying.

Sugar Solution Soak

Some recipes call for a sugar solution soak, which is said to improve the browning of the potatoes during frying. To make the sugar solution, stir together warm water and sugar in a bowl. The recommended ratio is 10g of sugar per 100g of water. Soak the potatoes in the solution for 15 minutes to overnight, depending on the desired level of browning. The sugar solution is believed to interact with the carbohydrates in the potatoes and prevent them from soaking up too much grease, resulting in a crunchier fry.

Frying

After soaking and drying the potatoes, it is time to fry. Heat a few inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a heavy pot to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the potatoes in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, or until soft. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Increase the heat to bring the oil temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the potatoes again in batches until they are golden and crisp. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, and enjoy!

The best types of potatoes for fries

Russet Potatoes

The best type of potato for making French fries is the Russet potato, also known as the Idaho potato. This is due to its high starch and low moisture content, which results in a firmer, crispier fry. Russet potatoes are also known for their great nutritional value, being rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are also easily available everywhere. The Russet Burbank potato is the best type of Russet for fries.

Maris Piper Potatoes

The Maris Piper is another excellent choice for making fries. This Irish potato variety is widely used in the UK and Western Europe, and is considered the UK's number one potato for French fries. Maris Piper potatoes have a floury texture, which further enhances the taste of well-cooked fries. However, they can be hard to find in the US.

Katahdin Potatoes

Katahdin potatoes are a good alternative if you cannot find Maris Piper or Russet potatoes. They have a balanced solid-water ratio, making them suitable for frying.

Other Options

While Russet, Maris Piper, and Katahdin potatoes are the best options for French fries, other types of potatoes can also be used. Yukon Gold potatoes, for example, are all-purpose potatoes that combine the characteristics of starchy and waxy potatoes, making them suitable for frying. However, they may result in slightly mushier fries. Red Bliss, French Fingerling, and New Potatoes are waxy potatoes that can also be used for frying, but they may not produce the same level of crispiness as starchy potatoes.

The best oils for frying

Frying foods, especially French fries, requires an oil with a high smoke point. A smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to break down into gaseous products, which can be dangerous and negatively impact the taste of the food.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is flavourless, with a high smoke point, making it a popular choice for frying French fries. It is readily available in most grocery stores and is used by popular fast-food chains such as Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

Beef Tallow

Beef tallow, or rendered beef fat, was commonly used for deep frying until the 1980s when people became wary of saturated fats. It has a similar smoke point to peanut oil and imparts a distinctive beefy flavour. However, it tends to foam and bubble, which can be dangerous if it spills over.

Other Options

Other oils with high smoke points that can be used for frying include avocado oil, corn oil, and duck fat. Vegetable oil, canola oil, palm oil, and coconut oil are also options but may not produce the same level of crispness or flavour.

Air Frying

Air frying uses little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. A light drizzle of olive oil is often used to coat the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer.

How to cut potatoes for fries

Step 1:

First, select the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are a classic choice for fries due to their high starch content, resulting in crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a slightly buttery flavour.

Step 2:

Place the potato on its side and use a large chef's knife to cut a thin slice from the edge, creating a flat base. This will help the potato stay stable while you cut, reducing the risk of accidents.

Step 3:

Flip the potato so that the cut side is facing down. Cut thin slices, making them the width you want your French fries to be. For crispy fries, aim for a thickness of around 1/4-inch. Thicker fries will be softer in the centre.

Step 4:

Stack several slices together and cut them in the other direction to create French fries. Repeat this process with the remaining slices. Try to cut the potatoes into evenly sized fries, as this will ensure they cook uniformly.

Step 5:

At this point, you can choose to soak the potatoes in water or a sugar solution. Soaking is not necessary, but it can help draw out excess starch, making the fries crispier. It also prevents discolouration if you're preparing the potatoes in advance. Soak the potatoes for around 10-15 minutes, then ensure they are completely dry before frying.

Step 6:

Depending on your chosen cooking method, you may want to toss the cut potatoes with olive oil and seasonings. For example, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper works well.

Step 7:

Cook your fries according to your preferred method, such as baking, pan-frying, or air frying. Ensure you don't overcrowd the cooking vessel, as this can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess.

Step 8:

Enjoy your delicious, crispy homemade fries!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried foods can vary depending on the type of food, the size of the food, and the specific air fryer being used. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking French fries in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, preferably about 1/4-inch thick. This will help ensure that all the fries cook at the same rate. There is no need to peel the potatoes, as the skin can help them crisp up nicely during cooking. After cutting the potatoes, give them a quick rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, and then dry them thoroughly.

Next, toss the potatoes with a light drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. It is important to ensure that all surfaces of the potatoes are coated evenly. Then, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each fry. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fries and the type of air fryer you are using, but it should generally take between 10-15 minutes for the fries to become golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Once all the batches are finished, you can toss them all back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to warm them up and make them crispy. Serve the fries with your desired seasonings and dips. Some popular options include ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle sauce, fresh herbs, chili powder, or garlic powder.

In addition to French fries, air fryers can be used to cook a variety of other foods, including sweet potato fries, lattice cut fries, shoestring fries, and frozen French fries. The cooking time and temperature may vary for these different types of fries, so it is important to refer to specific recipes or air fryer guides for the best results.

Frequently asked questions