Deep-Frying Frozen Fries: How Long Should You Fry?

Frozen fries are a versatile and convenient snack, but getting them crispy can be a challenge. Deep-frying is one of the best ways to achieve that perfect crunch. It's important to note that the quality of your fries matters, and subpar fries can turn off customers forever. There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing frozen fries in a deep fryer. Firstly, always cook from frozen, as thawing can ruin their texture and make them mushy. Preheat your deep fryer or a large pot of oil to the right temperature—around 350°F to 375°F—and carefully lower the frozen fries into the hot oil. The cooking time can vary, but it usually takes around 2 to 4 minutes for the fries to turn golden and crispy.

The ideal deep fryer temperature for frozen fries

Deep-frying frozen French fries is a quick and convenient way to make crispy, delicious fries that are ready to eat in just a few minutes. The ideal temperature for deep frying frozen French fries is typically between 350°F and 375°F. This temperature range allows the fries to cook evenly, with the surface sealing quickly to produce a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

How to deep fry frozen French fries:

First, set up your deep fryer by filling it with oil and heating it to the desired temperature. Remove the frozen fries from their packaging and place them in a strainer to remove any excess ice crystals. To prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking, fry the frozen fries in small batches. Place the fries into the hot oil and let them cook for 3-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or a mesh strainer to remove the fries from the hot oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Season your fries with salt, garlic salt, or your desired seasoning.

Tips for deep frying:

• To maintain the desired temperature, monitor the deep fryer regularly and adjust the heat as needed.
• To avoid oil splatters, place the frozen fries into the oil gently.
• For extra crispy fries, double fry them by frying at a lower temperature first (around 325°F), and then increase the temperature to 375°F for the second round of frying.
• Always use oils with a high smoke point for deep frying, such as palm oil, peanut oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, safflower oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil.
• Avoid putting wet food into hot oil as this will cause splattering and bubbling. Dry your food thoroughly before placing it into the hot oil.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in longer cooking times and soggy-tasting food.
• Fry in smaller batches to avoid oil splatters and uneven cooking.
• Always exercise caution when deep frying, as the high temperatures and volume of oil can cause fires and injuries if the proper procedure is not followed.

How to avoid soggy fries

How to Avoid Soggy Frozen Fries in a Deep Fryer

Choose the Right Fryer

If you're cooking in a commercial setting, opt for a quality fryer with a quick recovery time. This will ensure that the oil returns to the desired temperature quickly after you've added your frozen fries, reducing the risk of soggy fries.

Prepare the Fries

Before frying, remove any excess ice crystals from the frozen fries by placing them in a strainer. This will help to prevent oil splatters when you add the fries to the hot oil.

Fry in Small Batches

Avoid overcrowding the fryer by frying the frozen fries in small batches. This ensures even cooking and allows better heat distribution, so each fry crisps up properly.

Maintain the Right Temperature

Heat your oil to the ideal temperature of between 350-375°F. Regularly monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain this range throughout the frying process. This is crucial for achieving crispy fries and preventing them from becoming soggy.

Double-Fry for Extra Crispness

For the ultimate crispiness, consider double-frying your frozen fries. Fry them at a lower temperature (around 325°F) for the first round, and then increase the temperature to 375°F for the second round of frying.

Drain and Season

Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil using a strainer or slotted spoon. Drain them on a paper towel or a plate without a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Season your fries immediately after draining. This is when the salt crystals will melt and stick to the fries, enhancing their flavor. Toss the fries with kosher salt and a dash of pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.

Serve Immediately

Finally, serve your crispy, golden brown fries immediately. Fries can lose their crispness over time, so it's best to enjoy them fresh out of the fryer!

How long to deep-fry for

The length of time you deep-fry your frozen fries for will depend on the thickness of the cut. Slim-cut fries will take 3–8 minutes, while chunky cuts can take up to 10 minutes. The key indicator that your fries are ready is their colour: they should be a light golden brown.

If you don't have a thermometer to check the temperature of your oil, there are some visual cues you can follow. First, heat your oil over a medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Then, drop a single fry into the oil. If it sinks to the bottom, the oil isn't hot enough. The perfect temperature will be reached when the fry floats to the top and starts to form bubbles around it.

When frying your batch of fries, you'll notice a lot of bubbles. This is the moisture being released and evaporated from the fries. The fewer bubbles you see, the crispier your fries will be.

If you're using a deep fryer, heat the oil to between 350°F and 375°F. If you're frying your frozen fries in a pan, heat the oil to 350°F.

The best oils for frying frozen fries

When it comes to frying frozen fries, the oil you use can make all the difference. You'll want to choose an oil with a high smoke point that can withstand the high temperatures of deep frying without breaking down and affecting the flavour of your food. Here are some of the best oils for frying frozen fries:

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a versatile option that works well for deep frying. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it ideal for achieving crispy, golden fries. It's also reasonably priced, which is a bonus since deep frying can use up a lot of oil.

Refined Peanut Oil

Refined peanut oil is a popular choice for deep frying frozen fries. It has a high smoke point, a neutral flavour, and is widely available in most grocery stores. Peanut oil is known for producing fries with a classic, neutral potato flavour. However, some people may prefer to avoid it due to peanut allergies.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another excellent option for frying frozen fries. It has a high smoke point, so it can handle the high temperatures of deep frying without breaking down. It's also relatively inexpensive and readily available.

Corn Oil

Corn oil is a good choice for frying frozen fries, as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the potatoes. It's also affordable and easily accessible in most supermarkets.

Other Options

While the above-mentioned oils are great choices, there are a few other oils that can be used for frying frozen fries. These include safflower oil, soybean oil (often labelled as vegetable oil), and grapeseed oil. However, it's important to avoid oils with low smoke points, such as extra-virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, and walnut oil, as they can burn and degrade at high temperatures.

When choosing an oil for frying frozen fries, it's important to consider both the smoke point and the flavour profile. By selecting an oil with a high smoke point, you can ensure that it can withstand the high temperatures of deep frying without breaking down and affecting the flavour of your food. Additionally, a neutral-flavoured oil will allow the natural potato flavour of your fries to shine through.

How to get crispy fries

Preparation

Before frying your frozen fries, it is important to prepare them properly. Do not thaw or defrost the fries before cooking, as this can make them soggy. Instead, take them straight from the freezer to the oil to ensure that the potato's surface is sealed during the frying process, resulting in crispy fries. Check the fries for any big clumps of ice, as this can cause the oil to splatter.

Oil and Temperature

The type of oil you use is important. Good options include canola oil, refined peanut oil, sunflower oil, maize oil, and vegetable oil. These oils have a high smoke point and are reasonably priced. They also have a mild flavour profile, so they won't affect the taste of your fries.

Once you've chosen your oil, heat it to between 350°F and 375°F. This temperature range allows the fries to cook evenly, and will produce a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Frying

When frying your frozen fries, do not overcrowd the fryer basket. Fill the basket to no more than half full to ensure that the fries cook properly. Place the basket in the hot oil and fry for 3-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries. Slim-cut fries will take less time, while chunky cuts can take up to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the fries and remove them from the oil when they are golden brown and crispy.

Draining and Seasoning

Once your fries are cooked, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or mesh strainer and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Season the fries immediately while they are still hot. This will ensure that the salt crystals melt and coat the fries evenly.

Double Frying for Extra Crispness

If you want your fries to be extra crispy, you can try double frying them. For the first fry, use a lower temperature of around 325°F. Then, increase the temperature to 375°F for the second fry. This will give you that perfect crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside fluffy.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While deep frying is the classic way to cook French fries, there are other methods you can use as well. You can bake them in the oven at 450°F for about 10-12 minutes, or air fry them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. No matter which method you choose, always remember to season your fries properly and enjoy them while they're hot!

Frequently asked questions