Make Crispy Fries At Home Without A Fryer

There are several ways to make fries without a deep fryer, including baking them in the oven or frying them on the stove. The oven-baked method is healthier and easier, but the stove-top method yields crispier fries. For the oven-baked method, cut the potatoes into fries, soak them in water, dry them, add oil and seasoning, and bake at 450°F for 15-20 minutes. For the stove-top method, cut the potatoes into fries, place them in a pan with cold oil, and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Soak potatoes in water before baking

Soaking potatoes in water before baking them is a crucial step in making crispy French fries. This process helps to remove the starch from the potato's surface, preventing a leathery exterior and encouraging a fluffy interior. Ideally, you should soak the potatoes in hot water for around 10 minutes, or even use a salt water bath to draw out more moisture. However, cold water can also be used, and the potatoes can be soaked for longer, even overnight. After soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before baking.

Use the right type of potato

The type of potato you use is crucial for achieving the perfect homemade French fries. While you can use any potato, certain varieties will yield better results in terms of texture and taste. Here's a guide to help you choose the right type of potato for your fries:

• High-starch potatoes: Russet or Idaho potatoes are high-starch potatoes that will make excellent French fries. They have thicker and drier skins, which crisp up nicely in the oven or when fried. Russet potatoes will give you a drier texture on the inside, while still being creamy.
• All-purpose potatoes: Finnish yellow, Yukon gold, or other all-purpose potatoes can also be used. These potatoes will give you a slightly different texture compared to high-starch potatoes. For example, Yukon gold potatoes will result in a creamier interior texture.
• Low-starch potatoes: Potatoes with low starch content, such as round red, white, or new potatoes, are the least ideal for making French fries. They may not crisp up as nicely and can have a different texture than what you'd typically expect from French fries.

When choosing potatoes, look for those that are firm and smooth, without any sprouting or green discoloration. Avoid potatoes with wrinkles, soft spots, or shrinkage, as these are signs of age or improper storage.

Once you've selected the right type of potato, follow these steps to prepare them for cooking:

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
• Peel the potatoes if desired. Peeling is optional, but if you do peel them, it's a good idea to soak the peeled potatoes in a bowl of ice water to prevent them from darkening.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform sticks or wedges, aiming for straight cuts so that your fries cook evenly.
• Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which can hinder crispiness.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking. You can use paper towels or a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry before cooking.

Remember, choosing the right type of potato is just one part of making delicious French fries. The cooking method, oil type, and seasoning also play important roles in achieving the perfect fries. However, with the right potato as your foundation, you're well on your way to fry perfection!

Use the right oil

The oil you choose for frying your French fries is crucial. You want an oil with a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without smoking and discolouring your fries. Oils with a smoke point of 396°F to 414°F work best for deep-frying. Here are some recommended options:

• Canola oil is the best substitute for frying if you don't have peanut oil.
• Peanut oil is also excellent and has a high smoke point.
• Vegetable oils with a smoke point over 400°F, such as safflower and sunflower oil, are good choices.
• Corn oil is another option with a high smoke point.

On the other hand, oils like olive and flaxseed are not suitable because they have low smoke points, which will result in smoky air and discoloured fries.

When frying your French fries, always heat the oil to the recommended temperature before adding the potatoes. This ensures that your fries cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.

Seasoning is key

A critical component to perfect homemade French fries is seasoning. While basic salt and pepper will do, feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect French fry flavor.

Soaking the Potatoes

Before you get to the seasoning, however, it's important to prepare the potatoes properly. Soaking the potatoes in water prior to cooking helps to remove their starch, which is critical to allowing them to crisp up in the oven or on the stove. If you've ever had double-fried French fries, the concept is the same. Cooking the fries once at a lower temperature and then again at a higher temperature creates the ultimate inner and outer texture, whether the fries are deep-fried, oven-baked, or stovetop-fried.

Oil Type and Amount

In addition to seasoning, the type and amount of oil you use are also important factors in achieving the perfect homemade French fry. For oven-baked fries, a generous amount of oil is needed to help the potatoes crisp up and give them that familiar French fry flavor. For stovetop frying, it's important to note that certain oils, such as olive and flaxseed, are not appropriate due to their low smoke points, which can result in smoke and discolored fries. Oils with higher smoke points that work well for deep-frying and stovetop frying include canola and peanut.

Seasoning Ideas

Now, back to the seasoning! As mentioned, basic salt and pepper will do just fine, but feel free to get creative. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a zesty, herby flavor
• Herb and spice blends
• Grated dry cheeses such as aged Asiago, Parmesan, or Dry Jack
• Smoked paprika and nutritional yeast
• Chili powder and cumin
• Lemon zest, garlic powder, and smoked paprika

No matter which method you choose, you're just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes away from hot, delicious, and perfectly seasoned homemade French fries.

Reheat in the oven

If you have any leftover fries, you can reheat them in the oven to get them crispy again. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place an empty baking sheet inside while it heats up. Spread the leftover fries in a single layer on the hot pan and put them in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to make sure they don't burn.

If you're reheating thicker steak fries, you may need to leave them in the oven a little longer.

Frequently asked questions