Easy Crispy French Fries: No Deep Fryer Needed

Making frozen French fries without a deep fryer is possible and can be done in an oven or on a stovetop. The key to achieving crispy French fries is to remove excess starch by soaking the potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes and ensuring they are thoroughly dry before cooking. When cooking, the two-stage process of frying at a lower temperature and then again at a higher temperature is essential for achieving the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Soak potatoes in cold water to remove starch

Soaking potatoes in cold water is a crucial step in the process of making frozen French fries without a deep fryer. This step helps to remove the excess starch from the potato surface, which can affect the crispiness and colour of the fries.

When potatoes are cut, enzymes are released that can convert the starch into glucose. If the potatoes are then cooked or fried, this glucose can caramelise and burn, resulting in dark brown fries instead of the desired golden-brown colour. By soaking the potatoes in cold water, you can prevent this from happening. The cold water helps to draw out the starch, inhibiting the enzyme activity and preventing the formation of glucose.

The recommended soaking time for potatoes can vary depending on the thickness of the fries. For thicker-cut fries, it is best not to soak for more than 24 hours, while thinner shoestring fries should not be soaked for longer than 12 hours. If you are short on time, a minimum of 15 minutes to 30 minutes of soaking will help remove some of the starch. However, a longer soak of a few hours can result in crispier fries.

During the soaking process, it is important to use cold water. Warmer water temperatures can activate the starch, creating a sticky texture on the potatoes that can lead to uneven cooking. If you are soaking the potatoes for an extended period, it is recommended to use refrigerated water to maintain a cold temperature. Additionally, changing the water can improve the effectiveness of starch removal. As the potatoes soak, the water will become cloudy and starchy. Swapping out this starchy water for fresh, cold water can enhance the starch removal process and lead to crispier fries.

After soaking, be sure to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry before proceeding to the frying step. By following these instructions and paying attention to the small details, you can achieve flawless, crispy French fries without the need for a deep fryer.

Dry potatoes thoroughly

Drying the potatoes thoroughly is a crucial step in making crispy frozen french fries without a deep fryer. After soaking the potatoes in cold water, it is essential to remove any excess moisture to prevent them from steaming and becoming soft during the baking process. Here are some effective methods to ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dried:

Use a salad spinner: Place the potatoes in a salad spinner and give them a good spin to remove most of the water. This step helps in quickly eliminating a large amount of moisture from the potatoes.

Pat them dry with a kitchen or paper towel: After spinning or rinsing the potatoes, use a clean kitchen or paper towel to gently dab and pat them dry. Make sure to blot each potato well, ensuring no water droplets are left on the surface.

Air drying: While this method may take longer, it can be effective in ensuring the potatoes are completely dry. Simply spread the potatoes out on a clean kitchen towel or a wire rack and let them air dry for a while. This technique helps in evaporating any remaining moisture from the surface of the potatoes.

By following these steps and ensuring your potatoes are thoroughly dried, you'll be well on your way to achieving crispy and delicious french fries without the need for a deep fryer.

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking

Using parchment paper is a great way to prevent your fries from sticking to the pan and ensures they cook evenly. It's a simple yet effective hack to achieve the perfect crispy French fry without a deep fryer.

First, cut your potatoes into your desired size and shape. Russet potatoes are a great option as their thicker and drier skins crisp up nicely in the oven. You can peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If you decide to keep the skin on, be sure to scrub the surface of the potatoes well.

Next, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, resulting in crispier French fries. After soaking, dry the potatoes thoroughly. This step is important to ensure that the potatoes don't steam and become soft during baking. You can use a salad spinner to spin-dry them and then dab them with a kitchen towel to ensure they are completely dry.

Now, it's time to add the oil and seasoning. Drizzle olive oil or another oil of your choice generously over the potatoes. Season with salt or any other spices you prefer. Spread the potatoes out on a parchment-lined pan in a single layer. This is where the parchment paper comes in—it will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan and create an even cooking surface.

Bake the fries at 375°F for 20 minutes, and then increase the heat to 425°F and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Using parchment paper is an easy way to ensure your French fries cook evenly and don't stick to the pan. So, the next time you're craving crispy French fries without a deep fryer, be sure to give this method a try!

Two-temperature cooking

The Secret to Crispy Homemade French Fries

French fries are a beloved treat, but the process of making them at home can be daunting. The secret to achieving crispy, golden fries without a deep fryer lies in a technique called two-temperature cooking. This method involves frying the potatoes at two different temperatures, resulting in fries with a fluffy interior and a perfect crisp exterior. Here is a step-by-step guide to mastering this technique and creating delicious homemade French fries.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are the gold standard for French fries as their thicker and drier skins crisp up nicely. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips, leaving the skin on for extra fibre and flavour, or peel them if you prefer. Soak the potato strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, ensuring crispier fries. After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes to prevent steaming and softening during baking.

Step 2: Oil and Season

Generously coat the potatoes with oil and season them with salt or your desired spices. Parchment paper can be used to prevent sticking. While oil is essential for crispiness, you can adjust the amount to suit your preference. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan.

Step 3: Two-Temperature Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This first temperature will cook the potatoes without browning them. Bake the fries for 20 minutes, or 25 minutes for thicker cuts. Then, increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue baking for about 20 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy. This two-temperature approach mimics the double-frying technique used in traditional French fry recipes, resulting in that sought-after crispiness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle with salt or your favourite seasonings. Serve them hot and crispy alongside your favourite dips or as a side dish. Enjoy the fruits of your labour—crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked French fries made right in your oven!

Reheat in the oven

To reheat frozen, cooked french fries in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the fries in a single layer on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, until warm and crispy. If the fries are frozen, they may need a little longer, up to 5 minutes more.

Oven-baked french fries can be reheated in the same way, but you may want to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan and bake for around 10 minutes, until warm and crispy.

For the best results, it is important to dry the potatoes well before cooking or reheating them in the oven. This will ensure they don't steam and go soft. You can use a salad spinner to remove excess water, and then dab them with a kitchen towel.

When reheating, be generous with the oil to ensure crispiness. Parchment paper will help to keep the fries from sticking.

Frequently asked questions