Perfect Crispy Fries: Deep Fryer Secrets

If you're craving crispy French fries, the secret is to remove starch and moisture from the potatoes. Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water to draw out the starch, then pat them dry. Next, fry the potatoes at a lower temperature to soften them, before frying them again at a higher temperature to achieve that sought-after crispiness.

For the best results, use a stable fat like beef tallow, duck fat, or lard, which can withstand high-heat frying. Alternatively, vegetable, canola, or peanut oil will also work.

Now, let's get frying!

Soak potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch

Soaking potatoes in cold water is an essential step in making crispy french fries. This process helps to remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy and less fluffy. The longer you soak the potatoes, the more starch will be released into the water, so it's best to soak them for a few hours if possible. You will notice that the water becomes cloudy, and this is an indication of the starch being removed.

After cutting your potatoes into fries, place them in a bowl of cold water. The water should completely cover the potatoes. You can also add ice to the water to keep it cold, as colder temperatures help slow down the oxidation process and prevent the potatoes from turning brown. If you are short on time, even a quick rinse under cold running water will help to remove some of the surface starch.

Once you have soaked the potatoes, be sure to drain and rinse them again to remove any remaining starch. Blot the potatoes with a kitchen towel to dry them as much as possible. This step will help reduce sputtering when the potatoes are added to the hot oil for frying.

Removing excess starch is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy french fry texture.

Rinse potatoes in vinegar water to activate starches

Rinsing potatoes in vinegar water is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy french fry. This process not only washes away excess sugars from the surface of the potatoes, preventing them from browning too quickly, but it also activates the starches in the potatoes. Starch, when fried, creates a crispy texture on the outside of the fries. Additionally, the acid in the vinegar prevents the potatoes from disintegrating during the 10-minute simmering process.

To prepare the vinegar water, place the cut potatoes in a pot with cold tap water, adding vinegar and salt to the mix. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, and then carefully remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them in a colander. It is important not to tip the potatoes directly into the colander as they may break.

After rinsing the potatoes in vinegar water, it is essential to spread them out on tea towel-lined trays to steam dry for about 5 minutes. There is no need to pat them dry, as the residual heat will do the job.

By following this simple step of rinsing the potatoes in vinegar water, you will be one step closer to achieving the ultimate crispy french fry!

Use a serrated knife to cut potatoes for rougher surface area

When making crispy French fries with a deep fryer, it's important to maximise the surface area of the potatoes to increase crispiness. A neat trick to achieve this is to use a serrated knife to cut the potatoes. Although it may not be visible to the naked eye, a serrated knife will create a rougher surface on the potatoes, resulting in more surface area to crisp up during frying. This technique is especially useful if you want to achieve that sought-after combination of a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.

While cutting the potatoes, it's important to aim for a specific thickness to get the best results. The ideal size for French fries is 6 mm or 1/4-inch thick batons. If you cut them thicker, they may not crisp up as much, and if you cut them thinner, the insides may not have enough fluffiness. Therefore, it's crucial to use a steady hand and a sharp serrated knife to achieve the desired thickness and maximise the surface area of your French fries.

In addition to the cutting technique, there are a few other key steps to ensure your French fries turn out crispy. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which can make the fries crumbly and soft. The longer you soak them, the better, as it enhances crispiness. After soaking, be sure to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry before frying, as excess moisture can cause sputtering and prolong the browning process.

When it comes to frying, it's best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning, ensuring your fries turn out golden and crispy. Additionally, double frying is a popular method to achieve the perfect crispiness. The first fry at a lower temperature softens the potatoes, and the second fry at a higher temperature adds the desired crispiness.

Double fry method: first fry at a lower temperature, then increase heat for second fry

The double fry method is a great way to ensure your French fries are crispy and golden. This method is a little more time-consuming, but the results are well worth it! Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect crispy French fries using the double fry method:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a great choice as they are starchy and will give you fluffy interiors with crisp exteriors. Peel the potatoes if desired, but it is not necessary. Cut the potatoes into fries of your desired thickness. It is recommended to cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices, and then cut those slices into long sticks.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cut, place them in a large bowl of cold water. You can also add ice to the water. Soaking the potatoes helps to remove excess starch, which can make your fries soggy. Soak the potatoes for at least two hours, or even overnight for the best results.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After soaking, rinse the potatoes in cold water a couple of times to remove any remaining starch. Then, use kitchen towels or paper towels to dry the potatoes as thoroughly as possible. This step is important to ensure the potatoes don't spatter when they meet the hot oil.

Step 4: First Fry at Lower Temperature

Now it's time for the first fry. Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed saucepan to 325°F (163°C). You can use peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil for frying. Carefully add the potatoes to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly pale. Remove the potatoes from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 5: Increase Heat for Second Fry

For the second fry, increase the heat to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again in smaller batches so that they have room to float freely in the oil. This time, fry for a shorter duration, about 2-4 minutes, until they reach your desired level of crispness and golden brown colour.

Step 6: Drain, Season, and Serve

Remove the French fries from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Immediately season with salt, and any other desired seasonings, such as onion powder, garlic powder, or black pepper. Serve your crispy French fries hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Ensure your oil reaches the correct temperature for each fry. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Don't overcrowd the pan during frying. Fry in batches if needed.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly before frying to prevent spattering.
• For extra crispy fries, soak them for a longer duration, even up to 12 hours.

Use peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying

When it comes to making crispy French fries with a deep fryer, the type of oil you use is crucial. Peanut oil and vegetable oil are two excellent options that will deliver delicious results. Here's a detailed guide to help you get the most out of these oils and create the perfect deep-fried French fries.

Peanut oil and vegetable oil are ideal choices for deep frying French fries because they have high smoke points. This means they can withstand high temperatures without burning, ensuring your fries get nice and crispy without any unpleasant scorched flavours.

Peanut oil, in particular, is a favourite among chefs and fry enthusiasts. It has a neutral flavour that lets the taste of the potatoes shine through, and it also tends to be cheaper than other options. Vegetable oil, on the other hand, is a versatile and readily available option that works well for French fries, though some people find its flavour less desirable.

Tips for Using Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil

• Oil Temperature: For the first fry, heat the oil to around 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature cooks the interior of the potatoes without browning them too much. For the second fry, increase the temperature to 375°F (191°C) to get that golden, crispy exterior.
• Double Fry Method: To achieve the perfect balance of a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior, use the double fry method. The first fry at a lower temperature softens the potatoes, and the second fry at a higher temperature gives them that signature crunch.
• Oil Reuse: Both peanut oil and vegetable oil can be reused multiple times. Simply strain the oil after it has cooled to remove any crumbs or sediment, and store it in a sealed container until your next fry session.
• Oil Amount: When deep frying, use enough oil to completely submerge the potatoes. As a guide, you'll need about 3 cm (1.2 inches) of oil in your deep fryer or heavy-based pot.
• Safety First: Always exercise caution when working with hot oil. Use long utensils to maintain a safe distance, and avoid crowding the pot or fryer to prevent oil from bubbling over.
• Oil Alternatives: If you don't have peanut oil or vegetable oil on hand, other oils with high smoke points, such as canola oil, soybean oil, or even beef tallow, can also be used for delicious French fries.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose peanut oil or vegetable oil, your French fries are sure to turn out crispy and delicious. Remember to follow the double fry method, maintain the right oil temperatures, and exercise safety precautions when working with hot oil. Enjoy your homemade French fries, and don't forget to season them with salt and your favourite spices!

Frequently asked questions