Fryer French Fries: Tips For Perfect, Crispy Results

French fries are a beloved snack and side dish, but making them at home can be tricky. The key to crispy French fries is removing the starch and moisture from the potatoes. This can be done by soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least an hour, or even overnight. Rinse and dry the potatoes before frying.

When frying French fries, it is important to use a heavy-based pot that is at least 10 cm deep. The oil should be heated to around 350-400°F, and the potatoes should be fried in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the potatoes for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown.

For extra crispy French fries, a double frying method can be used. The first frying is done at a lower temperature to soften the potatoes, and the second frying is done at a higher temperature to crisp them up.

With the right techniques and a little practice, anyone can make delicious, crispy French fries at home.

Potato preparation

The first step in making French fries is to prepare the potatoes. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Select starchy, floury potatoes for the crispiest fries with fluffy insides. The ideal potatoes for French fries include:

• Russet (also known as Idaho potatoes)
• Sebago (Australia)
• Maris Piper or King Edward (UK)

Avoid waxy potatoes such as red potatoes, fingerling, and new potatoes, as they are high in moisture and will become hollow when fried.

Cutting the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into uniform sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking. You can use a French fry cutter or a serrated knife to cut the potatoes. Creating a flat surface on one side of the potato will help stabilise it while cutting.

Soaking the Potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy. Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer they soak, the crispier the fries will be. Rinse the potatoes after soaking and pat them dry with paper towels or a kitchen cloth.

Seasoning the Potatoes

Before frying, you can season the potatoes with salt and pepper, or other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, or chilli powder. Toss the potatoes with the seasonings and oil until they are well coated.

Oil temperature

The ideal oil temperature for frying French fries is between 300°F and 400°F.

First Fry

For the first fry, the oil should be heated to 300°F. This lower temperature softens the potato and prepares the surface for the second frying. The potatoes should be fried for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Second Fry

For the second fry, the oil temperature should be increased to 400°F. This higher temperature is what gives the French fries their golden-brown colour and crispy texture. The potatoes should be fried for around 5 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispiness.

Air Fryer

If using an air fryer, the temperature should be set to 380°F. The potatoes should be cooked in batches, with each batch cooked for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy.

Frying techniques

There are several techniques to consider when making French fries. Firstly, it is important to use the right type of potato. Starchy, floury potatoes are ideal for achieving crispy fries with fluffy insides. Russet potatoes are commonly recommended, though other varieties such as Sebago, Maris Piper, or King Edward are also suitable.

Before frying, the potatoes should be cut into uniform sticks, typically around 1/4-inch thick. A French fry cutter or a serrated knife can be used for this step to create a rougher surface for increased crispiness. It is also crucial to soak the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy. The soaking time can vary from 30 minutes to several hours or even overnight.

The next step is to pat the potatoes dry and heat the oil in a deep fryer, saucepan, or heavy-bottomed pot to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for the first fry is around 275-325°F (135-163°C), while the second fry should be at a higher temperature of 350-400°F (177-204°C). The potatoes are then added to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer, and cooked for about 5 minutes for the first fry.

After the first fry, remove the potatoes from the oil and allow them to cool completely. This step helps to remove excess oil and ensures that the potatoes are not overcooked. For the second fry, increase the oil temperature and fry the potatoes again until they are golden brown and crispy, usually for another 5 minutes.

Finally, remove the fries from the oil, blot with a paper towel, and season with salt or your desired spices. Enjoy your freshly made French fries!

Seasoning

The fun part about making French fries is that you can season them with almost anything! Here are some ideas:

• Salt
• Sea salt flakes
• Table salt
• Cooking salt
• Kosher salt
• Sea salt
• Rosemary salt
• Shaker fries seasoning
• Nori salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill weed
• Ranch dressing
• Cajun seasoning
• Old Bay
• Sazon Seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutritional yeast
• Garam masala
• Cajun seasoning
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Fresh herbs
• Chipotle sauce
• Chimichurri
• Vegan cheese
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
• Aioli
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Brown gravy
• Truffle
• Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Spicy Chili French Fries

How to Season French Fries

When it comes to seasoning your French fries, you have a few options. You can season them before cooking, after cooking, or both! Here are some tips:

• Season generously! An under-seasoned potato is a bland potato, even in fry form.
• Seasoning the fries before cooking will give them a head start on absorbing the flavors.
• Seasoning the fries after cooking will ensure that the seasonings stick to the fries.
• If you are using salt, make sure to sprinkle it on the fries while they are still hot so that it sticks to the potatoes.
• If you want to get creative, you can make your own seasoning blends by mixing and matching different spices.

Storing and reheating

Storing:

• Allow the fries to fully cool before storing. Warm fries will create steam and lead to soggy fries.
• Store the fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Fries can be stored for 3-5 days in the fridge.
• If you want to freeze the fries, spread them out on a sheet pan and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container. Frozen fries will last for 2-3 months.

Reheating:

• The best methods for reheating fries are using an oven, air fryer, or stovetop.
• Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the fries soggy.
• When reheating in the oven, preheat it to 425°F (218°C). Spread the fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, then toss and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes if you prefer crispier fries.
• For an air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (177°C). Place the fries in a single layer in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispness.
• For stovetop reheating, use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Add the fries in a single layer and cook, flipping occasionally, until heated through and crispy.

Remember, the key to successful reheating is to avoid overcrowding the fries and to ensure they are heated thoroughly and evenly.

Frequently asked questions