Making Crispy Chips With A Deep Fat Fryer

There's nothing quite like a plate of hot, crispy, homemade chips. But how do you make the perfect chip at home using a deep fat fryer? Well, it turns out that the secret to great chips is all in the preparation and cooking method. From choosing the right potatoes to double frying, this article will give you all the tips you need to make the perfect chip.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you choose for your chips is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and taste. The best potatoes for chips are those with a high starch content, as this is what gives chips their crispy texture.

Maris Piper

The Maris Piper is the classic choice for chips in the UK. With its creamy white flesh and fluffy texture, it offers a tasty crunch on the outside while remaining light and fluffy in the middle. Maris Piper potatoes are readily available in supermarkets and are a good all-rounder.

King Edwards

King Edward potatoes are another excellent option for chips. They have a floury texture, which is ideal for creating crispy chips with fluffy insides. However, be cautious when par-boiling as they can easily fall apart if overcooked.

Russet

Russet potatoes are a good choice due to their high starch and low moisture content, making them ideal for frying. They have thick skin that can be removed before frying, and they produce a light and fluffy texture after cooking.

Yukon Gold

If you prefer thicker, more potato-y textured chips, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option. They have a medium starch content, resulting in a less crispy texture, but they offer a rich, buttery flavour.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great alternative for those who want a sweeter flavour and denser texture. They have a lower starch content, so they won't be as crispy, but they provide a unique taste and are highly nutritious.

Other Varieties

Other varieties such as red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, and purple potatoes can also be used for chips but may require different cooking times and methods.

Freshness and Size

Regardless of the type of potato you choose, ensure they are fresh. Old potatoes have a higher water content, which can make your chips soggy. Cut your potatoes into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Consistent sizing ensures that all your chips are cooked at the same time and achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Preparing the potato

Peel the potatoes and cut them lengthwise into uniform chip shapes. Cutting them into uniform sizes will ensure that all the chips are cooked at the same time. Rinse the potatoes in a colander under cold water to remove excess starch. If you have time, let the chips soak in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight. This will help to remove any remaining starch. Pat the potatoes dry with kitchen paper. Any remaining water will cause the oil to spit, which could lead to burns.

The importance of oil temperature

Maintaining the Correct Temperature:

Deep-frying chips requires a precise temperature range, typically between 350°F and 375°F (175°C-190°C). Keeping the oil within this range ensures that your chips cook evenly and don't end up greasy or soggy. If the oil is too cold, the chips will absorb excess oil, resulting in a less-than-desirable texture. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the outside of the chips will burn while the inside remains undercooked.

Twice-Cooked Chips:

The secret to great chips is often to fry them twice at two different temperatures. The first fry, at a lower temperature of around 130°C-160°C, cooks the potato through without browning it. This ensures the potato is cooked evenly all the way through. The second fry, at a higher temperature of around 190°C, gives the chips that perfect golden crunch!

Oil Temperature and Food Safety:

In addition to achieving the right texture, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for food safety. For example, when frying chicken, it's important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses. Similarly, for seafood, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature helps ensure that your food is cooked thoroughly and safely.

Consistency and Taste:

Consistency is key when it comes to deep-frying. Allowing the oil to come back up to temperature between batches ensures that each batch of chips is cooked at the optimal temperature, resulting in consistent results. Additionally, choosing an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil, helps maintain flavour stability and prevents the oil from becoming rancid.

In summary, the oil temperature is of utmost importance when deep-frying chips. It ensures even cooking, achieves the desired texture, safeguards food safety, and guarantees consistent and delicious results. By paying close attention to the oil temperature, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master chip maker!

Cooking time

The cooking time for your chips will depend on the type of chip you are making and the number of times you are frying them.

For the first fry, you are aiming to cook the potato through without browning the outside. This should take around 10 minutes at a temperature of 130°C. You can check if they are done by eye—they should be cooked through but not browned. If you are cooking thin French fries, you may need to reduce this cooking time.

Once you have removed the chips from the oil, you can leave them to rest for several hours before frying them again.

The second fry is all about achieving the perfect crisp. This should take less time than the first fry—around 4-5 minutes at 190°C. You can remove the chips from the oil as soon as they are golden brown and crispy.

Some recipes call for a third fry, especially if you are cooking thick-cut chips. This final cooking stage should take 3-4 minutes in hot oil.

Serving suggestions

Once the chips are crunchy and golden, remove them from the pan and allow them to drain off any excess oil before serving immediately. The best condiments for French fries are a simple sprinkle of salt and vinegar. However, if you want to recreate the chip shop experience, you could add grated cheese, mushy peas, gravy, or curry sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try celery salt, truffle salt, or a herb-infused salt like thyme or rosemary. You can also add spices such as toasted cumin seeds, smoked paprika, or chilli flakes.

Chips are the ideal accompaniment to almost any meal and are a great side to your favourite dinner.

Frequently asked questions